Chapter 251
Dominic Reeves felt like his skull was splitting open. The pain radiated from his forehead, sharp and unrelenting.
His eyelids burned when he tried to open them. Even the smallest movement sent waves of agony through his body.
When he finally managed to wake, the throbbing in his head was unbearable.
It wasn’t just his head—his chest ached, his limbs felt heavy, and every inch of his skin screamed in protest. He attempted to shift his legs, but below his thighs, there was nothing. No sensation. No response.
Panic clawed at his throat.
His vision blurred as he took in his surroundings—white walls, sterile air, the faint hum of medical equipment. A drip hung beside him, its slow, rhythmic drops the only sound in the room.
He tried to speak, but his voice came out hoarse, barely audible.
Memories flooded back.
He had gone to the lab to find Evelyn.
Then he had seen—
And then—
The accident.
The tree.
The impact.
Am I still alive?
Why can’t I feel my legs?!
His breath hitched. He forced himself to call out, "Hey—someone! Anyone!"
His attempt to sit up sent fresh pain shooting through his ribs.
Footsteps rushed toward him.
"Dominic!"
The voice made his blood run cold.
Vanessa Blake stood over him, her expression a mix of relief and concern.
His stomach twisted.
"Get out," he snarled.
"Dominic—"
"I said get out!" He couldn’t stand the sight of her. Not now. Not after everything.
His hands clenched into fists, but he had no strength to throw anything. The only thing he managed was dislodging the IV needle in his arm.
"Dominic, don’t—let me call the nurse!" Vanessa scrambled for help.
A nurse arrived moments later, adjusting the IV with practiced efficiency. "The medication hasn’t fully worn off yet. You can move a little, but don’t overdo it. If the needle bends, I’ll have to reinsert it."
Dominic barely processed her words.
"My legs," he rasped. "Can I still move them?"
The nurse blinked. "Of course."
His breath caught.
"I—I wasn’t amputated?"
She gave him a strange look. "No? Your legs are fine. You fractured two ribs, but the surgery went well. You just need rest."
Dominic exhaled shakily.
The tree had been massive. The impact—
He had assumed the worst.
But now, as the numbness faded, he could feel it—the faintest twitch in his toes.
He tried again, focusing.
Nothing visible moved beneath the hospital blanket.
But the sensation was there.
Weak.
But real.