Gone with Yesterday

Stepping out of the building, Christian looked at his watch and suggested that they could still make it to the wedding dress fitting in time.

However, the moment was lost for Tabitha.

A furious scream cut through the air.

Out of nowhere, an armed assailant jumped out and pointed his knife at Tabitha.

“You must be Christian’s lover.

“You ruined the lives of my family, so I’m taking yours today!”

He slashed the knife at Tabitha.

“No!”

In that split second between life and death, Christian threw himself in front of Tabitha and took the hit for her.

As the blade plunged into his flesh, blood gushed out.

Christian slumped to the ground in agony, his hands over his abdomen.

The sight of blood sent the assailant into a panic, and he threw his weapon aside and took flight.

Tabitha held Christian up shakily, her breath hitched.

The bleeding wouldn’t stop. Yet, Christian fixated his gaze on Tabitha as if numb to the pain.

“Thank goodness you’re safe, Tabitha.”

Tabitha was quick to dial the emergency services and stayed by his side all the way to the ER.

She couldn’t wrap her head around the whole thing.

Christian was in love with Kelsey, even to the point of letting her crash the wedding. Yet, there he was, throwing his life on the line to save Tabitha.

What was all that for?

Three hours later, the doors to the operating room swung open.

The doctor emerged, looking exhausted. He peeled his gloves and mask off.

“Fortunately, the blade missed his vital organs by mere inches. However, the patient has lost a lot of blood, so he needs rest.”

Tabitha and the secretary, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, were relieved to learn that he was out of the woods.

The secretary expressed emotionally, “Mr. Loader risked everything to save you, Miss Bray. He loves you more than life itself.”

Tabitha remained silent.

Before, she had absolute faith that Christian loved her with all his heart. However, he redirected his devotion to someone else.

Yet, he took the knife for her in the face of danger. Tabitha could not read him.

Tabitha’s heart only had room for Christian.

Christian, on the other hand, could fit a lot more than one person into his.

Tabitha lowered her gaze.

She would never settle for such cheap, shared affection.

Once the anesthesia wore off, Christian demanded to see Tabitha.

Despite the medical staff’s protest, Christian yanked the IV off his arm and stumbled out of bed.

He bumped straight into Tabitha as she entered the ward with food.

Christian held Tabitha tight, his voice carrying fear.

“Thank goodness you’re okay, Tabitha. You have no idea how scared I was to lose you when he came at you with a knife.”

Tabitha broke free from his grip with composure.

“The doctor said that you need rest. You should stay put in bed.”

Tabitha’s presence steadied Christian’s nerves. Lying back down, Christian was compliant as the nurse hooked him up on a drip.

Noticing the packed food in Tabitha’s hand, Christian said with a smile, “I’m all wrapped up in bandages. I don’t think I can eat on my own.”

Tabitha sighed and opened the container to spoon-feed him.

With his belly filled, Christian rested his head on Tabitha and squeezed her hand.

“I had a terrifying dream that you left me, Tabitha. I woke up terrified, and my only thought was to find you.

“I’m so glad that it was just a dream. You’re never going to leave me, right?”

He looked up and stared intently into her eyes.