Chapter 176
Chapter 176
Christiana’s POV
I woke up on the stiff hospital couch, the synthetic fabric rough against my skin. My neck ached from the awkward angle I’d slept in, and the faint smell of antiseptic mixed with the rhythmic beeping of machines brought me fully into the present. For a moment, I stayed there, staring at the ceiling, trying to untangle the remnants of a nightmare that still clung to me like a shadow. My chest felt tight, my breathing shallow as flashes of Daniel’s cruel grin filled my mind.
Blinking hard, I sat up abruptly, my heart racing as reality returned. The sterile white walls of the hospital room felt cold, almost suffocating, as I scanned the space. Across the room, Ethan and Emma were propped up on two hospital beds. Their small forms looked so fragile against the stark white sheets. A doctor was crouched beside them, speaking softly, and Alex stood near the foot of Ethan’s bed. His tall frame stood protectively, his posture rigid, his hand resting on Ethan’s shoulder.
Relief and guilt surged through me like a tidal wave. The sight of my children alive and safe should have been enough, but it wasn’t. The memory of their terrified faces, their cries echoing in my nightmare, still pierced through me. I was on my feet before I could think, my bare soles hitting the cold tiles. “Ethan.. Emma…”
Both of them turned at the sound of my voice. Ethan’s face broke into a hesitant smile, his lips quivering as though he wasn’t sure it was okay to feel relief. Emma’s eyes widened, her lips trembling before she let out a soft cry. “Mom!”
Her voice cracked, and it shattered something inside me. I crossed the room quickly, my vision blurred by tears, and scooped her into my arms the moment I reached her bedside. Her small body trembled against mine, and I held her as tightly as I dared, afraid she might disappear if I let go. I buried my face in her soft curls, my tears soaking into her hair as I whispered, “Oh, my baby. I’m here. Mommy’s here.”
Ethan sat up straighter, though his movements were slow and careful. His expression was of relief and something else… confusion, maybe. He looked at me with wide eyes, his lips trembling, though he was trying to stay brave. “We’re okay, Mom,” he said softly, but his voice cracked on the last word.
I reached out with one hand, cupping his cheek gently. “I know, sweetheart. I know. But I am so sorry. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I should’ve been there. I should’ve protected you.”
Alex’s deep voice broke through the moment, steady and authoritative, but I could hear the tight edge of controlled anger underneath. “The doctor says they’re fine physically,” he said, his eyes locked on me. “Just exhausted and a little dehydrated.”
I turned my gaze to him, my chest tightening at the sight of his stormy eyes. His jaw was set, his features hard and unreadable, but the tension in his body told me everything. He was holding it together, but only barely.
“Emma, Ethan,” I whispered, pulling Emma back slightly so I could look into her tear–streaked face. “I’m so sorry. I need you to know I would never, ever send anyone to take you like that.”
Emma blinked up at me, her face crumpling as fresh tears spilled over her cheeks. “But… Mr. Daniel said you sent him,” she whimpered. “He said you needed us to come to you. He said…” Her voice broke, and she buried her face in my shoulder.
Ethan spoke up, his small fists clutching the blanket tightly. “He said it was because you needed us, Mom. He told us you asked him to bring us.”
Their words cut through me like a knife. I shook my head, my voice trembling with the intensity of my emotions. “No, baby,” I said, holding Emma tighter and reaching for Ethan’s hand. “No, I would never do that. He lied to you. He lied to everyone. I would never send anyone to take you without telling you.”
Emma lifted her head slightly, her tear–streaked face filled with confusion and hurt. “But why did he say that? Why would he lie?”
Before I could answer, Alex stepped closer, his voice firm and cold. “Because he wanted to hurt your mom,” he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. His hand remained on Ethan’s shoulder, steadying him. “He used you to try and get to her. And he will never get the chance to do it again.”
2/2
图1家65%
Emma shuddered against me, and Ethan’s brow furrowed deeply as he tried to process Alex’s words. “So… he didn’t mean it? He wasn’t trying to help?” Ethan’s voice was soft, uncertain.
“No,” I said, my voice breaking. “He wasn’t trying to help. He wanted to hurt me. But you didn’t do anything wrong. You did nothing wrong, do you hear me?”
Ethan nodded slowly, his eyes welling up with tears he was trying so hard to hold back. “We were scared,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “But Emma said you’d come. She said you’d find us.”
My heart clenched, and I kissed his forehead, my tears falling freely now. “You were so brave,” I whispered, stroking his cheek gently. “Both of you. I am so, so proud of you.”
Emma sniffled against me, her voice small and trembling. “Are we safe now, Mommy?”
“Yes, baby,” I said, nodding firmly. “You’re safe now. I promise. Daddy and I won’t let anything happen to you ever again.”
Alex’s voice was firm, assuring, “No one will ever hurt you again, he said. “Not as long as I’m here.” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.
Ethan’s gaze shifted to Alex, his small fists loosening slightly. “You stopped him, didn’t you?”
Alex met his eyes and gave a promise.”
small nod. “Yes,” he said simply. “I stopped him. And he’ll never come near you again. That’s a
The doctor, who had been quietly checking their vitals, stood up and cleared his throat softly. “They’re fine physically,” he said, addressing me. “They just need rest, fluids, and time. But they’ll recover.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with gratitude as I watched him leave.
Emma leaned into me, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. “Mommy… can we go home soon?”
I kissed her forehead, her soft curls tickling my lips. “Yes, sweetheart,” I said. “We’ll go home soon. You’ll sleep in your own bed tonight, I promise.”
She gave a faint smile, her small arms tightening around my neck before she rested her head against my shoulder. Her breathing slowed, and I realized she was drifting off to sleep.
Ethan’s small hand reached out, his fingers curling around mine. “We believe you, Mom,” he said softly. His voice was so quiet, but the weight of his words made my tears fall harder.
“Thank you,” I whispered, leaning in to kiss his forehead again. Thank you for trusting me.”
For a moment, I allowed myself to lean against the hospital bed, my hands tangled with my children’s, Alex’s steady presence beside me. My heart was still heavy, still aching, but they were safe.
And for now, that was enough.
COMMENT
0