Chapter 43
The seaside restaurant wore Selene’s favorite tulips like a prayer. Light fell over Damien as he slipped his hand into hers and drew her up to the slow music. He held her close,and for a moment the world narrowed to the two of them.
“It’s done,“he murmured. Selene blinked,puzzled, then realized he meant the adoption of Liam and Aaron. Now he was officially their father.
“I’m so happy,” she laughed,and he kissed her forehead.
“I’m happier,“Damien answered. Tears misted Selene’s eyes as he leaned in for a long.grateful kiss.
The moment shattered when Selene’s phone buzzed.Sarah’s panicked voice came through the line.“Selene, it’s Liam.I don’t know what happened–I was bathing them and Liam began wheezing. I’m headed to Central Hospital.”
Ice closed around Selene’s heart.“How is he?Tell me is Liam okay?”
“He’s breathing for now,but you have to hurry.“Sarah hung up. Selene’s face went pale and they drove toward the hospital.
The waiting room was a small universe of beeps and low conversations. Minutes
stretched into hours as Selene held Aaron to her chest and watched the double
doors.Damien,impatient,went to question the healers.
“I am Liam’s father,” he told one of them.“It’s been four hours. Why so long?”
The doctor hesitated. “We weren’t sure of the diagnosis and had to call in a specialist.”
Another healer appeared, expression grave. “Mr. Blackthorn,your son is stable for now,but-“the man’s voice tightened.“He suffers from a rare genetic disorder affecting roughly one in ten million people.”
Damien’s face lost color.“Then start treatment. Whatever the cost–do it.Save my child.”
The healer’s next words fell like stone. “There is no known cure. As twins,it’s likely both boys carry the same condition. I’m sorry.”
“No cure?“Damien’s whisper broke.“What will happen to my children?”
The healer explained gently.“Cases like this typically survive three months to a year.” Damien staggered back,breath ragged.“No. This cannot be happening to Selene.”
He gripped the healers and made a decision with a voice that shook. “Do not tell Selene.No matter what, she must not know.”
The healers exchanged troubled looks.“Sir,she is their mother-
“I beg you,“Damien said,eyes raw. The man who rarely bowed to anyone now begged.
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doors.Damien,impatient,went to question the healers.
“I am Liam’s father,” he told one of them.“It’s been four hours. Why so long?”
The doctor hesitated.“We weren’t sure of the diagnosis and had to call in a specialist.” Another healer appeared,expression grave. “Mr. Blackthorn,your son is stable for now,but-“the man’s voice tightened. “He suffers from a rare genetic disorder affecting roughly one in ten million people.”
Damien’s face lost color.“Then start treatment. Whatever the cost–do it.Save my child.” The healer’s next words fell like stone.“There is no known cure.As twins,it’s likely both boys carry the same condition. I’m sorry.”
“No cure?“Damien’s whisper broke.“What will happen to my children?”
The healer explained gently.“Cases like this typically survive three months to a year.” Damien staggered back,breath ragged.“No. This cannot be happening to Selene.”
He gripped the healers and made a decision with a voice that shook. “Do not tell Selene. No matter what,she must not know.”
The healers exchanged troubled looks.“Sir,she is their mother-”
beg you,”Damien said,eyes raw. The man who rarely bowed to anyone now begged.
The doctor nodded. “We will honor your request.”
Damien returned,putting on a small,forced smile that could not mask devastation. He gathered Selene and Aaron into his arms.
“The doctor says Liam is stable. They suspect an allergic reaction to pollen,“he lied gently,voice hoarse.
Relief washed over Selene like warm water. She let out a shaky breath.“He’s alright…. can breathe again. Thank you for being here.”
Under the hospital’s fluorescent lights Damien tightened his hold. He carried a secret that would sit between them like a shadow.
Ch
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.