Chapter 22 

Ryder had finally moved out of critical condition and into a regular hospital room. 

Even so, Hannah refused to leave his side. Day and night, she maintained her vigil, barely stepping away even to use the bathroom. 

Dark circles had formed under her bloodshot eyes, her complexion pale from exhaustion, but she stubbornly stayed put. 

Kaden couldn’t bear to see her like this anymore. He entered the room quietly. “Hannah, you need some rest. The nurses are keeping an eye on him. He’ll be fine.” 

Hannah shook her head without looking up. “I want to be here when he wakes up.” 

Something twisted painfully in Kaden’s chest. 

“If it had been me in that explosion,” he asked, unable to stop himself, “would you be sitting by my bed like this too?” 

Hannah looked up, meeting his gaze directly. “Yes. But not because of love. I spent five years with you and never fell in love. I never will. Chace was the only one for me.” 

The words felt like a physical blow. Kaden struggled to breathe through the pain. 

“And what about Ryder?” he asked quietly. 

Hannah was silent for a long moment before answering softly. “I don’t know exactly what I feel. But I want to spend my life with him.” 

“We had a decent marriage for five years, and I never asked you for anything. This is the first and only favor I’ll ever request–please let me go. These past weeks with Ryder… I’ve been genuinely happy. Being with him is what I want.” 

Kaden gave a bitter smile, grief etched across his face. 

“I understand. I was a fool. Five years, and I never appreciated what I had until it was gone.” 

He turned and walked out, his shoulders slumped with the weight of regret. 

15.8% 

Chapter 22 

Three days later, Ryder finally opened his eyes. 

He woke to find Hannah asleep at his bedside, her head resting on her arms. Even in sleep, tear 

tracks marked her cheeks, 

He moved his hand slightly, and she jolted awake instantly. 

When she saw his eyes open, watching her with tenderness, fresh tears spilled down her face. 

“You’re finally back,” she whispered, her voice breaking 

Ryder reached up to gently wipe away her tears. “My face wasn’t injured, so you don’t need to worry 

about that.” 

Hannah shook her head, her voice unsteady. “That’s not why I’m crying, and you know it.” 

“Why did you risk your life for me?” She paused, finally voicing the suspicion that had been growing in her mind. “We’ve met before, haven’t we?” 

Something complex flickered in Ryder’s eyes before he nodded. “You finally remembered.” 

He took a breath and began his story. “I was in middle school then, from a family that could barely make ends meet. You came to our small town and chose me for your scholarship program. You were so beautiful–like something out of a dream. I fell for you the moment I saw you.” 

Hannah stared at him in shock. “You’re… that boy?” 

Ryder nodded, his voice softening with the memory. “Yes. You used to write me letters of encouragement. Getting one was always the highlight of my month. I promised myself that when I grew up, I’d find you and tell you how I felt.” 

His voice grew quieter, tinged with sadness. “But then your boyfriend died. Your foundation assigned someone else to handle the scholarship. You never came back to our town, and you completely forgot about me.” 

Tears streamed down Hannah’s face. “It was you all along… and I didn’t even recognize you.” 

Ryder smiled gently. “It’s okay. I’ve loved you since I was a kid. I want to spend my life with you. Even if you never forget Chace, I’m okay with that. Will you have me anyway?” 

Chapter 23 

Chapter 23