Before The Crash Ch 02

You may want to read part 1 first.

- I'm not a native English speaker, so if there are mistakes, I apologize! I do check them. The best I can. I'll also switch between scripts and prose, so bear with me when I try to learn all tricks.

- I'm accepting feedback; I'll just ask to keep it HELPFUL and CONSTRUCTIVE. Even I know we get negative feedback too, and I'll ignore it most part. I have feelings.

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Chapter 2--Unsent Messages & Hidden Truths

Chloe opened her eyes, her gaze drifting around the room, trying to understand where she was. The steady beeping of the machines filled the air, grounding her in that moment. His warm hand wrapped around hers, steady and reassuring, giving her a surprising sense of calm.

Sam felt the weak squeeze around his hand and immediately looked up. His eyes met hers. "Babe! You're awake," he whispered, feeling a wave of relief.

His panic faded instantly. "I'm here." He muttered, his thumb brushing over her hand; he gave her a little squeeze, reassuring her that she was safe.

Chloe's lips parted, her voice weak and hoarse. "What... What happened?

Sam hesitated, brushing small circles over her hand. "There...there was a car accident, but it's okay now. You're safe."

Her gaze flickered to his face, eyes narrowing slightly as the memory danced just out of reach. For a moment, it seemed like she remembered something.

A brief flash of the accident flickered through her mind, fading into frustration when she couldn't find the words.

"Hey, it's okay. You don't have to worry about anything right now. Rest, honey." He kissed her forehead softly, his lips lingering for a moment before he pulled away. "I'll be here when you wake up." He murmured.

Chloe's lips curled into a faint smile as she closed her eyes again. Sam watched her steady breathing, reassuring himself that she was here and alive.

.......

After Chloe fell asleep, Sam slipped out for a breather and something to eat. The cafe buzzed with conversation and the sound of clinking mugs. Finding a quiet corner, he settled into a seat and unlocked her phone.

Sam hated doing it, but he knew it was the only way to get some answers. Maybe it was a no-go, but he had to at least try. Scrolling through her apps and text messages, something caught his attention. "What is this? He muttered to himself, taking a small sip from his coffee.

His fingers tightened around the mug as he read the messages. His heart began to race--a creeping sense of unease settling over him. The more he read, the stronger the feeling grew.

Sam kept scrolling until he found a message draft; that made his heart skip a beat. A warning Unsent. "What the..." He whispered. His need to protect her burned stronger than ever "Maybe her friends know something... maybe Sophie?"

He dialed Sophie's number but paused, midway, still hesitating. Did he really want to hear what she might tell him? He took a breath and pressed the call button.

The phone rang twice before a familiar voice picked up.

"Hey, Chloe, is that you?" Sophie sounded worried

"No, it's Sam, he said quickly. "She's...She's okay, but there's been an accident."

"Oh my god, is she hurt? Sophie's voice rose with panic

"She's stable now," Sam reassured her. "But listen... I found something on her phone; it really worried me. It's about someone she seemed concerned about. Do you know anything about that?"

Sophie went quiet for a second too long. "Sam... I"

"What is it, please tell me?" He urged, his voice tired and strained. "If you know something that could help me figure out what the hell happened, I need you to tell me."

Sophie sighed heavily It's... probably about him; he works with her, right?"

"Yeah, Sam said, gripping the phone tighter."

"I told her to be careful with him. At first, it seemed harmless, just friendly, you know. But then he started showing up outside of work. Messaging her way too much. Things got weird--fast."

"Why didn't she tell me?" Sam muttered more to himself than to Sophie.

"The same reason why you want to protect her now," Sophie said softly. "I think... she didn't realize it was serious until... until now."

"Yeah... thank you, Sophie. Really. This helped a lot. Now I just need to keep digging. this guy sounds dangerous.

"Can...can I come to visit her?" Sophie asked, voice hopeful.

Sam smiled a faintly. "Yes, of course, I think Chloe would like that."

"I have to go now, but I'll see you soon, yeah?"

"Yeah, I'll be there soon," Sophie said. Before ending the call.

As the call ended, Sam ran his hand through his hair, still tense. With a sigh, he finished his coffee and stood up.

He tossed the mug in the trash and wiped his hands, trying to shake off the weight of the conversation.

........

Sam sat next to Chloe's bed. The room completely silent. Sophie's words still lingered in his head. He held her hand tightly, needing to hold her--to protect her. "You're safe now, I promise." He whispered.

The door opened.

"Oh, hey Sam. Actually, I wanted to talk with you." Dr. Peter, said his voice, low.

"Sure, what's up??"

"The hospital security team told me that someone tried to visit her, earlier."

Sam froze. He didn't answer right away. "They...they didn't say who it was? I know her friend is coming soon. Was it a woman?"

Dr. Peter's eyes flicked to the monitor as he checked Chloe's vitals.

" No.They said it was a man, but he left quickly before they could get his name.

Sam's heart sank. He tightened his grip on Chloe's hand, unease settling in again. A man It had to be HIM. His anger simmered beneath the surface.

"Did he say anything?" Sam asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Not much." He lingered near the door for a while before the security team asked him to leave. He didn't seem... like a typical visitor." Dr. Peter's brows furrowed slightly. "It felt off."

Sam's jaw clenched "Yeah, I have learned some really unsettling things about him. "

Make sure security keeps an eye on him. He can't come near Chloe again."

"Of course, I'll let them know," Dr. Peter said, finishing his checkup.

"Thank you, I'll stay here, just in case," Sam added, brushing his thumb over Chloe's hand.

"Yes, of course, but I have to remind you visitor hours are almost over," Dr. Peter said, walking to the door.

Sam didn't respond. His focus was on Chloe.That's all that mattered. Still angry and uneasy, he hoped tomorrow would bring more answers.

"I will protect you," Sam whispered, pressing a small kiss to her forehead. "No one's hurting you anymore."

TO BE CONTINUED...