Dear Adrian,

If you're reading this now, it must mean that I'm not... alive anymore. I applied precautions but perhaps I went ahead of myself. And I want you to know that I am solely responsible for this.

I write this now in the middle of Monday night. I just heard you through the recorder I'd fitted inside the unicorn. And you know what? I cried along with you. I've never heard you sound so broken, so in pain and I realized I wasn't the only one hurting. You were hurting just as much as I was, if not more. At least I could put the blame on you all the while you were blaming yourself.

Adrian, I fear what you might be going through now. If... if I did not make it out alive somehow, I know you're going to blame yourself- which is probably what you're doing right now. But I need you to know that you aren't at fault for this. The only culprit is this person who started the whole thing, and I hope he is paying for his crimes now. I know everything now, Adrian. I fitted the recorder inside the unicorn because I had to know. My heart needed that final confirmation that you betrayed me, because it just wasn't ready to accept that. I heard everything you said to Nate and I only wished that you had told me.

You were probably right in assuming I wouldn't have taken the news well. You thought I might have reacted without thinking since the person killed my parents, and I might have. But, Adrian, you would have been there to stop me. You would've been there to warn me of the consequences. And I would've listened to you. I'd always have listened.

But I don't hold you against that. You wanted to tell me but respected my grandfather's wish. I just want to knock the both of you over your heads for that. But what's done is done. I have managed to track this person down with the help of Jason Reyes and some of his employees. I don't know who it is yet but I'll know it by tomorrow- I mean later today. I have asked Leah to send the transaction history to Nate and the cops in case you are arrested before that. I just hope everything went according to my plan and that me being dead is the only mishap that occurred.

Adrian, I know now that you didn't mean what you said that day. And I hope you know that I didn't mean what I said either. I don't regret meeting you again. In fact, these last few months with you- even before our relationship- have been the most beautiful moments of my life. I don't remember ever being as happy as I was when I was with you. Now I don't care that I didn't get my memories back- the new memories I made with you are the ones I will cherish forever, I'll take them with me even when I'm gone.

I worry for Eva a lot. She has only had me to lean on besides our grandparents. I have been with her as both, her mother and father and she fears losing me like we lost our parents. I know she isn't going to take this well. She is a strong girl, who has endured so much, but I fear that my loss would be her breaking point. The very thought makes me more afraid than death itself. So I want to ask you for a favor, Adrian. Can you... can you look after her after I've gone? She needs someone to tell her that she can go through it, that she's strong and you're the only one she might listen to. I know I'm asking a lot of you even after everything you have done but please, can you do this for me?

I worry about my grandparents as well- Gramps especially. Just like you, I know he will blame himself for everything. They might not take well to losing their granddaughter like they lost their daughter. I want you to tell them it would be alright and tell him it wasn't his fault.

And the company, Eva's, you can do what you wish with it. I had built it as fulfilling dad's wish and for Eva since she loves designing. But I've come to realize that she wouldn't be able to run the company. Her expertise is in designing beautiful clothes, not arguing with the board members and attending meetings. It would be unfair for her if I have her run the company. I'm sure you'll do the right thing by it. Whatever you do with it, I have no problem because I know you won't do anything wrong. As for Eva, she is the best designer in this whole world even when she has just joined college. She will be able to support herself and make a name for herself. You'll just have to help her realise her worth.

Among all this, I want you to look after yourself the most. Like I said, I don't want you blaming yourself. I know how heavy guilt weighs on a person- I had been carrying that burden ever since my parents died but that day, telling you everything lifted that weight off of me. I believed you when you said it wasn't my fault and I want you to believe me when I say this isn't your fault either. I want you to move on from this. It might take some time but I know you will get over this. You're strong, you always have been.

Adrian, please, consider this as my last wish if you will. Please don't waste your life away. Let others in your life- don't close yourself off from the people who love you. You'll be worrying them more than yourself. Let yourself open up to new people too. Life is too long to live alone. You're a very good man, Adrian Stone (despite your big head). You are everything any woman would want in their man and you have no idea how lucky I felt everyday knowing you were mine.

I know you'll always be mine and I will always be yours whether I'm here or not. But I won't be able to hold you anymore, won't be there to comfort you when you're down, or kiss you when you're having a bad day. There will be another woman who can do all these to you and be there for you whenever, however you need her to. And I want you to let her in. Let yourself love again. You deserve this happiness in your life.

