New beginning: Billionaire love story

Abigail was wheeled into the hospital, her parents pushing her chair like it was some kind of royal chariot. The hospital smelled like disinfectant and stale coffee, and Abigail couldn't help but wrinkle her nose at it.

Her leg still throbbed where the doctors had fixed it up, but she didn't care. Today was about Alexander. He'd been there for her when she was in a coma, and now it was her turn to return the favor.

She had packed a bag full of goodies: juicy fruits and a container of his favorite food. "I know how bad the hospital food is," she thought, imagining his face when he saw what she brought. Just thinking about him made her cheeks heat up.

There was so much she wanted to tell him, especially about her feelings, but she figured maybe, just maybe, one day would be the right time. Today wasn't it. She couldn't mess things up while he was still healing.

As they approached his room, Abigail knocked on the door, her heart racing. Her parents nudged it open, and there he was-Alexander, lying down and staring blankly at the ceiling like he was trying to figure out the meaning of life. When he turned his head toward them, he tried to sit up but winced in pain.

"Hey, you! Lay down!" Abigail called out, her voice a mix of teasing and concern.

He leaned back against the headboard, looking a bit sheepish. "What are you doing here? I thought you were still recovering?" he asked, a faint smile creeping onto his face.

"I wanted to see you," she said, her voice softening. "I was worried."

Just then, Abigail's mom, Mary, chimed in. "What happened to you, Alexander? Your parents said you were in an accident!"

Alexander hesitated. The last thing he wanted was to spill the whole story, especially when it involved how much he'd messed up. He glanced at Abigail, who was watching him with those wide, trusting eyes. "I wasn't careful," he said simply, keeping it vague.

His mom had kept the details under wraps, and he was grateful for that. He wanted to be the one to explain it to Abigail, but maybe today wasn't the day for heavy stuff.

"Just... be careful next time, okay?" Abigail said, biting her lip. "I brought you something." She thrust the bag of food and fruits toward him like a peace offering. "This is for you! I know hospital food can be worse than cardboard!"

He chuckled, the tension easing a bit. "You're a lifesaver, Abi," he said, smiling as he took the bag from her. "Thank you."

Just then, the door swung open, and in walked his mom. She froze for a second, surprised to see Abigail and her parents. "Oh! What a lovely surprise!" she exclaimed.noveldrama

Mary beamed. "We thought we'd drop by! Alexander has been so great to Abigail; we wanted to return the favor."

Alexander's mom looked between the two families, a knowing smile on her face. "You kids are quite the caring pair. Are you going to get married next?"

The laughter that followed was infectious. Abigail's face turned a bright shade of crimson, while Alexander simply sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, please, not this again," he muttered under his breath.

"Don't you think they'd make a cute couple?" Mary joked, nudging her husband with a smirk.

"Mum, please don't say that." Abigail said, shaking her head, but a smile danced on her lips.

As the laughter settled down, Alexander turned his gaze to the window, staring at the world outside. His thoughts wandered to Claire's earlier words: "I don't do second chances." The pain in his chest made him feel heavy, and he wondered if he'd ever get a second chance.

"Hey, are you okay?" Abigail's voice cut through his thoughts like a warm knife through butter. He turned back to her, seeing genuine concern in her eyes.

"Yeah, just... thinking," he replied, trying to shake off the gloom. "About how horrible this place is."

"Right? You know, I could bring you a whole buffet next time," she joked, grinning as she leaned closer. A few weeks later...

Claire stood in front of the mirror,

staring at her reflection. The dress Talia had picked for her was... well, "provocative" was putting it mildly t hugged her figure like it was tailor-made, the white fabric looking almost too sleek and too daring. The plunging neckline draped down the front, adding a touch that was both chic and undeniably bold.

"It's too much," Claire muttered, fidgeting with the hem of the dress. The halter-style top showed off her shoulders and arms, and she felt like she was practically on display.

Talia, standing behind her, was practically beaming. "It's perfect for Royal Ascot!" she insisted, her excitement evident. "You're going to turn heads, Claire. This is exactly what you need for a horse race competition outfit."

"Since when does a horse competition require me to look like I'm ready for a magazine cover shoot?" Claire shot back, though she couldn't help but smile a little. Talia's enthusiasm was infectious.

"Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it," Talia teased, twirling a finger in the air. "And you, my dear, have got it. Look at you! Stunning!"

Claire glanced at herself again. The dress did look good, she had to admit.

The white fascinator hat perched on her head added a touch of elegance, with its delicate decorative detail matching her outfit. Her accessories were minimal but refined-a bracelet on her left wrist, a watch on he right and a necklace she'd snagged at an auction last week. And to top it all off, she carried a large,

light-colored handbag that tied everything together.

"Well, I suppose it's not too bad," she said with a small grin, her nerves settling a bit. She let her hair fall loose behind her back, giving herself a final once-over.

"Not too bad?" Talia exclaimed, hands on her hips. "You look drop-dead gorgeous! Seriously, Claire, if I wasn't already your best friend, I'd be asking for your autograph." Claire laughed, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

"I try," Talia said with a dramatic

sigh, her smile widening. She was already dressed, of course, having gone through her own mini-fashion

show earlier. Her light blue de

had a unique asymmetrical design, with one shoulder covered by a dramatic, flowing cape that added just the right touch of sophistication.

"Why don't I look half as glamorous as you?" Claire teased, eyeing Talia's wide-brimmed black hat. The large blue floral detail and delicate loops gave it a whimsical flair, and her small white bucket-style handbag decorated with flowers was the perfect finishing touch. "Please, you're the star today. I'm just the supportive bestie," Talia replied, linking her arm through Claire's. "Besides, this is your moment. I'm just here to make sure you don't run off in a panic."

"I'm not panicking," Claire said, though the way her voice wavered made them both burst out laughing.

"Of course not," Talia said, grinning. "You're just, you know, mentally rehearsing your escape plan."

"Exactly!" Claire agreed with mock seriousness. "Maybe I'll just hide behind a potted plant. No one will notice."

"Good luck hiding in that dress," Talia quipped, giving Claire's outfit an appreciative look. "You'd stand out in a forest of potted plants."

Claire chuckled, shaking her head again. "You've got an answer for everything, don't you?"

"It's a talent," Talia said breezily. She gave Claire's arm a reassuring squeeze. "But seriously, you look amazing, and you're going to have a blast today."

"Easy for you to say," Claire murmured, her nerves returning. "You're always so confident. It's like you were born for this kind of thing."

"Oh, please," Talia scoffed. "I'm nervous too. This is my first Royal Ascot. But that's why we're here together, right? To have fun and not take everything so seriously."

Claire nodded, taking a deep breath. "You're right. It's just... it's been a while for me. This is only my second time going, and I still don't feel like I belong."

"You belong, Claire," Talia said firmly. "And you're going to be the most beautiful woman there. Trust me."

Claire smiled, feeling a little more at ease. "Thanks for coming with me, Talia. I really appreciate it."

"What are friends for?" Talia responded softly, her smile genuine. "Now, come on. Let's go show the world what they've been missing."