Episode 20

Noah

"Kids, why haven't you gotten up yet? You're going to be late."

I entered my children's room, as every morning, but unlike the usual scene where they are both getting ready, they were both still in bed Joe with his glassy little eyes and Zoe, my little one...

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" I immediately approached her. Zoe was burning with fever and had a severe cough.

Zoe: "I don't feel well, Daddy."

Joe: "I wanted to tell you, but she didn't want me to. Dad, I'm scared."

"Don't worry, love, your sister is going to be okay. Go tell George to get the car ready; we have to go."

Paola: "Mr... What's happening?"

"Zoe got worse, bring compresses and the medicine from the top drawer; I'm taking her to the hospital."

Paola: "Why did she relapse?" my brother must have told her how delicate Zoe's condition was, and if this is also a consequence of having a pregnancy in the sorrowful state it was in.

We knew there were risks that my baby might have complications. We struggled so much for this not to happen, but even though Joe is a perfectly healthy boy, Zoe isn't, her condition is untreatable it can only be managed, but there are times like now.

Once in the hospital, they saw her immediately; they have all her history and know what to do, but it hurts so much to see my little girl suffering like this. It's my fault if I had been stronger during my pregnancy, both would be very healthy kids.

The worst part of this disease is not that it can't be cured, but it also worsens as Zoe grows.

"You must prepare for the worst."

"No!!! Please, Doctor, save my daughter, I beg you, money is no issue."

"I am sorry, but this crisis is worse than any she has had, sir, you must understand that your daughter’s condition will not improve. Regrettably, there is still no cure for her ailment." George grabbed the doctor by the throat. Each of his words tore me apart; I can't lose her. I can't. It's my baby. You can't take her away from me, too.

George: "Do your damn job and save her." that doctor left frightened, and I was embraced by George.

"Why is life so cruel? How much more do I have to lose for it to leave me alone? I don't want to lose her. She and Joe are my life. How will I look at Joe?"

George: "Zoe will be fine. She's a strong girl, and Joe is waiting to get out of this place with his strong dad and his mischievous sister, just as always. That's how everything will end."

"How do you know? Can you swear it?" maybe I'm putting him in a difficult spot, but I need some hope, even just a little.

George: "If you want it to be so, just believe it and ask for it with all your heart." he's right; I can't give up. I need to be strong for my children. We'll get through this, too.

"Thank you, George." he just nodded and let go of me; I hadn't even realized I was still being embraced by him.

The last few days were anguishing, painful, but my baby recovered. I've never felt so thankful and happy, but the doctor’s words brought another reality.

Doctor: "Zoe's treatment will change again. She may be a bit weak initially but will overcome it. Sir, if this treatment fails to stabilize her, next time, be prepared for the worst."

"It’s been five years since they diagnosed my daughter. Haven’t you been able to find a way to save her?"

Doctor: "I'm afraid not. Zoe’s problem is due to all the negativity and pain that your omega endured during pregnancy, which affected them. Joe was born unaffected, but Zoe absorbed it all, and since the necessary alpha partnership during your omega's pregnancy cannot be obtained again, the lack of this paternal input materializes in your daughter's ailment" another reason I hate and cannot forgive Arvan Daniel's.

Two days after Zoe felt entirely well, I returned to the company. Seeing Arvan reminded me of my Zoe's suffering, the sentence weighing on my little one because of his fault, and hearing his apologies only increases my resentment. I never want to see him again. These thoughts hurt, they wound me, but it's worse having him around, like shackles binding not just me but my children as well. Disappear, that's all I wish for.

There's another reason I can't stand Arvan. I noticed it, and George doesn’t deny it he has feelings for me. Although I can't say the same, a part of me feels it might be okay to try and be happy.

He takes care of my children and cares for them like no one else. He listens, and he's always making sure I take care of myself. He's a great man, and my children love him... But even if I reject Arvan, even if one day I wanted to stop seeing him, if I can't rid myself of all this anger and spite, I can't deny the fact that I am bound to him, and this bond forces me to reject anyone who is not him.

This same bond makes me feel happy about his supposed changes in attitude, with every kind gesture and consideration he fakes. I can't help that my omega loves him; I'm his prisoner, and as long as I have this mark, I always will be.

Hearing his words, my chest ached; I could only think that he was rejecting me yet again. The old wound was rejuvenated I had already been spurned once by him. How many times must I endure the same pain?

But I am also happy; I'll be free. Once this mark is gone, this feeling will vanish all of it. I'll be able to hate him with greater strength and banish him forever from me and my children.

Did he say 'I love you'? I must have heard wrong, right? He says he loves me but will let me go? That's not like him! What game is he playing? I hate this part of me that refuses to break free from his chains.

I am frightened to feel him so close, for his touch, though gentle, cannot brush aside the painful memories of that night.

But his words seemed so sincere; his voice sounded so sad and pained. Was everything he said the truth?... No, I can't be fooled; it's all a lie; he wants to deceive me.

I felt the pain of being free from him; my omega was sad, and my heart was split between the agony of shedding that harmful sentiment and being free. That's why I couldn't stop smiling and crying, even through the intense pain. I suppose I still need time to rid myself completely of this deceitful feeling because nothing has changed.

He kissed my forehead, his words so sorrowful, his gaze lifeless and filled with grief. Does he suffer for me? Does he genuinely care?

That's enough, Noah. This isn't a real feeling, just forget it. It will pass in a few days, and you'll be able to hate him and make him pay for everything because even though Caled, Mariana, and my uncles got what they deserved on their own, he won't.

It still pains me to think of seeking justice. Doesn’t he deserve to feel a fraction of Zoe's agony? Yes, he does! So I don't care about this pain; I want him to pay.

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