Chapter 244: Returned for Rosie

They entered the main orphanage building together, Ravial’s large hand protectively on Leitana’s lower back.

The interior was exactly as she remembered, yet somehow smaller and sadder. Faded pale-blue walls peeled in places, old wooden crosses and pictures of Jesus and the saints hung crookedly, and colorful but worn children’s drawings were taped everywhere. The concrete floors were swept clean but cracked, and the air smelled of boiled cassava, coconut oil, and faint disinfectant.

Leitana’s eyes filled with tears the moment she stepped inside. It had only been months, but it felt like years.

She walked slowly down the narrow hallway, hand on her bump, trembling as she passed the simple metal bunk beds, old wooden desks, and tiny chapel with its single stained-glass window.

The nuns came rushing out at the commotion.

“Leitana!”

Sister Marie, Sister Agnes, and the others surrounded her. Leitana broke down, sobbing as she hugged each one fiercely.

“Mi miss yu all so much,” she cried, voice breaking. “Mi thought about yu every single day.”

The nuns hugged her back just as tightly, some crying too, patting her head and touching her pregnant belly with gentle hands.

“Praise God you came back,” Sister Agnes whispered. “Look at you… carrying life.”

Leitana pulled back, wiping her tears. “Mi Rosie… where is she? Mi need to see her.”

The atmosphere shifted. The nuns exchanged solemn looks. Mother Superior stepped forward, face heavy with sorrow.

“Come, my child. She is in the infirmary.”

Leitana’s heart dropped. She followed the old woman, Ravial right behind her, bending his tall frame through the low doorways.

In the small sick room, little Rosie lay in the bed by the window—pale, thin, covered in sweat, her body trembling with fever. Her once-bright eyes were dull, breathing shallow.

Leitana let out a sob and rushed forward, falling to her knees beside the bed. “Rosie…” she whispered.

Mother Superior stood behind her. “She has been very sick for almost three weeks. High fever. We tried traditional medicine and the town clinic, but she is not getting better.”

Leitana lifted the feather-light girl into her arms, rocking her. “Rosie… mi baby. It’s me. Leitana. Mi here now.”

The little girl stirred weakly. Her eyes fluttered open. When she saw Leitana, a small, weak smile touched her lips. “Leitana…? Yu… yu angel now? Mi died already?”

“No, mi love. It’s really me. I came back for yu.”

Rosie’s small hand reached up to touch her cheek. “Mi miss yu…”

Leitana looked up at Ravial, voice breaking with desperation. “Mi Ravial… we need to take her to the hospital. Please. Right now.”

Ravial didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward, gently took Rosie from her arms, cradling the frail child against his chest. “Let’s go. Now.”

Leitana turned to the nuns. “We will be back soon. Mi promise.”

Mother Superior nodded, eyes wet. “Go. Save her.”

The children watched with wide, hopeful eyes as Ravial carried Rosie toward the waiting cars. Leitana climbed into the backseat beside him, holding the little girl’s tiny hand as the convoy sped away.

“Hold on, Rosie,” she whispered. “Mi here now. We’re going to make you better.”

They bypassed the small rural clinic. Ravial had already made calls.

The SUV screeched to a stop outside Vila Central Hospital, where staff waited at the emergency entrance. Ravial carried Rosie inside with long strides as Leitana hurried beside him, one hand on her own belly.

The medical team took over quickly, wheeling Rosie toward the pediatric ward. Leitana tried to follow but was gently stopped.

“Ma’am, you need to wait here. We’ll update you soon.”

Leitana stood frozen, tears pouring down her face. Ravial pulled her against his chest as she sobbed. “Mi Ravial… she looked so small. So sick. What if—”

“She will not die,” he said, tone absolute. “I will not allow it.”

He guided her to a private waiting area. Minutes felt like hours.

Finally, a young doctor approached. “Mrs. Ashbourne, Mr. Ashbourne. Rosie is stable for now. Severe pneumonia, dehydration, and malnutrition. We’ve started antibiotics and IV fluids. She’s fighting.”

Leitana let out a sob of relief, collapsing against Ravial. “Can I see her?”

They were led to her room. Rosie looked tiny against the white sheets, IV in her arm. Leitana dropped to her knees, stroking the girl’s hot forehead.

“Rosie… mi here. Yu no alone anymore.”

The little girl stirred. “Leitana…? Yu really came…”

“Yes, mi baby. Mi came back for yu. Mi no leave yu again. Sleep now. Mi staying right here.”

Leitana stayed by her bedside, humming soft island lullabies and holding her hand.

Outside the room, Ravial watched through the glass, already making silent promises.

He would save this child for his wife—even if it meant bending the entire island to his will.