After ending the call, Raegan stood silently for a long while, lost in thought.

Stefan observed her pale face, the shadows from her eyelashes casting a melancholic look. Unable to bear seeing her this distressed, he urged her to rest. "Raegan, listen to me, you need to rest for the baby."

"Stefan..." Raegan suddenly spoke up, her voice resolute. "I need to bring him back for treatment."

She looked up at Stefan, her decision clear in her eyes. “You need to help me."

Stefan felt a wave of relief mixed with resignation wash over him.

He had debated whether to tell Raegan that Mitchel had been following them this afternoon. Part of him hadn't wanted to disclose it, realizing he wasn't ready to let go of the person he loved.

Declaring he would support her decision, even if it meant blessing her reunion with Mitchel, was contrary to his own desires.

His voice raspy with emotion, Stefan responded, “Raegan, it's good that you've made your decision. I'll support you, whatever you need."

The next day, Mitchel finally regained consciousness. As his eyes fluttered open and he saw the woman sitting beside his bed, he thought he was still caught in a dream. He hesitated to reach out his hand, fearing that the dream would shatter with just a touch.

Raegan had just arrived. She had tried to sleep the previous night but had not rested well, tormented by nightmares that Mitchel had died, her mind a whirlwind of distress.

This restless night left her eyes swollen in the morning, though a few cold compresses had somewhat alleviated the puffiness.

Seeing Mitchel awake and staring at her without moving, Raegan spoke softly. "You're awake. I'll have the caregiver come and help you wash up."

As she turned to call the caregiver, Mitchel reached out and grabbed her hand, his voice breaking slightly, "Is this not a dream?"

His question was laced with vulnerability, his grip seeking confirmation of reality. The warm touch of her hand reassured him that he was indeed awake.

These days, Mitchel's sleep had been fitful, caught between dreaming and waking, a liminal state where reality seemed elusive.

He didn't want to wake up fully, unable to face the reality that Raegan might truly be married to someone else. It felt surreal, and despite his efforts, he found no evidence to prove otherwise. But whether he accepted it or not, it seemed to be the truth.

“Raegan," he whispered her name.

Raegan responded without turning, "I didn't leave. Go ahead and wash up, then have something to eat."

Mitchel surprisingly complied, allowing the caregiver to help him wash and even managing to eat some breakfast.

After he finished, Raegan returned to sit by his bedside.