In the Hospital Alone, While He Stayed by Her Side — Novel

About

In the sterile corridors of a hospital, Alyce finds herself alone after a sprained ankle leads her to an unexpected reckoning. Her husband Erik's absence weighs heavily on her, especially when she discovers he’s been with his childhood sweetheart, Polly, the very person who once cast her as the villain in their love story. As secrets and unspoken tensions simmer just beneath the surface, Alyce navigates the complexities of their marriage, feeling the sting of betrayal and the suffocating presence of Erik's past.

When a seemingly innocuous anniversary gift becomes a bitter reminder of Erik’s loyalties, Alyce must confront the emotional chasm growing between them. Is there room for forgiveness when the past looms so large? With Erik’s friends rallying around Polly, Alyce grapples with her identity as the outsider, questioning whether love can truly withstand the weight of expectations and memories.

As feelings of doubt and resentment bubble to the surface, Alyce is faced with a choice: to fight for her marriage or to reclaim her own sense of self. In this tangled web of affection and rivalry, will she find the strength to redefine her place in Erik's life?

In the Hospital Alone, While He Stayed by Her SideChapter 1

After spraining my ankle, I took a taxi alone to the hospital for treatment. The nurse asked if my family was around, and, without much thought, I came up with an excuse on his behalf. Lying in the hospital bed, I felt a hollow ache in the pit of my stomach.

I unlocked my phone and saw that his best friend had posted an update:

"Life’s easy when there’s no tigress around to keep watch. Erik really has a soft spot for Polly."

In the post was a photo of Erik Dean, looking tenderly at his childhood sweetheart as she lay in a hospital bed. I gave it a like, but the post disappeared almost immediately.

A moment later, Erik messaged me, offering a careful explanation. I responded with a calm smile: “Hope you’re having a good time.”

He panicked, replying, “Alyce, why aren’t you checking on me?”

——

Earlier, I had rushed home for our anniversary, only to slip on the stairs and injure my ankle. Before going to the hospital, I’d messaged him, hoping he could pick me up after work. I’d waited, flowers in hand, ready to surprise him.