She Died With My Name on Her Lips novel Chapter 24

Stephen was so weak he could barely move. Every breath pulled at his wounds, each one sharp and raw, and the world kept threatening to go black around the edges. He didn’t have the strength to say a word—not that he was trying. But as the familiar scent of Louisa filled the room, a rare sense of calm settled over him. It had been ages since they’d had a moment like this—just peace, just the two of them.

He could feel Louisa’s gentle hands working over his injuries, cleaning and bandaging, her touch careful but sure. Without realizing it, he let a small, tired smile slip onto his lips. For the first time in a long while, the tension in his face eased.

Louisa only allowed herself to relax once she was certain he was out of immediate danger. She watched him drift into sleep, his eyes softly closing. Exhaustion hit her too, and she flopped down on the couch nearby, not even noticing the dried blood staining her clothes.

Old habits die hard. Even after everything—love, pain, heartbreak—their bodies instinctively leaned toward each other, drawn closer even in sleep.

When Stephen woke again, the pain had dulled, his wounds neatly dressed. He looked down and saw Louisa curled up against his chest, sleeping soundly. Something warm and sweet bloomed inside him.

Her cheeks were pale but tinged with a healthy flush. Without thinking, he inched closer, so close he could feel her breath.

Just as he was about to kiss her, Louisa’s eyes flew open. She froze, realizing how tightly they were tangled together, and immediately pushed him away, scooting back in a panic.

“Ow—” The sudden movement reopened a wound, and Stephen sucked in a sharp breath.

“Are you okay?” Louisa’s voice was shaky, her worry plain as day. She scrambled for the first-aid kit, her hands trembling while she tried to help.

Stephen couldn’t help but enjoy the attention. He forced a weak tone, even as a mischievous smile played at his lips. “Louisa, I’m really hurt. Grandfather nearly beat me within an inch of my life. Everything hurts. Can I stay with you for a few days? My parents and Grandpa are still furious—if they see me, it’ll just get worse.”

At first, Louisa almost softened. But as he kept talking, she caught on.

“No way, Stephen. I haven’t forgiven you yet. I need space—time to breathe without you around.”

She shot him a look. “Honestly, your injuries look scary, but you’re not nearly as helpless as you’re pretending. Don’t try to play the victim here. You could stay anywhere you wanted, and you know it.”

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