Chapter 120

Ann was out of immediate danger, but her severe injuries required an extended stay in the ICU. The Hammond family oscillated between tears and laughter, mourning their daughter's misfortune.

Chase, having spent the entire day at the hospital, finally received permission to see Ann for three minutes as dusk approached. Heather, though unsure of Chase's deep involvement with her daughter, agreed, acknowledging he had saved her life.

Suited in sterile gear, Chase entered the ICU, with me following closely. My nerves were frayed. I wondered about Ann's condition and whether she could still see me.

Chase seemed lost in thought, his movements heavy. Seeing Ann in bed, hooked up to various machines, intensified my anxiety. I rushed to her side. "Ann, how are you?"

Ann's eyes were half-open, her face weary, but her gaze was sharp, a stark contrast to its previous unfocused state. She looked directly past me at Chase. Was she unable to see me again? I waved my hand energetically in front of her eyes. "Ann, it's me!"

Chase stood by the bed, his earlier excitement vanished. He asked gently, "Do you recognize me?"

Ann struggled to speak. "Mr. Chase Reyes."

It was a positive sign; her mind was clear. Before Chase could reply, Ann continued, "Where's Amanda? Why isn't she here with you?" Her weak voice mirrored her fragile state. Her words struck Chase hard. His eyes widened as he murmured, "What... What did you say? Where's Amanda?"

With sincerity, Ann said, "When the car hit me, wasn't Amanda right next to you? Didn't you see her?"

I finally understood the true meaning of shock. Chase had been alone at the scene, but Amanda claimed otherwise. Were I alive, this would send chills down my spine. As it was, I found it oddly amusing.

I watched Chase, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Unaware of his distress, Ann murmured, "I thought Amanda was gone. It scared me so much, but I'm relieved she's alive."

"What do you mean Amanda was gone? Explain!"

Chase's emotions were turbulent. Though unnerved by his reaction, Ann, calmer post-accident, didn't scream. Despite her fear, she whispered, "On your wedding night, after my shift, I saw a man putting a woman in a car. She was bleeding heavily from her waist, staining the seat."

"Did you see her face?"

"I was terrified. Before the car door closed, her head slumped, and I caught a glimpse. She looked just like Amanda."

Chase's legs began to shake, his chest heaving with disbelief.

Ann continued, "I thought it was Amanda, and it scared me. I ran to the police station to report it, but I didn't expect to encounter traffickers and be taken away that night."

Sweat poured from Chase's face; his body trembled uncontrollably. "You... You..."

He struggled to find words, finally managing, "So... you saw her today?"

Ann, finding it strange, calmly replied, "Yes, she was right beside you and rushed over when she saw me."

"What did she look like?" Chase asked again.

Recalling my appearance, Ann smiled. "Amanda was wearing a white dress and her hair was down. She was as gentle as ever and almost glowing like an angel."

Finally, Ann added, "It's strange. We're in the middle of winter, and she was only in a dress and barefoot. Isn't she cold?"

Just then, a loud "thud" echoed as Chase collapsed, falling unconscious.

Chapter 121