Chapter 447: The Words She Had Been Holding Back

Chapter 446: The Words She Had Been Holding Back

Marta paused at the doorway.

"I’m sorry for interrupting," she said gently, her voice careful, as if she already felt the tension in the room. "But a nurse told me Sophia is awake."

Orion straightened immediately.

He nodded once. "Come in."

Marta stepped inside and closed the door softly behind her.

Orion did not move away from Sophia at first. For a brief moment, his hand lingered at the edge of the bed, fingers resting against the sheet like he was anchoring himself there.

Then he leaned down and pressed a quiet kiss to the top of Sophia’s head.

"I’ll be back," he said to her.

His voice was calm.

The kind of calm that meant he was still very much annoyed.

Sophia didn’t answer.

She only watched him.

Watched the way his jaw was set.

Watched the way he avoided her eyes.

Watched him turn and walk out of the room without looking back, and watched as the door closed behind him.

Marta exhaled softly.

Then she crossed the room.

She stopped beside Sophia’s bed and pulled the chair closer before sitting down.

"I heard you were still dizzy," Marta said gently.

Sophia didn’t respond.

She was staring at the door.

Marta tilted her head slightly.

"And you look a little lost too."

She reached out and lightly touched Sophia’s arm.

"Sophia, dear," she called out.

Sophia flinched faintly and turned to her.

"Sorry," she said quietly. "What did you say?"

Marta smiled at her in that soft, patient way she always did.

"I asked if you still feel dizzy."

Sophia nodded.

"Just... a little."

Her voice was small.

She sniffled without meaning to.

Marta’s eyes flicked briefly to the empty space where the bucket had been earlier.

"I heard you threw up," she said.

Sophia nodded again.

Marta’s hand squeezed her arm reassuringly.

"There’s no cause for alarm," she said gently. "That was actually a good sign."

Sophia lifted her gaze to her.

"A good sign?"

"Yes."

Marta nodded slowly.

"Lysander gave you something to help expel the venom from your body when you woke. Three times means the venom has been dispelled fully," she told her.

Sophia swallowed.

"So... it really is gone?"

"As much as we can tell," Marta said softly. "Your body worked hard with us to flush it out."

Sophia let out a slow breath. Marta carried out routine checks on Sophia, checking her pulse and her temperature.

"I’ll give you some herbs to help with the dizziness," she told Sophia, who nodded.

"But before I go," Marta said to her, "I couldn’t help but hear your conversation with Orion."

Sophia just looked at her.

"I didn’t mean to listen," Marta said quickly. "But I was already close to the door..."

"It’s okay," Sophia told her.

Marta studied her face.

"You know, I understand you," Marta said softly.

She leaned back slightly in the chair.

"I know how it feels to see someone in danger and feel like you are the only one who can help them. I know how heavy that feels on the chest. How impossible it feels to walk away."

Sophia’s throat tightened.

"But," Marta continued gently, "I also understand Orion."

Sophia’s fingers twitched.

"He cares for you, a lot," Marta said simply.

She also knew that Orion loved Sophia, but she wasn’t going to be the one to tell Sophia that. And besides, she was also almost certain the feeling was mutual for them.

"Orion is very protective of those he cares about," Marta went on. "But with you... it’s different. You don’t just matter to him. You anchor him."

Marta smiled faintly.

"You have a very good heart, Sophia."

Sophia’s eyes burned.

"But you shouldn’t let that good heart hurt you."

Sophia inhaled slowly.

"You care deeply about people," Marta said. "About everyone around you. And that is beautiful."

Her voice softened even more.

"But you also have people who care about you."

Sophia’s fingers clenched tighter into the blanket.

"You should learn to do things within your power," Marta continued. "Not beyond it. Not at the cost of yourself."

Sophia nodded faintly.

"I tried to be careful," she whispered.

Marta reached for her hand.

"I understand."

Their fingers laced gently.

"You were brave," Marta said.

Then, softly, "But bravery should not always mean sacrifice."

"You know..." Marta said after a short pause. "Orion was extremely worried about you."

Marta let out a quiet, breathy laugh.

"He barely left this facility," Marta said. "He slept right in this room with you, always within reach. I think a part of him was scared because of what happened the last time you were here."

Sophia swallowed. Orion had stayed with her the last time she was unconscious, barely sleeping himself. She still remembered how she was told she hurt herself whenever she had memories of her mother.

She had recalled something again, but this one wasn’t one that was filled with physical abuse like the last ones.

"He asked me and Lysander numerous questions. Asking us if we were sure that it was only exhaustion and just a little venom you ingested. That perhaps we made a mistake. He made us check numerous times that you were okay, and Lysander had to issue him a stern warning before he relaxed," Marta told her.

"But could we blame him, though? You were supposed to only be unconscious for a day at most, but it extended to two, so he was extremely worried."

Sophia had no idea she had even been unconscious for two days now.

"I... I didn’t know."

"Of course you didn’t. I’m not saying you are wrong, but I’m also not saying Orion is right. Lovers argue sometimes, and I know you guys will come to an understanding, but try to see from his perspective, okay?" Marta asked her.

Sophia nodded. "I’m happy you are awake. I’ll send you herbs to help with the dizziness," Marta told her, then walked out of the room.

Sophia sat upright, staring outside the window, watching the snow falling. She had no idea how many minutes she stared for, but then the door to the room opened again, and she didn’t even need to turn to know who it was.

"Can I speak now?" she asked him, finally facing Orion.