Abigail’s Second Life (Abigail and Sean)

Just in the nick of time, Irene was saved, having teetered on the brink for two harrowing hours.

The doctor stepped out to meet Kevin and whispered with a calming assurance, "She's unharmed. You can breathe easy now."

Relief washed over Kevin, his joy immense.

Nearby, Sean and Abigail also exhaled in relief, thankful the crisis wasn't as grave as anticipated.

The next morning, Irene awakened to the stark whiteness of the hospital ceiling. Confusion clouded her mind briefly before clarity returned. She tried to sit up, wincing from the pain in her hands.

Kevin, who had spent the entire night by her side, stirred at the sound and looked over. Relief flooded his face as he saw her awake.

After a night of staying by her bed, his shoulders and back ached terribly.

"How do you feel? Need anything to eat?" He reached for her hand.

Irene paused, overwhelmed, then murmured, "Was it you who rescued me?"

"Yes, but it wasn't just me. Everyone who cares about you was looking," Kevin replied, holding her hand with gentle care.

"You're safe now. Everything's going to be okay, hmm?" he reassured her.

Memories of her ordeal came flooding back, and Irene clung to Kevin, whispering a heartfelt, "Thank you..."

In the darkness, she pondered the consequences of accepting Leon's advances as she wanted to avoid Kevin. She wondered if things might have been different had she chosen another path. Indeed, choices carried weight.

"Feeling hungry?" Kevin's voice was soft as he comforted her.

"I am. It's been a while since I've eaten anything," Irene admitted.

Kevin smiled faintly and suggested, "I'll have Abigail bring us something."

"Do you mean Miss Quinn? But she's expecting! We shouldn't trouble her. There are others who can help," Irene countered.

"Then, I'll ask her brother instead. Would that be better?" Kevin found her thoughtfulness endearing.

Even amidst her distress, Irene's concern for others shone through.

Stepping aside, Kevin called Josh. "Yes, Abigail's quite the whiz with food therapy. It might be good for Irene, too. She needs nourishment."

After a pause, Kevin added humbly, "Could you bring it over? I have to take care of her."

After the call, Kevin reassured a now restful Irene, "Don't worry. Josh's bringing it soon." "Thank you," she said, grateful once more.

"No need to thank me. We all care about you," Kevin replied, settling back by her side.

Irene hummed in response.

However, her thoughts were all over the place.

"What's troubling you?" Kevin inquired softly, noting her distant look as she gazed at the ceiling.

"What's become of Leon? Do you know how he is?" Irene was worried about the trouble she might have caused Kevin.

Kevin's face clouded over. "Why worry about him? When you needed help, he was nowhere to be found-not even at the company. If he had just cooperated, his father might have let you come back." "Mr. Stewart... Is this the truth you've learned about him?" Irene inquired.

Despite her doubts, from what she knew of Leon, he was a man of principle.

"Irene, you might think you know him, but do you really know his past?" Kevin had looked into Leon's history recently.

He found out that Leon had emulated his father during his school years.

He was known for bullying, his academic performance was lacking, and he was often involved in altercations.

It wasn't until his junior year that, worried about his younger brothers' futures, he decided to change.

He quit fighting and began studying, though he barely managed to get into art college.

Without his artistic talent and his father's resources, he wouldn't have made it into the prestigious art college in Capitalis.

"Mr. Stewart, I'm really quite tired. I need to rest," Irene said, not wanting to debate, especially given Kevin's role in her rescue.

Kevin was utterly frustrated upon hearing that. However, at her avoidance, he tried to soften his tone and said, "Irene, I don't like speaking ill of others, but this time Leon genuinely did nothing." "I understand," she replied quietly.

"What exactly do you

understand?

You aren't still thinking about him, are you?" Kevin's frustration flared didn't rescue you expecting anything in return, but surely you aren't still considering him? He and his father are good-for-nothings!"

"Mr. Stewart, I really am very tired..." Irene deflected, believing it best to wait for Leon's own explanation of his actions and involvement.

Kevin's frustration boiled over at that point.

Is it true that nice guys finish last?

He couldn't believe he might lose out simply for not being bad enough.

Josh and Abigail entered the room with breakfast, immediately sensing the strained atmosphere between Kevin and Irene.

Abigail took a seat at the edge of the bed, watching Irene as she ate.

Meanwhile, Josh ushered Kevin out of the room and asked, "What's going on? Did you guys have a

falling out again? She's a patient et

Kevin She was just starting to appreciate your help, and now you've upset her."

Kevin was visibly agitated,

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frustration evident in his voice as he growled, "Is she still caught up with Leon? Has Leon even made an appearance since this whole mess started? A man who vanishes when she's in trouble, showing no concern

for her wellbeing... What's so appealing about that?"