Emilia’s POV
“I thought you’d never wake up,” Adam whispered, his voice shaking just a little.
I blinked slowly with a smile “But... I don’t remember anything.”
Adam’s eyes softened. “You don’t have to remember. Just know you scared the hell out of me.”
I looked down at the IV in my arm, the hospital gown, the cold sheets under me. “I didn’t mean to.”
He smiled, that lopsided kind of smile that always made my chest flutter. “Yeah, well, I forgive you... eventually.”
Before I could respond, the door flew open and Amanda’s voice cut through the air like a firecracker.
“EMILY!” she screamed, and then she was running.
She collided with me like a hurricane in a sundress, her arms wrapping around me tight. “Oh my God, you’re actually awake! You’re talking! You’re smiling! Do you have any idea how boring it’s been without you?”
I groaned, half-laughing, half-crying. “Amanda, ease up—I’m still fragile.”
“I don’t care. I’ve earned this hug,” she sniffled, pulling back to wipe her eyes. “You have no idea how scared we were.”
“Tell me about it,” Adam muttered behind her.
She looked over her shoulder at him and then back at me with a mischievous grin. “He’s been here literally every day. I don’t even think he’s showered.”
Adam rolled his eyes. “Thanks, Amanda. Way to make a great first impression after a coma.”
“You’re welcome,” she beamed.
I laughed. God, I missed this.
“So, what do you remember?” Amanda asked, pulling up a chair beside my bed.
I frowned. “Just… flashes. Headlights. Screeching tires. Then nothing.”
“Well, you missed a ton of drama,” Amanda said, raising her eyebrows. “But first—you need to get better. Then, we’re throwing you a ‘Welcome Back From The Dead’ party.”
“That sounds morbid,” I chuckled.
“Sounds perfect,” she winked.
The door creaked open again.
I looked up and my heart stuttered.
Dad stepped in first, looking more tired than I’d ever seen him. His tie was loose, his eyes puffy. But behind him, Mom walked in, arms folded, face unreadable.
Amanda stood. “I’ll give you guys a moment.”
Adam hesitated, glancing between me and my parents.
“I’ll be right outside,” he said softly, brushing a kiss against my forehead before he left with Amanda.
I looked at my parents. “What’s going on?”
Dad came forward, dragging the chair closer to the bed. “We need to talk. As a family.”
Mom remained standing, her lips pressed into a thin line.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner,” Dad said, taking my hand gently. “Work was a mess. Your mom and I… we’ve had our differences. But I should’ve dropped everything the second I got that call. I should’ve been here.”
“I get it,” I said, my voice barely audible.
“No, you don’t,” he said firmly. “Because I’ve failed you, Emilia. Too many times.”
I stared at him, unsure of what to say. He looked so sincere... and yet, there was a hollowness in his tone. Like he was building up to something worse.
“I’ve made mistakes,” he continued. “But this—this was my wake-up call.”
Mom finally stepped forward, placing her purse down on the windowsill. “I'm so sorry, Emily, for not being a good enough mother to you. I hope you find a place in your heart to forgive me.”
At that, I remember her words. She didn't want us. I was unwanted. But could I possibly be mad at her forever?
A tear rolled down my eyes and I said. “It's okay.”
“Really?”
I nodded. “I forgive you.”
There was a moment of silence and I knew there was more to this meeting. Mom spared Dad a glance before turning to me.
“We didn’t want to tell you this until you were fully rested. The doctor said you'll soon be discharged to go home.”
My stomach turned.
“What do you mean you didn't want to tell me? Did something happen while I was conscious?”
They both shook their heads.
“Did you two have another fight?” I demanded and they stared at each other.
Dad moved closer and squeezed my hand tighter. “I wanted to tell you myself. And to promise you something.”
I stared at him, my head spinning. I thought I’d woken up. I thought the nightmare was over. But apparently, there was more.
“I won’t leave again, Emilia. I mean that. Not emotionally. Not physically. I want to be your father. Really be your father.”
“I don’t understand,” I croaked. “What’s happening?”
Dad’s eyes glistened. “Because I realized I’ve spent too long letting my career define me. I’ve let my marriage fall apart. I let you down. But seeing you like this? In that hospital bed? It shattered me.”
I turned to Mom and she nodded in agreement.
“Aside from that, apparently, your mom and I want different things, Emilia. I want peace. I want freedom. I’ve felt like a stranger in my own home for years. So we've come to a conclusion to end this.”
I blinked several times to be sure I heard him well enough.
“Your mom and I are getting a divorce.” he rephrased and the word processed immediately in my brain
My breath caught in my throat. “What?”