The Twisted Obsession
Chapter 130: Belonging

Chapter 130: Belonging

As the doctor examined Abby, Remo couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at his insides. He fidgeted in his seat, his fingers tapping anxiously against his thigh as he watched the medical professional assess Abby’s condition.

Every movement, every word uttered by the doctor seemed to stretch on endlessly, amplifying Remo’s apprehension. He longed to reach out, to hold Abby’s hand in his own, but he forced himself to remain still, not wanting to disrupt the examination.

The minutes stretched into eternity, each second feeling like an eternity as Remo waited with bated breath for the doctor’s verdict. Finally, the examination came to an end, and the doctor turned to address them both.

"Abby, it seems that you’re recovering well," the doctor began, a note of reassurance in their voice. "Your vital signs are stable, and there don’t appear to be any immediate concerns."

Remo felt a wave of relief wash over him at the doctor’s words, his tense muscles relaxing ever so slightly. He glanced over at Abby, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips as he saw the flicker of hope in her eyes.

"Thank you, doctor," Remo replied, gratitude lacing his voice. "We really appreciate everything you’ve done for Abby."

The doctor nodded, offering a reassuring smile before excusing themselves from the room. As they left, the door opened, Remo’s family entered the room, their presence filling the space with a mix of warmth and apprehension. Beatrix led the way, her arms filled with colorful balloons bearing the words "Get Well Soon," a small smile playing at her lips.Their dad followed closely behind, holding a bouquet of flowers, while Matteo carried a basket of fresh fruits.

Abby’s gaze flickered between the unfamiliar faces and Remo, confusion knitting her brows as she tried to make sense of the sudden influx of visitors. Remo’s family had always been a mystery to her, their existence known but their identities shrouded in secrecy.

"Remo, who...?" Abby began, her voice trailing off as she looked to him for answers.

Remo’s expression softened as he rose from his seat, moving to stand beside Abby and gently squeezing her hand in reassurance.

"Abby, these are my siblings," he explained, gesturing towards Beatrix, Matteo, and that’s our dad."

Abby nodded slowly, taking in the sight of Remo’s family with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. She had heard stories about them, snippets of Remo’s past that he had shared with her in quiet moments of vulnerability. But now, faced with the reality of their presence, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

"Hi, Abby," Beatrix greeted with a warm smile, stepping forward to offer her the balloons. "We’re so glad to see you awake. Remo’s been so worried about you."

Abby accepted the balloons with a grateful nod, the gesture easing some of the tension coiling in her chest. She glanced over at Remo, finding solace in the warmth of his gaze as he stood by her side, a silent pillar of support amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot."

"How are you feeling?" Remo’s dad asked.

Abby glanced up at Remo’s dad, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. She took a moment to gather her thoughts, trying to put into words the tumult of emotions swirling within her.

"I... I’m feeling better," Abby replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Thank you for asking."

Remo’s dad nodded, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he reached out to pat her hand in a gesture of reassurance.

"We’re all relieved to see you awake, Abby," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "You had us all worried there for a while."

Abby offered him a small smile in return, grateful for his kindness and concern. Despite the unfamiliarity of the situation, she found comfort in the genuine care radiating from Remo’s family.

"S-orry," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Remo’s dad nodded once more, his eyes filled with understanding as he exchanged a glance with his son.

Abby’s heart swelled with a mixture of emotions she couldn’t quite put into words as Beatrix reached out and took her hand. It was a gesture of kindness and acceptance that Abby hadn’t expected, especially after the dark path she had found herself on. Yet, in that moment, surrounded by Remo’s family, she felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within her.

"Thank you," Abby whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I... I didn’t expect... I mean, after everything..."

Beatrix squeezed her hand gently, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. "You’re not alone, Abby," she said softly. "You’re now part of our family, and we always stick together. Ares would be happy to see you too."

Abby furrowed her brows in confusion at the mention of Ares, the unfamiliar name sparking a curiosity within her. "Ares?" she echoed, seeking clarification.

Beatrix nodded, her expression tinged with sadness. "He’s our younger brother," she explained. "He’s away at college right now, but he’s been worried sick about you. We all have."

Abby’s heart ached at the thought of Remo’s younger brother worrying about her, someone he barely knew. She hadn’t realized the extent to which her actions had affected those around her, but now, faced with Remo’s family’s concern, she couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of determination to overcome her struggles.

"Thank you," Abby repeated, her voice filled with gratitude. "I... I’m so sorry for causing you all so much worry. I promise, I’ll do everything in my power to make it up to you."

Beatrix smiled warmly at her, her eyes shining with understanding and compassion. "We’re just glad you’re okay, Abby," she said gently. "That’s all that matters to us."

And as Abby sat there, surrounded by Remo’s family, she felt a sense of belonging wash over her like a warm embrace. She may have never expected to meet them under these circumstances, but she knew now that they were her family too – a family bound not just by blood, but by love, acceptance, and the unwavering commitment to stand by each other through thick and thin.