The hours dragged on, and by midday, Fabio appeared carrying a paper bag and a neatly folded change of clothes draped over his arm. His expression left no room for refusal.

“Sir, you need to eat something and change.”

Dante barely turned his head.

“I’m not hungry.”

“This isn’t just about hunger, sir. Do you really think she’ll want to see you like this when she wakes up?”

Dante narrowed his eyes, exhaling with impatience.

“I’m not leaving her alone.”

“You won’t. I’ll stay here.”

Fabio set the bag on the table and crossed his arms. He wasn’t afraid to challenge Dante when it came to his well-being.

“Go, shower, get some rest, and change your clothes. You’re a mess.”

Dante clenched his jaw. He didn’t want to leave her—couldn’t—but Fabio was right. He couldn’t afford to be weak. Not when Svetlana needed him strong.

With a resigned grunt, he stood from the chair, stretching muscles that had stiffened from too many hours in the same position.

“I’m not leaving the clinic.”

“You don’t have t