Chapter 103: A New Opportunity

Alexia felt the weight of the news crushing her, her breath becoming erratic. Was her father going to be okay? Would there be time to redeem everything she had broken between them? The questions piled up in her mind, but she couldn't find answers. She only felt an emptiness taking over her more and more with each passing second.

Mateo, by her side, tried again to calm her, but his efforts were in vain. There was nothing he could say that could ease Alexia's anguish. Her body trembled violently, and the tears turned into sobs as her mind worked frantically, replaying every word she had said, every mistake she had made.

Alexia couldn’t stop crying. Mateo, with patience, held her and kept repeating that everything would be fine. Analú was also affected, and Nicolás, seeing her alone, left Britney to go comfort her. Then, he returned home with his girlfriend.

Thomas, equally worried about his boss, reflected on how stress and concerns had weakened him, despite being an active and healthy person.

Meanwhile, in New York, Albert Thompson and his wife, Ana Lucía, were preparing to return to England to support Alexia in her time of pain. They didn’t know how long Frederick would be in this condition, but they were determined to stand by her side.

Three days of anguish passed for everyone, but finally, Frederick began to show signs of improvement. The news quickly spread among close family and friends. The attending physician informed them that the businessman would be transferred to a step-down unit, where he could receive visits from his loved ones. Although still under strict observation, his stability was a relief to everyone.

Alexia was the first to enter the room. She hadn’t slept properly in days, and her swollen, red eyes reflected the nights full of worry and guilt. As soon as she crossed the door, the constant sound of the heart monitor and the sight of her father connected to the oxygen machine made her heart constrict. Each step toward the bed felt like torment, as if she were facing all the weight of the words she had never dared to say.

When she reached his side, she couldn’t stop the tears from falling down her face. She looked at him closely, noticing how fragile he appeared in that moment. Her father, the strong and imposing man she had always admired, now seemed so vulnerable. Alexia took his trembling hand and sat next to him, trying to hold back her tears, but her emotions were too overwhelming.

—Dad... —her voice was barely a whisper—. Forgive me, please...

The tears began to fall more intensely. Frederick slowly opened his eyes at the sound of her voice. Though weak, his pupils focused on his daughter with tenderness. Alexia squeezed his hand gently, trying to maintain her composure, but her words came out broken.

—If only I had been calmer, if I hadn’t pressured you so much... —she sobbed—. This is all my fault. I demanded so much from you without realizing I was hurting you.

Frederick made an effort to lift his hand toward his oxygen mask, as if wanting to speak, but Alexia stopped him gently.

—No, Dad, please, don’t speak. Rest. There will be time for you to scold me or tell me what you think. —She tried to smile, but her lips trembled. She leaned toward him and, with her other hand, caressed his forehead.

The silence in the room was overwhelming, broken only by the rhythmic sound of the machines. Alexia kept staring at her father, searching his face for any sign of relief or comfort. After a few seconds, she took a deep breath and continued:

—I... forgive you. And I know Analú will too. —Her voice cracked as she mentioned her sister’s name—. Together, we will find a way to fix everything. It doesn’t matter what happened before, Dad. What matters now is that you’re here, that you’re alive... —Her voice faded, and the crying took over again.

Frederick, despite his weakness, managed to squeeze Alexia's hand lightly. It was his way of letting her know he was listening, that he understood, and deep down, he was also seeking forgiveness. That small gesture was enough for Alexia to break down once more, this time letting out all the guilt and fear she had accumulated over the past few days.

—Dad, I don’t want to lose you. I can’t... I can’t imagine my life without you. —She took his hand to her lips and kissed it tenderly—. You’re the pillar of this family, and even though I’ve been angry with you many times, I’ve always admired you... I love you, Dad.

She stayed by his side, holding his hand, while the tears kept falling down her cheeks. After a few minutes, she noticed her father trying to move his lips under the mask. She leaned closer, trying to understand his words.

—I’m sorry... daughter... —Frederick murmured with barely audible words, each one heavy with effort.

Alexia quickly shook her head, moving closer to him.

—No, Dad, you don’t have to apologize. What matters now is that you get better. I’m here, and I won’t leave you alone. —She smiled weakly, wiping away her tears—. We’ll talk about everything when you’re stronger. For now, promise me you’ll fight, that you’ll do everything you can to recover.

Frederick nodded slightly, his eyes moist with emotion. Alexia felt a bit of peace seeing him respond, though her heart still carried a mix of emotions. She stayed with him a little longer, telling him about small things from the past days, trying to distract him while also relieving herself.

When Alexia left the room, her steps were slow, still immersed in the intensity of what she had just experienced. As she turned the corner of the hallway, she ran into Analú, who was waiting for her turn to see Frederick. The young woman was standing with her arms crossed, her face somewhat worried, as if something in the air told her the situation was not easy to handle.

Without thinking too much, Alexia took a step toward her. Without a word, she embraced her tightly. It was a long, almost desperate hug that conveyed the relief of not being alone at that moment, but also the weight of the emotions both of them had to process. They both knew the test ahead was bigger than they had expected, and that hug seemed to be a silent agreement that they would face whatever came together.

When they parted slightly, their gazes met. There was no need to speak to understand each other. In their eyes, there was a mixture of sadness, but also determination. They knew that what was happening with Frederick was not easy to accept, but there was something in that moment that connected them beyond words. A mutual understanding that from that moment on, they would have to be strong, not only for what they felt, but also for what the future held for them.

The hug, though brief, offered them a breather. A space to reconnect, to remind themselves that they were not alone in the midst of this emotional storm. With one last look that said more than a thousand words, Alexia nodded, giving Analú permission to enter. They both knew the next few hours would be crucial, and that, each in their own way, they would have to find the strength to face whatever was to come.