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Novel Catalog
Chapter 65
Cordy’s breath caught in her throat at his words. She hadn’t expected that. She had been so caught up in the danger, in the chaos of the factory, in the whole mess Simon had caused—but now, with John looking at her like this, she was struck by how deeply he cared for her.
She hadn’t been blind to the way he always showed up, the subtle ways he tried to be there for her. But this—this was different. This was a man who’d thrown himself in harm’s way for her, without a second thought.
“John,” she said softly, taking a step closer to his bed. Her voice trembled slightly as she tried to keep it steady, “I don’t know what to say.”
John’s eyes softened, though his face still showed signs of pain. “You don’t need to say anything.” His voice was weak, but there was an undeniable warmth in it. “I just want you to be safe.”
Cordy sat down beside his bed, unsure of what to do next. She wanted to hold his hand, comfort him, but a part of her hesitated. There had been so much tension between them, so many walls built up over the last month. She didn’t know how to bridge the gap that had formed, even as she sat here, watching him in pain.
John, as though sensing her conflict, reached out with his hand, the motion slow and careful. He grasped hers gently, the warmth of his fingers giving her a sense of grounding amidst the whirlwind of emotions inside her.
“You’ve been so distant lately,” he said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper. “I know I messed up, Cordy. I’m sorry. But I’d never want to hurt you. I only want to protect you.”
She swallowed hard, trying to process his words, trying to ignore the ache in her chest that had suddenly appeared. “John, I—”
“Don’t say it,” he interrupted gently, his thumb brushing across her knuckles. “I know. But I just want you to know, even if you can’t forgive me, I’ll still be here. I’ll always be here for you.”
Cordy felt a knot form in her throat, the words she’d been holding back threatening to spill out. She wasn’t sure what to say to him—not yet. But she couldn’t deny the truth that had been building in her heart for weeks now. Maybe she didn’t have all the answers, maybe the situation was messy and complicated, but in this moment, with John’s hand in hers and his vulnerability laid bare, all she could feel was the pull to be closer to him.
“Thank you, John,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “For everything.”
John smiled faintly, his eyes still locked on hers. “I’ll get through this. And I’ll wait. Whenever you’re ready.”
Cordy didn’t know when she’d be ready. But right now, sitting here beside him, holding his hand, was a start. And maybe that was all she needed for now.
The rest of the world could wait.