Alessia walked back to the emergency room, her mind swirling with confusion and betrayal. The scene with Christian and Ava replayed over and over in her head like a cruel tape. She felt sick. How could he do this to me? she thought. But she couldn’t fall apart now—not with her father in the hospital and her family counting on her.
When she stepped into the room, Zane and Victoria both looked up. Zane had his arms crossed, still pacing the floor, while Victoria was seated beside Zayden’s bed, her hand clutching his. Zayden remained unconscious, the faint beeping of the monitors the only sound in the room.
“Alessia,” Victoria said, her voice soft but filled with worry. “Are you alright? You’ve been gone for a while.”
“I’m fine,” Alessia said quickly, brushing off the concern. “I just needed to clear my head.”
Victoria gave her a small, understanding smile. “We all do.”
Before Alessia could say more, the door opened, and the doctor walked in. He held a clipboard and wore a calm, reassuring expression. The family immediately turned their attention to him.
“Are you the patient’s family?” he asked, scanning the room.
“Yes,” Victoria said, standing up quickly. “How is he? Is he okay?”
The doctor nodded, his smile growing. “I’m happy to report that Zayden is doing well. The heart attack was mild, and his vitals have stabilized. He’s awake now and asking to see his family.”
Victoria let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, tears springing to her eyes. “Thank you, Doctor. Thank you so much.”
Zane let out a relieved sigh, his shoulders finally relaxing. “Can we see him?”
“Of course,” the doctor said, gesturing toward the door. “But please keep your visit brief. He needs rest.”
Victoria immediately headed toward the door, and Alessia followed closely behind her. Zane brought up the rear, his usual stoic demeanor softened by the news.
When they entered Zayden’s room, Alessia’s chest tightened at the sight of her father sitting up in bed. He looked tired, his complexion still pale, but his eyes were alert and filled with warmth as he saw his family.
“Hey,” Zayden said, his voice hoarse but steady. “You’re all here.”
Victoria rushed to his side, tears streaming down her face. She leaned down to hug him carefully, mindful of the IVs and wires. “Don’t scare me like that again,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I thought I was going to lose you.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” Zayden replied with a weak chuckle, his hand resting on hers.
Zane stepped closer, his expression a mixture of relief and frustration. “You need to take it easy, Dad. All this stress… you can’t keep carrying everything on your shoulders.”
Zayden gave his son a small, tired smile. “I know, son. I’ll try.”
Alessia stood at the foot of the bed, her emotions swirling. Seeing her father like this—vulnerable but alive—made her chest ache. “We’re just glad you’re okay,” she said softly.
Zayden looked at her, his eyes full of love. “I’ll be home soon,” he said, his tone gentle but reassuring. “Don’t worry about me.”
Victoria wiped her tears and turned to hug Alessia and Zane, pulling them both into a tight embrace. “We’re so lucky,” she said, her voice trembling. “I can’t imagine life without him.”
“None of us can,” Zane said, his voice uncharacteristically tender as he wrapped an arm around his mother.