Chapitre 136: CHAPTER 136: Too Good At Goodbyes

　　I hesitated, unsure of whether to leave or stay. Part of me wanted to give them some privacy, to allow Alexander to process this new reality without me there. But another part of me couldn't bear to leave him alone.

　　"Are you leaving?" Alex's voice, weak but determined, stopped me in my tracks as I made my decision. I turned back to face him, my heart pounding.

　　"No," I replied, my voice barely a whisper. "I just thought you might want some privacy."

　　Nicola dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, her face a mask of pain and resignation. "I'll go tell Father that you're awake," she said, her voice trembling slightly. She patted my shoulder before turning and walking out of the room.

　　The door closed behind her, leaving us alone. The silence that filled the room was deafening. I felt a surge of different emotions - fear, guilt, sadness, and a deep, abiding love for this man.

　　"Don't you have anything to say to me?" Alex asked, his voice barely audible.