After two days in the hospital, I was finally discharged. My health was stable, and the doctors had given me permission to go home, but the sadness in my chest only grew. My babies would remain hospitalized for at least a few more weeks to ensure they developed properly. I didn't want to leave them, but the reality was I had no choice. The nurses assured me they were fine, but the feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.
I was sitting on the bed, trying to mentally prepare myself to leave the hospital, when the door opened. The nurse came in, helping me get out of bed. The moment she started to get me ready, the thought of leaving without my children cut like a blade. The pain was crushing.
When I looked into the hallway, an unexpected figure appeared. Dante was there, waiting for me. I knew he would come, but still, his presence caught me by surprise. He was elegant, as always, in his perfectly tailored black suit, his dark hair impeccably styled. His piercing eyes watched me, but he didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable in the hospital environment.
“Aurora.” His deep, controlled voice sounded as usual, with a hint of curiosity. “Are you alright?”
I nodded, unable to hide the sadness that still consumed me. I wasn't alright. Nothing was alright. But the words escaped me before I could stop them.
“I should be with my children.” My voice came out hoarse, trembling.
He took a step forward, with an expression that could be called understanding, but his gaze showed no affection. Dante was pragmatic, someone who might never understand the emotional weight of what I was feeling.
“Let's go.” He gestured for the nurse to push the wheelchair. “I'll accompany you.”
The walk to the NICU seemed long and painful. The pain in my chest was constant, and with every step we took, my heart ached. When we reached the incubator room, my stomach churned. The environment was calm, but the feeling of being away from my children was like an emptiness that wouldn't be filled anytime soon. The babies were there, protected by glass, with tubes and wires connecting them to monitors.
Dante remained behind me, in silence, as I approached the incubator. I placed my hands on the cold glass, looking at the little ones with teary eyes. They seemed so fragile, so dependent on me, and the pain of not being able to hold them at that moment was almost unbearable.
“They're so small…” I whispered, more to myself than to him.
Dante drew closer, also looking at the babies. He said nothing, but seemed to be absorbing the scene. I didn't know what he was thinking, but somehow, I felt calmer in his presence. Even though he was a stranger in many aspects of my life, something about him gave me a certain comfort.
“What will their names be?” he asked, still observing the children.
I took a deep breath before answering. The words didn't come easily, but I knew what I wanted to say.
“Bento and Bella,” I said, gazing intently at the two little ones. “Those are the names I've chosen.”
Dante said nothing. He just watched the babies for a moment before turning his attention to me. His gaze was calculating, but there was something there, perhaps a slight sympathy.
“Bento and Bella. Nice names,” he commented with a slight nod, but his expression didn't change. Dante didn't seem like someone who easily gave in to emotions. With every word, I felt he was trying to keep his distance, but it was obvious he was fulfilling a promise. He was there because I needed him.
I was in a strange place, torn between gratitude and mistrust. I didn't know if I could trust Dante, but the fact that he was there, accompanying me and helping me, somehow made me feel that, perhaps, I was treading a path that needed to be walked, even without fully understanding the consequences.
“I wanted to stay longer…” I said, my hand still on the incubator, looking at the babies. “But… I can't.”
I couldn't. I couldn't afford to stay in the hospital when there was still so much to resolve. When I still didn't know how I was going to live from then on. The marriage of convenience Dante had proposed still seemed so distant to me. And, despite feeling grateful for his help, the proposal still hung in the air, a shadow I didn't know how to face.
Dante seemed to notice my hesitation. He moved closer and, with rare gentleness, placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Let's get out of here. I'll take you to a better place. You don't need to worry about anything anymore.” His voice was calm, but there was an authority in it that conveyed security.
I didn't know if I could trust his words. But, at that moment, there was no other option. I needed to take care of my children, and for that, I would need a solid foundation. Something Dante could offer me, even if his proposal was based on something as cold and pragmatic as a contract.
“And the babies?” I asked, without taking my eyes off them.
“They'll be fine. I'll ensure they receive the best possible care,” Dante said with a firmness that seemed unshakable.
I didn't know how far he was willing to go, but the truth was, at that moment, the only thing I knew for sure was that my children needed me, and I needed a future for them. Dante's proposal might be my only chance to ensure that.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” I asked, doubt still in my chest.
He looked at me, his gaze deep, as if weighing each word before speaking.
“I'm only doing this because I believe you and your children deserve a chance. I'm not a man of many feelings, Aurora. But, right now, this is the best opportunity you have.”
I took a deep breath, feeling a wave of emotion wash over me. The feeling of being “rescued” by someone so distant from my reality caused a whirlwind of emotions, but I knew that, somehow, Dante was trying to help.
“I accept.” The answer left my lips almost without me realizing it. The decision was made.
Dante gave a slight nod, as if confirming something he already knew. He moved away from the incubator and walked to the room's door, signaling for me to follow. As I did, my heart was torn between gratitude and fear. But, above all, I felt a renewed hope, as if life had finally given me a chance. A chance to start over.
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 85 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments