Irwin's POV

Before my seminar, I stole away for a few precious moments with her. As I entered Abelia's hospital room, the stark sterility of the surroundings seemed to close in around us, a sharp contrast to her ethereal beauty lying in repose. The steady beep of the heart monitor provided a rhythmic backdrop, a constant reminder of her delicate condition. Watching her chest rise and fall with each breath, I couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the fragility of her state, there was a quiet strength emanating from her, a silent testament to her unwavering will to fight.

Sitting by her bedside, I reached out to gently brush a stray strand of hair away from her face, my fingers trembling with a mixture of fear and hope. In that moment, the weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air, yet there was also a glimmer of optimism, a belief that somehow, against all odds, she would prevail. As I sat with her in that hushed hospital room, time seemed to stand still. In the quiet stillness, I found solace in her presence, a reminder of the preciousness of life and the strength that lies within us all.

"Abelia," I whispered again, my voice barely audible above the hum of medical equipment. 

"You are strong, and I believe in you. You can overcome this. Wake up, please."

A deep sense of helplessness washed over me, but I refused to succumb to despair. With unwavering determination, I continued to hold her hand, as if my touch could somehow bridge the gap between her unconsciousness and the world of the living. Leaning in closer, I pressed another tender kiss on her forehead, hoping that my love could reach her even in the depths of her unconsciousness.

 "I miss you, Abelia," I murmured, my voice cracking with emotion. 

"Life is not the same without you. Please come back to me. I need you, and I promise I'll be right here waiting when you wake up."

With a heavy heart, I released her hand, knowing I had to leave for Zanzibar. The legal issues required my immediate attention, but my thoughts remained entangled with Abelia. Before I left, I placed a handwritten note on her bedside table, expressing my love and my unwavering belief in her strength.

As I walked out of the hospital room, I glanced back one last time, etching her peaceful yet unconscious form into my memory. Promising myself that I would return soon, I whispered,

 "Stay strong, Abelia. I'll be back"

With a final, lingering gaze, I turned away, determined to resolve the legal matters and come back to the woman I loved, praying fervently for her recovery with every step I took.

As the days continued to slip through my fingers, I couldn't help but pour my heart into letters addressed to Abelia. The doctor's words offered a glimmer of hope, promising that she might awaken at any moment. Yet, deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was the trauma that had cast her into this silent slumber, holding her captive. And so, each day, I diligently penned missives, each one a heartfelt plea to the universe, trying to unravel the mystery that bound her.

Seven years ago, when our lives intersected for the first time, I found myself utterly entranced by her magnetic presence. Her spirit exuded an enchanting allure, her laughter reminiscent of sunlight dancing on water, and her eyes held within them entire galaxies of wonder and mystery. From the moment our paths crossed, I was captivated beyond measure. With each passing day, my affection for her only grew stronger. I found myself yearning to express the depth of my feelings, not merely through words, but through tangible tokens of love meticulously crafted with care and devotion. Each letter penned with trembling hands carried with it the weight of my emotions, each word a testament to the love that burned fiercely within me.

But it was the gestures, the small tokens of affection painstakingly created, that truly spoke volumes. Each gift, intricately made with love and dedication, served as a silent witness to the depth of my devotion. In the face of uncertainty and doubt, these offerings stood as symbols of sincerity, testifying to the unwavering commitment I held for her in my heart.

Though time may have passed, the memory of those tender moments remains etched in my mind, a reminder of the profound connection we shared. Even now, as I reflect on those years gone by, I am filled with gratitude for the chance to have experienced a love so pure and profound.

The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the city as I hurriedly packed my bags. My heart raced with anticipation, and my hands shook with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Gregory's voice on the phone echoed in my ears, filling me with hope and courage. This was the moment I had been waiting for, the moment I would lay my heart bare. As I drove to the airport, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Thoughts of Abelia filled my every waking moment, and now, finally, I was on my way to see her. The thought of confessing my love to her made my pulse quicken and my palms grow clammy. The city lights blurred into a colorful streak as I sped down the highway, my determination propelling me forward.

Arriving at the airport, I hurriedly made my way through the bustling crowd, my eyes scanning the faces around me, searching for her familiar features. And there she was, standing near the arrival gate, her eyes bright with surprise and delight as she saw me. My heart skipped a beat as I approached her, the world around us fading into the background.

"Abelia," I said, my voice soft but filled with conviction. I took a deep breath, gathering my courage as I looked into her eyes, trying to convey the depth of my emotions.

"I love you," I confessed, the words hanging in the air between us, heavy with meaning.

 "I love you more than words can express, more than I ever thought possible. You're the sunshine that brightens my darkest days, the melody that fills my silence. I've cherished every moment we've spent together, and I can't imagine my life without you."

Abelia's eyes widened, her lips parting in astonishment. For a moment, there was silence, the world holding its breath as we stood there, lost in each other's gaze. And then, a brilliant smile spread across her face, and she reached out to take my hand, her fingers interlocking with mine.

"I love you too," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. 

"I've been waiting for you to say those words. I love you with all my heart, and I've never been happier than I am in this moment."

The cacophony of daily life faded away, leaving only the two of us suspended in the beautiful revelation of our love. Every touch, every shared breath, was a testament to the profound connection we shared. Lost in each other, we were cocooned in a sanctuary where only the language of love prevailed. However, in the midst of this enchanting moment, reality intruded with an unexpected jolt. The beautiful dream was interrupted as I inadvertently bumped my head against the bed in the hotel room. The physical contact with the mundane world outside momentarily shattered the illusion of our private paradise.

''Irwin man, get control of yourself,'' the voice in my head echoed, bringing a humorous reminder of the delicate balance between fantasy and reality. 

The enchantment of the moment collided with the practicality of the surroundings. The sudden intrusion served as a humorous wake-up call, a reminder that, as intoxicating as love may be, the world outside continues to exist, ready to remind us of its presence in unexpected ways. The five-day seminar was intended to be a significant professional engagement, an opportunity to immerse myself in knowledge and exchange ideas with peers. However, unforeseen circumstances led to an abrupt conclusion, prompting an early departure. As I boarded the plane back, a more pressing desire occupied your thoughts-to see Abelia and share the details of what transpired. In the backdrop of my return, a lingering question surfaced-one that had been present throughout the years. 

The public portrayal of me as a playboy, highlighted in numerous articles over the years, casts a shadow over my image. As I contemplated meeting Abelia, I couldn't help but wonder what she thought of me amid the media's spotlight. The limelight, with its glamorous yet often distorted lens, had painted a persona that might have veiled the nuances of my character. The articles, like chapters in an unfolding narrative, showcased a version of me that had become a public spectacle. However, beneath the headlines and the societal perceptions, the real story of who I was remained to be shared. 

Arriving back, the anticipation of the conversation with Abelia weighed on my mind. How would she perceive the person behind the media portrayal? Would she see through the sensationalised narratives to the individual with vulnerabilities, aspirations, and a genuine desire for connection? The desire to explain, to bridge the gap between perception and reality, fueled the urgency to share the unfiltered truth with someone whose opinion mattered deeply. The conversation ahead held the potential to unravel misconceptions, providing a glimpse into the person I truly was and the complexities that defined my journey in the public eye.