Now, I realize that this letter has gone too long and there are still so many things I want to tell you. But since time is running out, I'll tell you the most important of them all. I love you, Adrian Isaac Stone. I always have, long before I admitted to myself.

I was telling Jake the other day about how stupid he had been for hiding his feelings for Allie but then I realized I was being a hypocrite. I didn't tell you of my feeling because I was scared of losing you, which was stupid - I realize it now. I wanted to tell these words to your face and see those lovely eyes light up. But if you're reading this now, that would mean I didn't get to do that. So I hope this is just as well. I love you, Adrian. But you should let me go. I'll be there in your memories just like you will be in mine, but I want you to open up your heart and mind for new memories with someone worthy of that space. You'll know when you find her just like I knew when I saw you.

I won't be writing any other letters to anyone else because this letter alone is already taking a toll on my emotions. Give my love to everyone. Tell Eva that I'm proud of her, wish Allie and Jake a happy married life for me and convey my apologies for not being able to make it to their wedding. Give my love to Gran, tell Gramps that I forgive him, thank your dad for everything he did for me, thank Brandon for treating Eva, and thank your mom, Jade and Aaron as well for making me feel as a part of your family even in a short encounter. Convey my thanks to Nate as well, for being a good friend and to Leah for being a good assistant when I needed her. Most of all, convey my love to your heart, tell your heart that it I can share it with another.

Please think about what I said. Be happy always, Adrian.

Love,

Your Minnie

Evelyn Victoria-Elizabeth White (there, you know my middle name now)

I sighed, folding the paper as I looked at the sleeping face before me. I felt a big lump lodged inside my throat as saw him lying lifeless on the bed. The man who had taken the bullet for me. It should've been me lying there lifeless and him reading this letter, not the other way around. 

I thought back to the day I had woken up on the hospital bed.

Beep. Beep. Bee-

Ugh, not again! I winced at the never stopping annoying sound of the monitor I immediately recognised and heard some chuckles around me. I slowly opened my eyes and saw a face I never thought I would again. 

Dr. Keith Jenkins was gently smiling at me. "I told you to keep your nerves intact, didn't I? And here you are, managing to find yourself in trouble. " He admonished gently. 

I  frowned at his words but slowly my memory gate opened. I remembered Mike kidnapping me, us talking, him taking out a gun, the police arresting him, Adrian untying me, Mike taking an officer's gun and pointing at me, and the loud bang I heard last. Hurriedly, I tried to close my eyes and feel the pain in my body. I felt none. My head hurt a little but for the most part I was fine. 

I frowned and looked at Keith. "I don't feel any pain!" My voice came out as accusing. 

Keith chuckled again, raising an eyebrow. "Okay, and is it supposed to be bad?"

I nodded at him, frowning. "Of course! You're a doctor! How can you not know that?"

He looked amused at my words and I didn't like it at all. I only preferred the amused eyes of-

I gasped as realization set in. Immediately, I sat upright on the bed, causing Keith and the nurses to hover around to stabilize me.

"Eves, you shouldn't be sitting up so suddenly. You have just woken up from a trauma. This is not good." Keith tried to placate me but I was having none of it.

I looked at him with narrowed eyes. "Was I not shot?"

Keith frowned slightly. "No, you weren't."

I closed my eyes, trying to remember everything. I was pretty sure that the gun was pointed directly at me. And there was that sound. I could still hear it clearly. I knew Mike had a perfect aim so there was no chance that he could've missed the target. The only explanation would be-

"No, no, no, no, no! This wasn't supposed to be! It was me who was supposed to be shot. No!"

"Eves," Keith's voice pulled me out of my rambling. "You sound as if it was a bad thing you didn't get shot."

I shook my head. "It is a bad thing, don't you understand? I should've... he... this can't be..." I looked at him again and asked with fear, "Where is Adrian?"

His grim expression told me everything I had to know. My entire being felt cold as dreadful images began to form in my mind- images where Adrian was lying in a pool of blood- lifeless.

"Take me to him." I made a move to get off the bed, only to be stopped by a nurse and another man in a white coat. Both of stepped away scared when I gave them my vicious glare.

"Eves, you need to rest. Try and understand. Stress isn't good in your state. Rest a little and we'll take you wherever you wish to." Keith was saying but I didn't hear anything other than my pounding heart. I stood with wobbly legs but it was Keith who stopped me now. He held my shoulders as he tried to make me sit on the bed again.

