The Billionaire's Forgotten Wife
Chapter 83: She Woke Up

Chapter 83: She Woke Up

When Cassidy arrived at her mother’s hospital room, she found Martha standing quietly near the foot of the bed. A couple of doctors were inside, speaking in low voices as they completed their first examination since Teresa had regained consciousness.

Teresa was awake, slightly propped up against a pillow. Her eyes were open but dull, following the doctors with a faint, distant focus. She hadn’t spoken yet.

Martha glanced toward the door the moment she noticed Cassidy. She gave her a small nod, the kind that carried a quiet mix of relief and caution.

Cassidy walked in slowly, her steps careful. Just seeing her mother like this made her chest tighten. Teresa looked pale and thinner than before, her presence faint but still holding on.

She was awake. She had come back. That was enough for now.

Cassidy stopped beside Martha, her eyes fixed on her mother. One of the doctors turned to her and gave a polite nod, then stepped back after finishing his notes on the tablet in his hand.

The other, older man remained a moment longer. He looked over at Cassidy and gestured gently toward the door.

"Miss Cassidy?" he said softly. "Would you mind stepping outside for a moment?"

Cassidy blinked, pulled out of her trance. She looked once more at Teresa, then gave a small nod.

"Of course," she said quietly.

She followed the doctor out into the hallway. The door closed softly behind them. The hallway was calm, the murmur of nurses faint in the distance.

The doctor extended his hand.

"I’m Dr. Green," he said. "I’m overseeing your mother’s care for the moment."

Cassidy shook his hand and waited.

"She’s awake and responsive," Dr. Green continued. "But she’s very weak. That’s expected, given the circumstances and how long she was unconscious."

Cassidy nodded slowly. "And her condition now?"

"She’s stable," he said. "But we’re monitoring her closely. There’s evidence of a mild cerebral concussion. Likely caused by restricted blood and oxygen flow during the attempt."

Cassidy inhaled sharply but stayed quiet.

"At this point, her memory may be patchy. Some confusion is also normal. What’s important is that her vital signs are steady, and neurologically, she’s showing no immediate red flags. Her speech may come back slowly. We’ll assess further in the next twenty-four hours."

Cassidy’s voice came out softer than she expected. "Is she in pain?"

Dr. Green shook his head. "We’ve kept her on light sedation and mild analgesics. No sign of physical discomfort so far."

Cassidy looked at the door behind her. "Can I see her?"

"Yes," Dr. Green said. "Just speak to her gently. She may respond with her eyes or even a few words. Don’t pressure her to remember anything too quickly. Let things come on their own."

Cassidy nodded, this time more firmly.

"Thank you, Doctor."

He gave a short nod, then stepped away, leaving Cassidy alone for a moment in the quiet corridor, the weight of everything finally settling on her shoulders.

Cassidy stepped quietly back into the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Martha was still standing near the foot of the bed but gave Cassidy space, stepping aside as she approached. Cassidy moved closer and stopped at her mother’s bedside.

Teresa turned her head slowly. Her movements were sluggish, like she was still adjusting to her surroundings. Her eyes found Cassidy’s, though her expression remained blank and tired.

"Mom?" Cassidy’s voice was cautious, barely above a whisper.

Teresa blinked once, then again. Her gaze stayed on Cassidy. There was no smile, but no resistance either. Just a heavy silence that lingered between them.

Cassidy sat gently on the edge of the bed. She reached for her mother’s hand, it was cold and light in her palm.

"I’m here," she said softly. "It’s okay now. You’re safe."

Teresa didn’t answer, but her eyes moved, as if trying to make sense of the voice or the moment.

Cassidy rubbed her thumb gently across the back of her mother’s hand. "Do you know who I am?"

Several seconds passed in silence. Then Teresa parted her lips slightly. Her voice was faint, almost inaudible.

"...Cass?"

Cassidy nodded quickly, a faint smile forming even as her eyes filled with tears. "Yes, Mom. It’s me."

Teresa didn’t say anything more. She blinked again, slowly. Her breathing was steady, though weak. Her eyes began to close, too tired to stay open.

"You don’t have to talk," she whispered. "Just rest, okay? I’ll be right here."

Teresa didn’t respond, but her face seemed a little more at ease. As if her daughter’s presence gave her some comfort, even if her body and mind hadn’t fully caught up yet.

Cassidy let out a slow breath, then settled into the chair beside the bed. She kept holding her mother’s hand, unwilling to let go.

Not long after, the door opened again, and Georgia stepped in with careful, quiet steps. She paused when she saw Teresa lying asleep, then looked at Cassidy.

"She’s resting?" Georgia whispered.

Cassidy nodded. "She just fell asleep a few minutes ago. The doctors were here earlier."

Georgia walked closer to the bed, her eyes scanning Teresa’s pale face. "How was she? Did she say anything?"

Cassidy stood and motioned for them to step away from the bedside so they wouldn’t disturb their mother. Once they were by the window, she answered softly, "Dr. Green said she’s stable, but still very weak. There’s a mild concussion, some disorientation... but she knew who I was."

Georgia’s brows lifted slightly, surprised. "She remembered you?"

Cassidy nodded. "Barely. But yes. She was quiet most of the time, and her energy’s low, but the doctor said that kind of memory fog is normal. He said it’s our job now to help her rest and feel safe."

Georgia glanced back at the bed, her face thoughtful. "That’s something, at least. I was so scared."

Cassidy didn’t say anything. She just stood beside her sister, watching the slow, even rise and fall of Teresa’s chest.

"She made it through." Georgia said quietly. "That’s what matters now."

***