Chapter: 3087

As soon as Alberto closed the door, his fingers appeared as white as paper, with the veins on the backs of his hands standing out prominently. His hands shook slightly, betraying his anxiety and unease.

It felt as though his heart was lodged in his throat. SLumped against the door frame, he appeared somewhat dejected, but he couldn't bring himself to leave her side, worried that she might need him and he wouldn't be there.

He instinctively reached for his pocket, longing to pull out a cigarette to soothe his nerves, but hesitated and ultimately refrained.

It had become a deeply ingrained habit. Whenever pain struck, he would instinctively seek to numb his senses with nicotine, believing it might provide some relief.

But as he pulled out the cigarette pack and prepared to light one, he suddenly hesitated.