191
~Bella's POV
The soft morning light filtered in through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. I stirred awake slowly, blinking as the world came into focus. My body still felt a bit heavy, and the slight ache in my limbs reminded me of the fever from last night. I let out a soft breath, not wanting to move just yet.
Turning my head to the side, my gaze landed on Alex. He was still asleep, lying on his side, his features relaxed in a way I rarely saw. His lips were slightly parted, his hair tousled, his arm loosely draped across the bed. He looked peaceful. So different from the sharp, confident man everyone else saw. This was the side of Alex I had seen last night, the one who stayed by my side, who wiped my forehead when I burned, who whispered reassurances and held my hand when I was shivering.
"He really stayed," I whispered softly to myself, my heart swelling.
