<b>2nd May, 07:30 AM</b>


    Quietly, Jeff pushed the door ajar and peered into the ward. Alicia noticed him and raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Jeff offered a sheepish smile. As he entered, he nervously rubbed the back of his neck with his fingers.


    “What’s going on?” Alicia asked, watching him approach. Her eyebrow arched higher. “Why were you peeping like that?”


    “Oh, that!” He let out a strained chuckle. “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for leaving you alone while you were still asleep,” he explained, lowering himself onto the chair beside her bed. “My mum called me, so I…” Jeff trailed off when Alicia narrowed her eyes at him. As she sniffled and leaned closer, he jerked back.


    “What is it?” he exclaimed, startled by her sudden movement. He stumbled slightly.


    “Why are you scared? You know what you’ve done," she accused, her voice sharp.


    “What... What?” he stammered, his laughter trembling as he tried to mask his unease.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    “You’ve been smoking, haven’t you?” Her gaze bore into him as she spoke with unyielding sternness. “Isn’t it true, Jeff?”


    “Smoking?” Jeff echoed, blinking rapidly as he sniffed at his jacket with exaggerated innocence. “No! I... I don’t!” he shouted. But the moment his eyes met Alicia’s, his voice faltered, and he fell silent.


    Alicia clenched the bedsheet tightly, her expression hardening with disappointment. “When did this start? This is the third time I’ve caught you.”


    Jeff remained rooted to the spot, his silence laden with guilt as he stared at her.


    Alicia let out a bitter chuckle and looked away. “The doctor said I can leave. I think it’s time I did.”


    “I… I…” Jeff stammered, struggling to form words. “This isn’t what it seems…”


    “You don’t owe me any explanation, Jeff,” she cut him off, glancing at him briefly. “Because now, I realise we can’t be together.” Her lips twisted into a pained grimace.


    “Alicia…” He took a hesitant step forward, his gaze imploring her, laden with silent desperation.


    “I have to go now,” she said firmly. Pulling herself out of bed, she swayed slightly as she approached the door.


    ---------


    At dawn in a hotel room, Jeff exhaled heavily as he stared at the chandelier hanging from the ceiling, its energised white light filling the room. He glanced at Alena, lying beside him in her naked body with her right arm tucked beneath his. Gently lifting his body, he slowly peeled her arm off him, but Alena moaned and swiftly pulled her arm tighter around his waist. Jeff paused, staring at her face. Her eyes fluttered open, and they locked gazes.