Chapter 144 Shattered hope
They both chorused and seemed surprised.
Alex started, “No, doctor Peters, let's leave it until six months.”
The doctor gave a small, reassuring nod, his expression soft but measured. “Alex, I know you’re worried about his feelings if the result wouldn't turn out positive but you never can tell,” he said, leaning back slightly in his chair.
“Three years ago, there was nothing, no response at all, not even the slightest stimulation. But now…” A faint smile touched his lips. “His body is responding. That’s significant. That’s real progress.”
Lucas blinked, his tear-filled eyes lifting slowly as he pulled from Alex’s body.
“Yes Lucas, you’re improving,” the doctor continued. “And that matters more than you think. So don’t give up, alright?”
For a moment, the heaviness in the room shifted slightly.
Lucas swallowed hard, his fingers tightening around the edge of his shirt as a fragile hope began to rebuild itself inside him. “Are you… saying I’ll be able to have babies?” he asked, his voice unsteady but laced with longing.
Alex’s arm instinctively held Lucas’s. His gaze flicked toward the doctor, tense, cautious, as if bracing for the answer.
The doctor paused briefly, choosing his words carefully.
“I’m saying…” he began, his tone calm and honest, “There is a slight possibility.”
Lucas leaned forward without realizing it, his eyes searching.
“Based on your current development,” the doctor added, “there is about a thirty percent chance that you may be able to conceive with the right medical support.”
The words landed differently this time. Lucas let out a shaky breath, something between a sob and a laugh escaping him as fresh tears gathered but these felt lighter, softer. “Thirty percent?” he repeated quietly, almost like he was testing..
Alex exhaled slowly beside him, some of the tightness in his chest easing. He pressed a gentle kiss to Lucas’s temple. “Hey… that’s something, baby,” he murmured. “That’s better than nothing.”
Though within Alex, he was wishing they didn't bother to run the test at all. Lucas nodded faintly, wiping at his face, his emotions still tangled but no longer entirely broken. “Really? Thirty percent is nothing.” he whispered.
The doctor didn't accept it. Come on Lucas, let's monitor your progress closely. There are treatments, options and steps we can take from here.”
Lucas glanced at Alex, and for the first time since they entered the room, there was something unsteady in his eyes. The earlier hope in his eyes seemed to have died.
He stood up. “Doctor, thank you for everything. When I'm ready, I will come back.” He started towards the door.
Alex shook the doctor's hand. “We will talk later, doctor.”
With that he followed Lucas out of the office.
The drive back was quieter than the one to the hospital. Lucas sat by the window, his gaze fixed on the passing streets. However, his mind was elsewhere… Caught between disappointment and that fragile thread of hope he was still trying to hold onto. His fingers rested loosely in his lap, occasionally tightening as if he was grounding himself.
Beside him, Alex didn’t say much. One hand rested protectively over Lucas’s. His thumb brushes against his skin in slow, absent strokes. He kept glancing at him. It was subtle and careful, watching for any sign that he might break again.
The guard's vehicle moved smoothly through traffic, the lead car clearing the way while the one behind stayed close, almost invisible to anyone not paying attention.
Then Lucas’s phone rang. The sound cut through the silence.
He blinked, snapping out of his thoughts, and reached for it.
The moment he saw the caller ID, his expression shifted, sort of softening.
“Dad…” he murmured under his breath before answering. “Hello, Dad.”
Alex’s eyes flicked toward him instantly.
On the other end, his father’s voice carried warmth and concern. “Lucas, how are you doing, son?”
Lucas hesitated for a split second, his gaze drifting briefly to Alex before he forced a small smile. “I’m okay,” he said gently. “I’m doing fine.”
“We’ve been thinking about you,” his father continued. “These days, the house feels too empty without you. We miss you.”
Lucas’s chest tightened slightly at that, a quiet ache settling in. He hadn’t realized how much he missed home too but he didn’t want to admit it yet.
There was a pause, then his father spoke again, a little more upbeat this time. “Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight? It’s been a while. Your sister and Nanny Mabel would be so happy to see you.”
Lucas’s lips curved faintly, the invitation warming something inside him. He nodded instinctively before realizing his father couldn’t see him.
“Okay,” he said. “I’ll come for dinner.”
“Good,” his father replied, relief evident in his tone. “We’ll be waiting.”
The call ended shortly after.
Lucas lowered the phone slowly, exhaling under his breath as he stared at the screen for a moment longer before it dimmed.
Alex finally spoke. “Your dad wants something?”
Lucas nodded, turning slightly toward him. “Yeah… he wants me to come home for dinner. He said they miss me.”
Alex studied him carefully. “And you?”
Lucas gave a small, honest smile. “I miss home too.”
A brief silence followed, but this one felt different, less heavy.
Alex squeezed his hand gently. “Then we’ll go,” he said.
Lucas looked at him, something soft and grateful in his eyes. “We?” he asked quietly.
Alex didn’t hesitate. “Yeah,” he replied. “You’re not going alone. Not with James and Mac’s nonsense.”
Lucas nodded, leaning back into his seat, the weight on his chest easing just a little as the car carried them forward.
By the time they got back to Alex’s place, the midday settled in fully.
Lucas stepped in first, slipping off his shoes with a quiet sigh, the familiar space wrapping around him like a fragile comfort. Alex followed behind, his eyes instinctively scanning the surroundings, doors, windows, and even shadows, before he finally shut the door.
Just as he was about to say something, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen.
Janet.
He answered immediately. “Yes?”
“Mr. Alex,” her voice came through, brisk but polite. “The papers are ready. Everything has been finalized.”
Alex’s exposure shifted focus, decisive. “Good. I’m on my way.”
He ended the call and turned to Lucas, who was already watching him.
“I need to step out for a bit,” Alex said, his tone gentle but firm. “Something important to sort.”
Lucas frowned slightly. “Now?”
“It won’t take long,” Alex assured him, stepping closer. “But listen to me” His gaze sharpened, serious now. “Don’t open the door for anyone. No matter who it is. Just wait for me, okay?”
Lucas blinked at the sudden intensity, then nodded. “Okay, I will.”
Alex studied him for a second longer, then leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to his forehead. “Good.”
And then he was gone.
The meeting with Janet was quick and efficient. She handed over the documents with a professional smile. “Everything is in place. The property has been transferred as requested.”
Alex flipped through the papers, his sharp eyes catching every detail. “Good,” he muttered.