Chapter 4

Anna's POV

A man in a white coat walked in, followed by an elegantly dressed woman in her late forties. Nathan glanced at me before leading them both toward the window, where they spoke in hushed voices.

I instinctively covered my ears with both hands and turned my face away, not wanting to overhear their conversation.

A few minutes later, the elegant woman approached me with a gentle smile.

"Are you Miss Anna Hartwell? I'm Edward's mother, Patricia Sterling."

"Hello, Mrs. Sterling."

I clutched the hem of my hospital gown, my heart pounding as I forced a faint smile. Maybe women were more sympathetic. If I asked her for help, perhaps there was still a chance someone would come to my rescue.

"I heard from Nathan that you're in a bit of trouble right now?"

As soon as she finished speaking, my heart clenched violently, my knees buckled, and I fell to my knees: "Mrs. Sterling, please--I beg you, call the police for me..."

"A major surgery like this requires consent from an authorized representative. Your father has already signed the consent forms as your medical proxy. It's clear that your own family isn't on your side. Even if the police help you get out of this situation today, what about tomorrow? What happens after that?"

Her tone was calm, but every word struck a nerve.

I clutched the fabric against my chest. It felt as though someone were squeezing my heart, making it difficult to breathe.

I could understand Vivian and Isabelle being so cruel, but Harold was my own father. How could he stand by and watch me being pushed into this?

Even if I managed to escape the hospital today, they wouldn't simply let me go. I was all alone, with no one to turn to. How much longer could I keep fighting them by myself?

"I do have a solution, though I'm not sure whether you'd be willing to consider it, Miss Hartwell."

A faint smile appeared at the corners of her lips. Her voice remained calm.

I quickly looked up.

"What solution?"

"Marry my son and become part of the Sterling family."

I froze, wondering if I'd heard her correctly.

"What?"

"My son is unconscious right now, but no one can say for certain when he might wake up. Even if he remains in this condition, the Sterling family will never mistreat its own daughter-in-law. With our family backing you, do you think Julian Vance would still dare lay a finger on you?"

I quickly weighed my options. Then, without much hesitation, I nodded firmly.

"All right. I'll do it."

I won't agree!

An angry male voice suddenly crashed into my mind, making my ears ring.

My whole body jerked, and I whipped my head toward the hospital bed.

Had he woken up?

But Edward was lying perfectly still, his eyes closed and his face showing no sign of consciousness.

He clearly wasn't awake. So how could I have heard his voice?

I hesitated for a few seconds before turning to the people beside me.

"Did any of you... just hear Mr. Sterling speak?"

"No."

They exchanged confused glances.

"Patients in a persistent vegetative state can't speak, Miss Hartwell," Nathan added calmly.

I furrowed my brows. It was strange that I seemed to be the only one who could hear him.

But then again, perhaps that was for the best. No matter how strongly he objected, he couldn't stop me from marrying into the Sterling family.

"Have the doctor give Edward a routine checkup first. Miss Hartwell, please provide your Social Security number so we can get the marriage paperwork started."

Patricia's tone left little room for discussion.

"What? Right now?"

I blinked in surprise. Edward was still lying in bed, unable to move. How were we supposed to take care of the marriage paperwork under these circumstances?

"Leave the arrangements to Nathan. Come with me to Sterling Manor. You need some time to settle in."

I nodded and obediently followed her out.

She glanced at the oversized hospital gown I was wearing, took off her own coat, and gently draped it over my shoulders.

"Thank you."

The coat carried a faint fragrance. Its warmth slowly spread through my body, and my nose began to sting. I almost burst into tears.

If my mother were still here, she would surely do everything in her power to protect me, just as Patricia was protecting Edward.

"From now on, we're family. You don't have to be so formal with me. Just call me Mom."

She turned toward me with a gentle smile.

My throat tightened. I opened my mouth, but the words wouldn't come.

"It's all right. There's no rush. Take your time getting used to it."

She didn't pressure me. Instead, she took my hand and led me out of the room.

Just as I reached the door, that familiar voice rang out again, filled with uncontrollable anger.

Anna Hartwell, stop right there!

I froze.

"What's wrong, Anna?" Patricia asked, looking puzzled.

"Did... did you hear that?"

I asked cautiously, my voice trembling. If the voice I'd heard earlier had only been a hallucination brought on by shock, how could I explain what had just happened?

"No, I didn't."

She looked around in confusion before turning to Nathan.

"Did you hear anything?"

Nathan shook his head.

To ensure Edward could rest undisturbed, the hospital had arranged for him to stay in one of its quietest wards. The corridor was completely empty. Apart from the few of us, there wasn't another soul in sight.

Anna Hartwell, get me out of this hospital!

His voice came through gritted teeth, his anger growing with every word.

It finally dawned on me.

This wasn't a hallucination.

I could actually hear Edward Sterling's thoughts.

And I could only hear them when I was near him.

A surge of excitement swept through me. Being given a second chance at life was incredible enough. I had never imagined I'd gain such an unusual ability as well.

I suppressed the excitement bubbling inside me. With this newfound advantage, whoever had pushed me into the abyss would eventually pay for what they'd done.

Anna Hartwell, can you hear me?

There was a hint of urgency in his voice.

I cleared my throat and turned to Patricia.

"How about... we take him home to recover?"

Patricia looked startled and immediately shook her head.

"No. Edward needs to stay in the hospital for treatment until he wakes up."

"You're right."

I sighed, pretending to be disappointed, though I was secretly quite pleased.

I said it on purpose so Edward could hear me.

It's not that I won't help. It's just that your mother won't agree.

The shock of my narrow escape hadn't even worn off, and now, in the blink of an eye, I'd somehow gained a husband-to-be.

The events of the past few hours had felt like one long roller-coaster ride.

All I wanted was the protection of the Sterling family. I didn't need a husband.

Julian had taught me that lesson the hard way. I would never put my faith in another man again.

Anna Hartwell!

Edward's voice dragged out my name, each syllable sounding as though it were being forced through clenched teeth. He was practically seething.

I pretended not to hear a thing and kept my eyes straight ahead as I followed Patricia out.

After all, no one but me could hear him.