"Eves, please, don't be stubborn. You need re-"

I cut him off. "Don't tell me what to do! You won't understand. Adrian is probably lying there dead because of me and you want me to rest like a freaking princess? And don't touch me!" I saw hurt flash in his eyes at my words but at the moment I couldn't bring myself to care. All I cared and wanted was to see Adrian, make sure that he was alright.

I heard him whisper a few words to the other man who nodded and went out. "Eves, I know you want to see him now. And I'm not forbidding you from it. I'm only asking you to rest a little while- only fifteen minutes if you wish. Mr. Stone's condition is not exactly... stable at the moment. They are performing surgery right now, which should be over in a few minutes. Till then, you rest here and I'll take you personally once he is shifted to the postoperative room, okay?"

"What do you mean, 'not stable'? What is wrong with him? Where was he shot? He will live, won't he?" I demanded to know.

He gave me a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Eves, I don't want to lie to you but you need to promise that you'll take this well. I don't really know in detail, Eves. I'm a neurological consultant so I can't tell you about his injuries. I only heard from a fellow surgeon that the bullet has hit his lung so it looks critical. It thankfully didn't touch his heart so we are hoping for a little chance at his survival. But then again, operating the lung doesn't have a good prognosis. We will be able to know once the surgery is over."

I couldn't stop the sob that wrecked through me at his words. "No! Adrian, you stupid fool! Why did you?" I shouted to no one in particular. Just then I heard footsteps rushing through me before I was engulfed in two pairs of arms.

"Eves, calm down. What's wrong?" I heard Allie ask me.

"Allie, it's Adrian... Keith said... he's... that was supposed to be me, Allie. He wasn't supposed to come in between. He wasn't supposed to get shot. He..." I managed to take those words out of my mouth before breaking down again.

This time, it was Eva who spoke. "Evie, it's going to be alright. Adrian is going to be fine. You shouldn't worry yourself."

I shook my head. "No, Eva. He isn't. Keith s-said that the b-bullet hit his... his l-lung. He... it was supposed to be me." They said nothing but held me when I cried. My energy was drained very quickly and soon, I found myself falling into a restless sleep.

I felt my eyes misting once again as I remembered the utter horror I felt when they finally took me to see him. Keith made me change into sterile gown before going inside the room where Adrian was kept.

There he was, looking so pale and so weak as he lied on the bed amongst numerous machines and tubes connected to him that were beeping continuously. An oxygen mask was placed over his face, obstructing my view of his beautiful lips. There was a large bandage wrapped around the entirety of his chest and I felt pain like nothing before as I stared at his form in helplessness.

I looked at him now. The oxygen mask had been removed. The numerous tunes were no longer there, which was an immense relief to me. I remembered feeling so scared when I had first seen some pinkish fluid coming out of his chest and draining into a bag that was connected to his chest with a tube. It took more than three doctors to finally convince me that it was only wound drainage and that he wasn't in danger because of it.

The doctors had said that he was recovering well and would be awake once his body had done the healing. They didn't give me the exact time that would take even when I threatened them. All they said was that it depended on his willpower. I wanted to punch the doctor right then. Adrian had the strongest willpower than any human so he should've woken up much earlier.

I hastily wiped away my tears despite there not being anyone to witness me. I took one of his hands in mine, feeling a little relief when I felt that it wasn't cold like it had been that first time I'd done this ten days ago. I squeezed his hand gently as a small part of me hope he would squeeze it back just like they showed in the movies. I sighed in disappointment when I received no response.

"Adrian, wake up, please. I'm running out of patience now. Please, Adrian. I don't think I can keep going without you anymore." I sobbed against his hand- which was quickly turning out to be my daily routine since the last ten days. I'd always stay with him and talk about anything and everything before breaking down despite promising myself I wouldn't. Today was no different. I couldn't hold it back when he just slept there with not even a flicker of his eyelashes. My hope was beginning to fade and I hated it.

"He hasn't woken up yet?" A voice asked from behind and I jumped, hurriedly wiping up my tears before turning around.

Adrian's parents were here. His mother had tears in her eyes while his father held her. I could see his were moist as well but he was trying to be strong for his wife.

