Dawn's heart twisted at the news. She'd prayed for Ava to wake up—and now those prayers were answered—but instead of pure joy, a heavy, jealous ache settled in her chest. Just moments ago the house had been alive with laughter and music; now it was silent, the weight of uncertainty pressing on everyone.
Adam didn't even change out of his suit before bolting for the hospital, Daphne close behind, excitement sparking in her eyes.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked softly.
Dawn couldn't speak. She just sank onto the couch as her siblings hovered, unsure what to say. Tears welled as she finally whispered, "I'm happy for Ava… I really am. But if Ava comes back… where's my place in the picture?"
Alex put an arm around her. "Adam loves you. Don't doubt that."
But Dawn wasn't sure. Adam had always been about Ava.
* * * * * *
At the hospital, Adam rushed into Ava's room and froze. Her eyes were puffy, her lips chapped, but she was awake.
"Ava…" he breathed, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Don't try to talk. I'm just… so happy you woke up. I've waited so long for this day."
A faint smile curved her lips.
Daphne slipped in and hugged her daughter, tears in her eyes. "You scared us, darling."
"Sorry, Mom," Ava whispered, her voice fragile. Daphne told her about life while she'd slept—everything except Adam's wedding.
When Adam stepped out to speak with the doctor, hope dimmed a little. The tests weren't done; Ava wasn't ready to leave. Still, gratitude filled him. She was alive.
* * * * * *
Later, Daphne arrived home to find Dawn pale and tense with Alex and the twins close by. "Ava's awake," Daphne said gently, "but she needs to stay in the hospital for now."
Dawn offered to cook, but Daphne shook her head. "It's the first meal I'll make for Ava again."
Dawn stepped back, forcing a smile, though her thoughts were tangled. She tried calling Adam, but he didn't answer. Probably still with Ava.
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, Adam stayed by Ava's side, coaxing a soft laugh from her.
"You should rest now," he said.
"I'm… fine," she murmured with a small smile.
The doctor and nurses entered for more tests, and soon Ava drifted into sleep. Adam kissed her forehead, silently praying this was normal sleep, not another coma.
* * * * * *
Back at the Manchesters' house, Daphne packed food for Ava. Adam came home briefly, changed clothes, and told Dawn he was heading back to the hospital. Dawn nodded, hiding the sting.
"Hey," Alex whispered, "it's going to be okay."
"I hope so," Dawn said, barely audible.
* * * * * *
The next morning Ava insisted on going home. Adam explained the doctor's concerns, but Ava's fear of relapsing won out. The doctor finally agreed—on the condition of daily checkups and that she use a wheelchair.
When Adam gently explained, Ava burst into tears.
"It isn't forever," he assured her, kneeling. "You're weak now, that's all. I'll carry you if you get tired of the chair. I'm not going anywhere."
Sniffling, she nodded, and he wheeled her to the car.
* * * * * *
Dawn had fallen asleep on the couch in her wedding gown, exhausted from waiting. Alex and the twins whispered nearby, trying not to wake her. The door finally opened. Daphne entered, followed by Adam—and Ava, radiant even in weakness, seated in a wheelchair.
Ava's eyes widened when she spotted Dawn in white.
"Who is she… and why is she wearing a wedding dress?"
Dawn startled awake and found herself staring at Ava—no wonder Adam had loved her.
Adam's voice cut through Dawn's thoughts. "She's an actor. Mom and I wanted to make a short film about a bride without a groom."
Ava chuckled faintly. "Silly," she said, asking Adam to wheel her to their room.
Dawn's chest ached. She understood why Adam couldn't reveal the truth now—any shock could harm Ava—but each moment felt like a blade. Quietly, she told Daphne she was leaving and would visit often. Daphne hugged her, torn between love for both women.
Dawn slipped out with her wedding dress still on, forcing a brave smile for her siblings.
* * * * * *
At home, she barely made it to the couch before the tears came.
How could I have done this? she thought. Ava wasn't dead. I should never have agreed to that deal. I should've endured Peige's cruelty.
The doorbell rang, followed by Adam's urgent voice.
"Dawn! Please, open up!"
She froze, hand hovering near the knob, but couldn't answer. Ava needed him now, not her. Silent tears streamed down as Adam's calls faded into the night.