As I stepped out of Alexander’s office, my mind was screaming at me to tum back, to save Liam before it was too late. Every fiber of my being was begging me to jump right into it, to hold my son and do whatever it took to stop the illness from consuming him further. But couldn’t. Not yet
Just a few more days, I told myself, clenching my fists as I walked down the hallway, just a few more days to push Alexander to agree to my terms. If I went in now, desperate, without securing my rights as his mother, nothing would stop Alexander from pulling him away from me again. And I couldn’t risk that–couldn’t save him only to lose him all over again.
* 21 11 !
The thought bumed like fire. This wait, this gamble I was taking, it tore me apart. Every hour I delayed felt like I was failing him. But it held out just a little Tonger, maybe, just maybe, I could finally make sure that once I saved my son, he’d be mine forever.
I immediately found my way to hospital, I needed to see him again, my heart beating with dread and urgency Tharely noticed the hallways as I walked toward Liam’s room, each step feeling heavier, like I was dragging a weight I couldn’t see. The doctor incharge of Liam’s case met me just outside his door. His face was kind but stem, and as I held back tears, I forced myself to ask the question I’d been dreading.
“How long does he have?” My voice trembled, barely above a whisper.
The doctor’s expression softened, but the words came out like blades. “Not long. The disease is advancing quickly. He needs the transplant soon, or..” He trailed off, but he didn’t need to finish. I felt the blow land, catting deep,
nodded, swallowing the ache in my throat. “I’m his mother,” I whispered, though I realized he didn’t know who I was. “I’ll do it–I’ll give him the transplant. But “I glanced down the hall, wary of anyone overhearing. “I need a few days to put some things in order flest. Please, don’t tell Alexander about my visit.
The doctor looked hesitant, but he gave a cut nod. I thanked him with a small, grateful smile, but it did nothing to ease the weight of the moment.
Stepping into Liam’s room, 1 was met with the sound of the machines humming softly, their lights blinking in rhythmic cadence. My breath caught at the sight of him—my beautiful little boy, lying so still, so fragile, and hooked to all these devices. I couldn’t hold back the sob that broke from my chest as I moved closer, my hand reaching out shally,
The moment my fingers brushed against his, cold and frail, my heart shattered all over again. Tears slipped down my face unchecked, each one a testament to the years I’d lost, the moments I’d been robbed of
“I’m beer, Liam,” I whispered, even though I knew he couldn’t hear me. “I’m here now.
I stroked his hand gently, a silent promise to him and to myself. Soon. I would get him out of here. I’d take him far away from this place, from Alexander, from everything that had kept us apart.
AsTbent down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, a surge of determination filled me, I would save him. No matter the cost. I wouldn’t let Alexander–or anyone else–keep me from him again.
Wiping the last of my tears, I straightened and lett the room. There was no time to linger. I had to keep pushing Alexander until he agreed to my terms.
Just as I left the hospital and was about to get into my car, my phone rang. Dominic’s name flashed across the screen.
“Hey,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Where are you?” he asked, a hint of concem in his voice.
“At the hospital,” I said softly. “L.I needed to see Llam.”
There was a pause, then he said, “All right. Well, I called to tell you there’s a party tonight to celebrate the deal. I thought you might want to attend, you know, an part of our… plan.”
A party. The last thing I wanted was to be in the same space as Alexander, but this was a chance. An opportunity to press him for an answer. I forced a smile, though
he couldn’t see it. “I’ll be there.”
“Good. And, Raina?” Dominichesitated, “You’ll have Liar back soon. I promise.”
I hung up, feeling a cenewed sense of purpose. But first, I needed something to wear. I headed to the mall, hoping to find something that would make a statement
– something that screamed confidence, resilience. I wanted Alexander to see just how strong I’d become
Astrilled through the cacks in search of something suitable for tonight’s celebration, a familiar, grating voice drifted through the air, freezing me in place.
“Of all the stores..” Vanessa’s voice dripped with disdain as she appeared in front of me, and Eliza clinging to her side with red, putty eyes.
Trook a steadying breath, bracing mysell. Vanessa wasted no time, grabbing my shoulder and turning me around to face het.
| straightened, fixing them both with a cold state. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Vanessa’s smirk widened, and she crossed her arms, stepping closer. “Help? As if you could help anyone but yourself, Halusa.” She looked me up and down, her eyes narrowing. “I have to admit, though, it’s surprising to see you out heir, strutting around as if you’re untouchable. Considering the trail of wreckage you leave everywhere you go, you’d think you’d want to hide that sing little face of yours.”