Turning my attention back to Adrian's mother, I gave her a watery smile and shook my head sadly. "No, aunt Brinny." I rejoiced a little at the fact that her eyes lighted up a little at my name for her.

I hadn't gotten my memories back yet but the name had just slipped out casually that day when she had hugged me in the hospital room. I had decided to call her by that name seeing it gave her a little happiness in a difficult time. It was also then that I understood the meaning of the name Brittany on that private jet Ed had 'hired' when I wanted to return back from Paris. Adrian had cleverly sent his father's jet knowing I wouldn't connect the dots then. The remembrance only made me miss him more.

She hugged me. "He will wake up soon, I know it." She whispered, as if trying to convince herself more than me. I nodded, trying to stay positive and bring my hopes up once again.

"Geez, women! Are the two of you always going to cry every time you see each other? You're going to make him want to go back to sleep again as soon as he wakes up."

Both of us smiled a little at uncle Danny's words. I'd also started calling him that now. I had been worried about him when I found out that Mike had attacked him to take the property papers but he seemed fine now just as he assured me. The property papers were once again with him because I didn't want to deal with them now. I trusted him with them just like my dad had.

Uncle Danny patted my head as a father would do to his daughter. "How are you holding up, dear?" He asked softly.

I smiled at him sadly, casting a glance at the sleeping form. "As well as the two of you are." I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded but didn't say anything else as he and aunt Brinny walked closer to the bed. I decided to give them some privacy and got out of the room.

Once out, I immediately spotted Leah and Nate sitting on the waiting chairs, talking quietly. A small smile formed on my lips at the sight. I had seen the two of then grow closer after this incident and it looked the both of them had changed for the better. Leah was more responsible and Nate was more tamed. And it also looked like they genuinely enjoyed each other's despite their denials.

They looked up once they heard my footsteps. Both of them stood up, making me roll my eyes. "Gosh, you don't need to stand every tike I come near you!"

Leah smiled sheepishly while Nate grinned slightly. "How is he?" He asked quietly after sometime.

I shrugged. "Still the same." Both of them deflated on hearing that. Although he didn't show it, I knew Nate was just as affected as I was. I'd caught him looking at Adrian's sleeping form for a long time, sometimes threatening him to wake up or he would tell the media about his batman undies, making me laugh and cry at the same time.

"Ms. White, you should eat something. And get some rest too. You haven't slept well since so long." Leah said I'm concern.

I smiled genuinely at her. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine. I'm just not hungry now."

Both of them looked like they were about to argue but I waved them up and sat myself on a lone chair some distance away from them. I just wanted to be alone. Thankfully, Allie hadn't come today to pester me. I had finally managed to make Eva go back to her college a week ago and in the meantime, Allie had taken it as her duty to feed me even when I had absolutely no desire to do so.

Adrian's parents finally left after a lot of convincing on my part that I was fine to stay with him like I had been every night. I managed to take a few bites with them at their insistence but gave up when I couldn't swallow anymore.

It was now well into evening and I was alone in the hospital room with Adrian. I looked at him closely for something- anything- that would let me know he was awake but like every other times, I got nothing but disappointment.

My despair suddenly turned to anger. I scowled at his face which still looked so good even when he was unconscious. "Seriously, Adrian! Don't you think you've slept enough? It's been fourteen days, for God's sake! How long are you going to sleep for? Are you evening listening? I bet you're enjoying this, aren't you? Watching everyone worry about you? Do you have any idea how everyone is worried sick for you? I swear to God, Adrian, if you don't wake this instant, I'm going to pull your ears so bad that you'll have to wake up from pain. I..."

I couldn't control the tears that ran down my eyes again. Every time I'd think that I had run out of tears, they always surprised me by escaping my eyes even if I so much as look at his face.

I covered my face with my hands as I sobbed, my heart feeling like it was continuously breaking little by little. I was so engrossed wallowing in self pity that I wasn't so sure when I heard a second voice- the voice I had been dying to hear again.

"Your threat was beginning to sound scary but you ruined it by crying."

My heard turned so fast that I felt a sharp pain on my neck. But I didn't care. I didn't care about anything at all because in front of me, lying on the bed wasn't a sleeping face anymore. It was the face I loved and hated the most in the world- Adrian Stone's smirking face.

If anyone wanted to see a 'deer caught in headlights' look, I was sure my face would've fit the description clearly. I opened and closed my mouth multiple times before settling to keep it closed.

