Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 278: Out-of-tune

Chapter 278: Out-of-tune

At Elysium Biotech Institute

"Don’t you have to go out today?" Mrs. Johnson asked, watching Clifford as he replaced the flowers on Kelly’s bedside table with a fresh arrangement.

Mrs. Johnson looked particularly radiant today, her face glowing with a rare glimmer of hope. The reason was simple yet profound—last night, Kelly had moved a finger.

According to Ivan, it was a promising sign, a subtle but significant indication that Kelly might soon wake up again. Both Clifford and Mrs. Johnson were clinging tightly to that hope, their hearts lighter with the possibility of a breakthrough.

For Mrs. Johnson, it was as though a heavy weight had been lifted, her spirits soaring higher than they had in days.

He smiled softly. "I can stay and look after Kelly today, Mrs. Johnson, if you need to step out. I’m free the whole day."

Mrs. Johnson gave him an appreciative nod. Clifford rarely missed a visit, often stepping in to care for Kelly when her mother needed to leave for a few hours.

"Alright then, I’ll be back after lunch," she said, gathering her things and heading out.

It was early, just after six in the morning, but Mrs. Johnson had grown accustomed to Clifford arriving at this hour. Once alone in the room, Clifford opened Kelly’s Bible, flipping to the last Chapter he had read. It had become a habit for him, starting the very day after Kelly fell into a coma.

Kelly had once shared her routine with him, how she started her mornings by reading her Bible, singing, and praying at six, then repeating the practice at nine before bed. She had called it her daily devotion—a sacred ritual that grounded her.

Clifford wasn’t sure what had driven him to pick up her routine. He didn’t sing the hymns she loved, nor did he pray, unsure of how to even begin. But every day, at six and nine, he read to her from her Bible, faithfully keeping that part of her routine alive, as though it could somehow bridge the gap between them in her silent state.

"We have *Practice Patience* for this morning’s devotion. Quite fitting..." Clifford murmured as he opened the Bible. He began reading aloud from 2 Peter 1:6: "And to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add patience."

He swallowed hard and continued, his voice steady but soft. "Being patient is hard for everybody, for kids and grownups, too. So don’t get upset with yourself if you have a hard time being patient. Just keep working at it. Like lots of important things, it takes some practice. If God says we need patience, He must have a good reason. So keep trying."

Clifford glanced at Kelly, lying peacefully on the bed, and his chest tightened. In the short time he had spent with her, he had grown unexpectedly attached. Attached enough to march into Ivan’s office, threatening him not to mess up the trial if he couldn’t ensure Kelly’s safety.

If she were just another test patient, someone he hadn’t connected with, he might have kept a professional distance. But this was Kelly. Her absence felt like a shadow over his days.

Reaching for her hand, he murmured, "If I sing one of your hymns, will you finally wake up, Kelly? I’m trying to be patient here..." His voice cracked, and he let out a shaky breath as his eyes filled with tears.

He missed her so much. The way she’d wave at him every morning from her balcony, her bright smile lighting up the day before it even began. And those dimples, those adorable dimples that accompanied her cheerful laughter, were etched into his mind.

Clifford squeezed her hand gently, whispering, "Come back to us, Kelly. Please..."

Taking a deep breath, Clifford started softly singing, his voice unsteady but filled with emotion. "Hide me now, under Your wings. Cover me, within Your mighty hand..."

He paused, swallowing hard before continuing, "When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are King over the flood... I will be still, know You are God."

His voice cracked slightly, and he stopped, letting out a soft chuckle. "This is embarrassing," he muttered, shaking his head. "I’ve never done something like this in my whole life. Singing in acapella. I bet you’re laughing right now, Kelly, listening to my out-of-tune voice."

He smiled faintly at the memory of Sanya teasing him. Whenever they had karaoke nights, she never missed a chance to remind him how hilariously off-key he could be. Yet, Rain and Sanya would always encourage him to sing, laughing and dancing along to his attempts. Their joy had always made his embarrassment worth it.

Clifford looked at Kelly again, her stillness tugging at his heart. "But you know what?" he whispered. "I’d sing the most out-of-tune songs every day if it meant seeing your smile again." He gently brushed his thumb over her hand, his voice dropping to a tender murmur. "Just wake up, Kelly... Please."

"Do you want me to say a prayer you can hear? You see, I’ve started praying, but I’m not sure I’m doing it right. I-"

Clifford’s words halted as his body stiffened. He felt something, a faint but unmistakable squeeze of his hand. His heart raced as he looked down and saw Kelly’s fingers twitching against his.

"You... you just need to..." Kelly’s soft voice broke through the stillness.

"Oh my God, Kelly! You’re awake!" Clifford exclaimed, his voice trembling as he stood and stared at her. Tears streamed down his face as he saw her eyes flutter open and her lips curve into a weak, familiar smile. It was the smile he had missed so desperately.

"Pray with all your heart to Father God," she whispered, her voice faint but resolute. "He always hears you."

Overcome with emotion, Clifford immediately pressed the call button to summon the medical team. His hands trembled as he held hers, unwilling to let go.

"I always waited for you to sing," Kelly murmured, her gaze soft as it met his. "I could hear everything... your voice, especially. It kept me company."

Clifford’s throat tightened, and he gently stroked her hand. "Don’t speak too much yet. Save your energy," he urged, his voice tender but firm.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway as the medical team arrived. Clifford stepped back slightly to give them space but kept his eyes locked on Kelly, his heart soaring. She was awake... she was truly back.