Chapter 57 Chapter 56

Chapter 57 Chapter 56
I was standing beside Chloe, watching our daughter sleep peacefully, wrapped in a blanket, when the door opened. My mother came in, followed by my sister, who was carrying Luca in her arms.
"Ah, my love, how are you? Did everything go well?" Val approached, her hand gently touching Chloe’s arm.
"Yes, everything went well," Chloe replied, still wearing a tired smile, her fingers stroking the baby’s hair.
Isa came closer slowly, her eyes shining with curiosity.
"Dominic, Dad… how does it feel, huh?"
I took a deep breath, feeling my chest fill with a mix of relief and pride, my shoulders relaxing for the first time in weeks.
"Good, to be honest," I murmured, reaching for Chloe’s hand and intertwining our fingers as I looked at our daughter, so small and perfect, sleeping peacefully.
"And what’s her name?" Val asked, leaning in a little closer.
"Ayla," Chloe answered, her soft smile widening as she adjusted the blanket over the baby.

They stayed there, watching Ayla sleep, exchanging comments about how they’d help in the first few months. Isa, excited, was already making plans, listing the days she’d show up at our house to "lend a hand."

Time passed quickly, and the room was bathed in a soft orange glow as the sun began to set. I had just dozed off in the armchair beside the bed when I woke up to Ayla’s cry. The sound made me jump — instinctively, my hand went to my waist, pulling out my gun before I even processed what was happening.

I looked around and saw Chloe trying to nurse her, her face tense.
"I can’t… it’s not working," she murmured, frustrated.
I put the gun away, letting out a sigh.
"It’s not working? Do you want me to call the nurse?"
"Yes, please."

I stood up quickly and left the room. I found a nurse in the hallway, explained the situation, and she nodded, saying she’d be right there.

When I returned to the room, Chloe was still trying, looking anxious.
"She’s on her way," I said, moving closer to the bed.
"Okay…"

A few minutes later, the door opened. But it wasn’t the nurse.

It was a man.

He walked in with a badge hanging from his coat and a calm smile.
"Let’s fix this, okay? Take a deep breath and relax. Excuse me."
I watched him, my jaw muscles tightening, as he got a little too close. When the bastard touched her breast to help, my eye almost twitched on its own. I ran my tongue over my teeth and cleared my throat — loudly — just to make sure he knew I was there.

They, of course, continued talking as if nothing was wrong.
My fingers tapped against the arm of the chair. I forced myself to stay calm — or what was left of it.

Finally, Chloe managed it. She let out a sigh of relief and looked at me with a sweet smile.
"I did it…"
"Perfect, Mommy," the man said with a smile. "If you need any help, just call me."

Him. Why did it have to be him? Wasn’t there anyone else competent in this damn hospital?

I gave a short, cold smile that hid my thoughts well.
"That’s wonderful, amore mio…" I murmured, my eyes locked on the guy until he left the room.

When the sound of the door closing echoed, I stood up and went to Chloe. I brushed her hair gently, leaning down to look at Ayla nursing peacefully.
"You should go home and rest," she said softly.
"No way." I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. "I mean… I’ll stay here."
"You look tired."
"Me?" I let out a low laugh. "Tired? I don’t know that word, Chloe. I’m staying."

She just shook her head, smiling, and I sat down again, my gaze fixed on them — my wife and my daughter — swearing I wouldn’t leave that spot for anything.

The hours dragged on, and at some point, I passed out. My whole body ached — especially my back. That miserable armchair felt like it was made for torture. I groaned softly, frowning when the morning light flooded the room.

I opened my eyes slowly, blinking a few times until I got used to the brightness. It was way too early, and when I turned my head to the side, the scene in front of me wiped away any trace of sleep.

There he was. Again.

The same man — that damn nurse — helping Chloe nurse Ayla.

My jaw clenched instantly. I crossed my arms, gripping the fabric of my jacket so tightly my knuckles turned white. A hot sting rose in my chest — jealousy, the kind that made me want to break something.

I could kill him. Just like I did with that judge.

But I took a deep breath, forcing control. Not now.

Still, seeing another man touch her — my woman — burned me from the inside out.