He chuckled a raspy breath. "There are very few instances I've seen you speechless. I'm feeling quite proud here at my ability, love."

That got my attention. I looked at his smirking face but could feel nothing but anger at him for making me worried. Without thinking, I pulled hard on his ear.

"Ow, ow, ouch! Let me go, woman! Have you gone mad?" I finally released his ears after hearing his complains and assuring myself that he was, indeed, very awake.

He frowned at me. "If I had known this would be your initial reaction, I wouldn't have woken up a-"

"Adrian Isaac Stone, finish that sentence and I'll make sure you wish you hadn't. Do you have any idea how worried everyone was? How your mother fared everyday when you didn't wake up?" I ranted, my heart still beating furiously not being able to believe that he was finally awake.

"What about you? Were you worried too?" He asked so quietly that I thought I'd misheard him at first. But when I finally comprehended his words, my anger came back once again.

"Adrian, after all this time, do you still have to ask that question?" I couldn't hide the hurt in my words when I asked this.

He must've heard it too, for he immediately looked remorseful. He let out a soft curse. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. Obviously I can't seem to be able to do anything other than hurt you these days. I'm sorry, Eve."

His voice melted my anger and it was my turn to feel remorseful now. I sighed and touched his cheek, my heart feeling warm after so many days of cold when he leaned on my touch. "No, I'm sorry, Adrian. You've just woken up from..." I swallowed, not being able to force the words out of my mouth.

His eyes softened on seeing my tears that had, once again, escaped without my knowledge. "Okay, we're both sorry. Let's leave it at that for now, shall we?"

I smiled slightly and nodded, wiping my tears and scolding myself for looking pathetic. I poured him a glass of water that he drank gratefully with my assistance. I suddenly remembered to call his parents and let them know of him. I also had to call the doctor.

"Where are you going?" He whined when I got up and walked towards the door. I rolled my eyes at his pout, my heart feeling lighter than it had been in a long time. "Let me inform the doctor that you're awake. And I need to call your parents too. I'll ask them to come tomorrow since it's already late now... unless you wish to see them now?" I asked.

He shook his head immediately. "No, tomorrow. It's only going to be you and me tonight." I blushed a little and hurriedly got out like a stupid little girl after hearing him laugh softly.

The doctor had checked him up and said that he was recovering very well. We were told that Adrian would be ready to go home in a week if everything is good. He left after giving us a few instructions about his positioning, diets and meds.

It was silent once the doctor left. I suddenly felt awkward sitting there with him after everything. Adrian didn't take his eyes off me, running his eyes over every part of me. "How are you, Eve? Are you okay?" He asked after a long time.

I let out a humorless laugh. "Adrian, are you serious? You have just woken up after taking a bullet for me and you're asking if I am alright?"

He opened his mouth but I didn't let him speak. "You're the most stupid person in this whole world, you know that, right?"

He winced but nodded slowly but I continued. "Seriously, Adrian. How stupid can you be to bring yourself in front of me with a bullet firing towards you?"

His eyes hardened. "Call it stupid if you want to. But I'd do it all over again and every damn day if it takes to keep you unharmed." He said fiercely.

"Adrian..." I started but he shook his head.

"Eve, I know I have hurt you deeply by not telling you about everything and by taking your company and I am sorry for that. But I am not and I won't ever be sorry for taking this bullet. I'd take a thousand more for you."

I teared up once again at his words. "Adrian, you have no idea how much you scared me. I have never felt such pain as I felt seeing you laying there lifeless. I was so scared I'd lose you." I didn't hold back the tears and sobbed freely over his hand on the bed.

"Ssh... I'm sorry for making you worry, love. Please don't cry. You know how much I hate making you cry." He soothed me, running his other hand over my hair.

I wiped my tears and sat up again. I realized that it was now or never. Looking at his eyes, I mustered all my courage to bare my heart out open in front of him.

"Adrian, I love you."

---
Okay, what do you think?

Did I scare you with the letter? I hope not.

So... let me tell you that this was the last chapter before the final one. Meaning, the next chapter will be the final chapter of P&P. We'll have an epilogue after that and it will officially be the end of this journey. I'm feeling bittersweet at the thought of ending this sweet journey. How about you?

Once again, thank you for all your sweet comments. They are what I live for! If you like the chapter, drop a vote, pwease? See you at chapter 60 (The final Chapter)! Take care!