Chapter 76 An Apology
The highway blurred into a monotonous stretch of asphalt and snow, the wipers swishing rhythmically against the windshield as flakes melted on contact. I kept my eyes fixed ahead, hands steady on the wheel, but my mind raced in circles, refusing to settle. Olivia Silver. Was that truly me? The name felt foreign, like a borrowed coat that didn't fit. Or was it Maddie in the document, the girl I'd always been? The parents listed, Amelia and William, deceased. Were they real, or just ink on paper to lure me into that trap? The questions gnawed, relentless, each one branching into more. The only person who could answer was Henry Brooks. His name echoed in my head, a mystery wrapped in the adoption paperwork. Who was he? What did he know?
My tummy growled, loud and insistent, pulling me from the loop. I glanced at the clock on the dashboard, past seven. I hadn't eaten all day, the adrenaline from the escape burning through whatever reserves I had. The thought hit hard: I was suffering the baby. My hand moved to my stomach, patting gently through the coat. "Mummy's sorry," I whispered, the words soft in the quiet car. "We'll get something soon." The thought that I might be neglecting my baby tightened something inside me. No matter how tangled my past was, this… this little life growing inside me was real, present, unarguable. I straightened in my seat, promising myself that I will do better.
The estate gates came into view, iron and imposing under the floodlights, a welcome sight amid the dark. I slowed, the tires crunching on the salted drive, and parked near the main entrance. The cold slapped my face as I stepped out, wind tugging at my hair. The house lights glowed warm, a contrast to the chill settling in my bones.
Clara met me at the door, her apron dusted with flour, concerned with etching lines around her eyes. "Maddie, you're back. Alexander said to come see him whenever you got in."
I nodded, shrugging off my coat. "Thanks. I'll go up now."
She took the coat, hanging it neatly. "You look worn out. Get some rest after."
I climbed the stairs, legs heavy, the banister smooth under my palm. Alexander's room door was ajar, low voices drifting out, the doctor's steady murmur, Alexander's quiet responses. I pushed it open.
He was resting against the pillows, bandages fresh across his chest, the doctor checking his pulse with a stethoscope. The room smelled of antiseptic and tea from a mug on the bedside table. Alexander's eyes found mine immediately.
"You look stressed," he said, voice rough but steady.
The doctor packed his bag, giving me a nod before slipping out.
I approached the bed, perching on the edge. "I'm tired, I had a long day."
He searched my face . "When I recover fully,” he said, voice calm but intent, I want us to talk properly.”
I nodded. “ I want that too. I… I have some questions. And I owe you an apology.”
His brow furrowed faintly. “ An apology?”
“For not telling you about the pregnancy sooner,” I said quietly. “I’ll explain my reasons, everything.”
His expression softened, something warm flickering in his eyes. "I'm glad you're ready to talk," he said. “ And I’m strong enough to listen, before you change your mind.” He added.
"I'm ready now," I said. "You're sure you're strong enough to talk?"
He nodded. "Yes."
I opened my mouth, then my tummy growled again, loud in the quiet room. Heat flooded my cheeks.
Alexander laughed low, the sound warm despite his wounds. "Go freshen up. Let Clara get food for you. You need to always eat and take care of yourself, you know you're eating for two now."
"Noted," I said, standing. "I'll be back."
I headed to my room after telling Clara to send the food up, the hallway lights soft overhead. The door clicked shut behind me, and I leaned against it for a moment, breathing slowly, deliberately. The weight of the day finally settled fully on my shoulders. I pushed myself off the door and headed toward the bathroom.
Freshen up first, then eat, and then talk.
One step at a time.
I pushed open Alexander’s door again, eyes half-lidded but alert the moment he saw me. The bandages on his chest rose and fell steadily.
“Come here,” he said, voice rough from exhaustion. “Sit beside me.”
I crossed the room and eased onto the edge of the mattress, close enough that our thighs brushed. His hand found mine immediately, fingers threading through mine, warm despite everything.
“Where’s Ben?” he asked quietly.
“He left this morning,” I said. “Packed a bag and drove off. I haven’t heard from him since.”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, just a fraction. “He’ll be up to no good. After everything he saw yesterday, he’ll be looking for ways to use it to his advantage. But that won’t happen. I will have someone watching him closely. Who he talks to, where he goes.”
I exhaled, the knot in my chest loosening a little. “I’m glad he wasn’t there when I fully shifted. I don’t know what I would’ve said to him.”
Alexander’s thumb brushed over my knuckles. “You don’t have to explain yourself to Ben. Ever. I’ll take care of him.”
The words settled between us, simple and certain. I believed him.
Then the room went quiet.
Just our breathing slow, even, in sync.