Chapter 260: Reconciliation

His shoulders instinctively stiffened. His expression grew cautious. He wasn't sure whether to stay or quietly leave.

Emily noticed immediately and walked over and smiled reassuringly.

"Relax, Brother-in-law."

Alex looked at her.

"Dad understands the truth now."

The tension in his shoulders eased slightly. "Alright."

He nodded before walking toward Dr. Kornelly. "Thank you for coming, Doctor."

They shook hands warmly.

"I'm glad to be here," Dr. Kornelly replied.

Alex then turned to Mr. Westman.

"Sir..."

Before he could continue, Emily spoke. "Dr. Kornelly was invited because he's been handling Lucas's medical care since childhood. He knows Lucas's condition better than anyone."

Mr. Westman lowered his head.

For a long moment, he couldn't find the words.

Finally, he looked Alex straight in the eye. "I'm ashamed of myself."

His voice was filled with regret.

"I spent so much time judging you and him but I failed to understand my own son."

He took a slow breath. "Alex..."

"I'm truly sorry."

He extended his hand.

Without hesitation, Alex accepted it. Their handshake was firm.

"There is nothing to worry about, sir," Alex said gently. "I only want Lucas to wake up soon."

Mr. Westman nodded, emotion shining in his eyes. "So do I."

A brief silence settled over the room before he turned toward Dr. Kornelly.

"Doctor..." "The other physician explained Lucas's condition."

"You've reviewed everything as well."

"Does your assessment agree with theirs?"

Dr. Kornelly smiled. "Yes."

Everyone visibly relaxed.

"But..."

The single word instantly erased their relief.

Alex's heart skipped.

Emily held her breath.

Mr. Westman's brows knitted together.

"But what Doctor?" Alex asked anxiously.

Dr. Kornelly chuckled softly at their expressions. "Don't look so frightened."

He closed the file. "I simply don't want to announce anything before we're certain."

"What is it, Doctor?" Alex pressed, unable to hide the worry in his voice.

Dr. Kornelly's smile widened. "In about two weeks, another scan should confirm my suspicion."

Alex frowned. "Confirm what?"

Dr. Kornelly looked from Alex to Mr. Westman, letting the suspense linger for just a second. Then he said with unmistakable excitement,

"There is a very strong possibility that Lucas isn't carrying one baby."

He paused.

"He may be carrying twins."

Silence crashed over the room.

Alex blinked.

Emily's mouth fell open.

Mr. Westman stared at the doctor in complete disbelief.

"What...?" Alex whispered, almost unable to breathe. "Twins?"

The room remained silent. No one spoke. No one even seemed to breathe.

Alex was the first to find his voice yet again. “Doctor, did you say twins?"

His eyes searched Dr. Kornelly's face, hoping he had heard correctly.

The doctor nodded with a smile.

"It is only a possibility at this stage, but the scan gave me enough reason to suspect it."

Alex's lips slowly parted into a smile. Then another, before he knew it, he let out a shaky laugh.

"Oh my God..." He turned to Lucas, gently cupping his sleeping face.

"Baby... did you hear that?"

His eyes shimmered with tears.

"You might be carrying our babies."

He laughed again, unable to contain the overwhelming joy.

Mr. Westman covered his mouth as his own eyes reddened.

"My son... He wiped away a tear.

I could become a grandfather to two grandchildren. Emily, did you hear that?"

Emily squealed, clapping both hands over her mouth.

"Twins!"

She rushed to Lucas's bedside.

"My brother is amazing. Please wake up. You need to hear this."

Alex laughed. "I don't even know if I should be scared or excited."

"Both," Emily answered immediately, making everyone chuckle.

For the first time in days, the hospital room was filled with genuine laughter instead of grief.

Dr. Kornelly allowed them their moment before clearing his throat.

"There is one important thing."

The laughter faded.

"I strongly advise all of you to keep this between yourselves."

Alex looked at him. "Why?"

"Because we aren't certain yet." The doctor's expression became serious. "I don't want anyone getting emotionally attached to the possibility only for the next scan to prove otherwise."

He looked at each of them in turn.

"So, for now, treat this as a hopeful possibility, not confirmed news."

Everyone nodded.

"I understand," Alex replied.

"We won't tell anyone."

Dr. Kornelly smiled. "Good then."

He closed Lucas's chart. "I'll see you all in two weeks."

After giving Lucas one last reassuring glance, he left the room.

A little while later, Emily hugged Alex. "Take care of yourself too, Brother-in-law."

"I will."

Mr. Westman stepped forward. "I'll come back this evening."

Alex nodded respectfully. "I'll be here."

So father and daughter quietly left the room. Once the door closed, silence returned.

Alex pulled his chair beside Lucas and intertwined their fingers.

He smiled softly. “Baby, our family might be getting bigger than we expected."

His phone suddenly vibrated. The caller ID made his smile disappear.

It was Derby.

He stared at the screen for several seconds before answering.

"What do you want?"

Her voice came out shaky.

"Alex..please, I just want to see Lucas."

Alex's jaw tightened. "No, I don't want you around him. He is on this bed and in this condition because of you. Don't you dare come close to him and don't call my number…”

Derby whispered in cracked voice,

"Please, just this once. I won't stay long."

"What for? You've done enough already," Alex replied coldly. "I don't want any more bad luck near Lucas."

His words landed like a slap.

On the other end of the call, Derby began to cry.

"I know, I messed up several times. I was stupid to believe Larrissa’s story. I was such an idiot for trusting her. I know I've hurt him by caging him with marital vows. I'm sorry. I've come to realize that he was never meant for me, and I've hurt you unjustly too."

Her voice broke. "But I never wanted this. I never wanted him lying unconscious in a hospital."

Alex remained silent while Derby kept crying and pleading.

"I've replayed everything in my head every single hour. If I could undo it, I would."

Another sob escaped her.

"Please..I just want to apologize. I just want him to hear my voice once."

Alex closed his eyes, as he thought of Lucas.

Lucas had never been someone who held onto hatred. Even after everything, he always believed people deserved the chance to repent.

Alex sighed deeply. "Fine, five minutes."

Derby gasped softly.

"Oh thank you."

"No drama. No touching him, and if I feel you're upsetting him, you're leaving immediately."

"I promise, just a few minutes. Derby responded instantly."

The call ended.

Alex frowned. Something suddenly occurred to him.

Before he could think any further,

a gentle knock came at the door.

He looked up. The door slowly opened.

Derby stepped inside, her eyes swollen from crying, still clutching her phone in trembling hands.

Alex stared at her in surprise. "You? That was too fast..." His eyes narrowed.

"You were already in the hospital."

Derby lowered her gaze.

"Yes. I came yesterday but was too scared to get close. I've been here since this morning. I... I just didn't have the courage to come to the room without your permission."

“I didn't mean to hurt him, it was an accident. It was all my fault. I..I…” her voice broke.

She looked toward the unconscious Lucas, tears dripping down her eyes once more.

“Lucas, please wake up soon okay.” She whispered as she walked closer to drop the envelope in her hand.

“I never knew about his biology.” She smiled through tears.

“Congrats on your little miracle Lucas.” She touched his hand lightly, but removed her hand due to Alex's instruction.

“I'm happy for you guys Alex.” She laughed through sobs. “Please be wary of Larrisa and take care of Lucas and your baby. The divorce paper is signed. Be happy together.”

Alex smiled lightly, but as Derby left, his face changed. “Larrisa, I'm waiting for you to make your mistake.”