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Chapter 171 - Chapter 168 - A Month of Sadness.

YouHeal Hospital

It was nighttime, and Savannah's shift at the hospital was winding down. The city lights outside flickered, casting a cozy glow against the glass windows. Inside, the usually bustling halls were quieter now, the day's chaos finally settling.

As always, Blaze was waiting for her, standing in his familiar spot near the entrance. He had been doing this everyday, to be there every night without fail. Savannah appreciated knowing she could always rely on him.

Soon, she stepped out through the hospital doors, Bella by her side, chatting animatedly while Savannah listened. Bella's voice was light and warm, but Savannah was too worn out to engage much in the conversation. When they reached the entrance, Savannah gave Bella a small smile and said goodbye before turning her focus to Blaze.

There he was, standing tall and composed, just like every evening. His presence always brought her a sense of comfort. With a bright smile, she walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest. She felt his strong arms envelop her in return as he gently stroked her back, easing her fatigue.

"Busy day?" he asked softly, his voice low and warm.

Savannah nestled against his chest, whispering, "I'm so, so, so tired," her voice barely above a whisper.

Blaze chuckled softly. "Alright, let's get you home."

But Savannah didn't budge. She clung to him tighter, not ready to let go. "Can't we just stay like this forever?" she asked, her tone revealing more than just fatigue. There was a deeper yearning in her words, something unspoken yet palpable.

Blaze looked down at her, gently stroking her back. He thought she was simply exhausted, unaware of the weight behind her plea. "As much as I'd love that, this is a hospital, Ana. I value my privacy. Plus, we don't want to freak anyone out by standing here too long—some might think we're statues."

Savannah laughed, her gaze meeting his with a tender smile. The warmth in his eyes wrapped around her like a cozy blanket, making her feel safe amidst the chaos of her life.

"Okay, then. Let's head home," she finally said.

With that, they made their way to the car, driving off into the night, leaving behind the exhaustion, worries, and unanswered questions, even if just for a little while.

Baldwin's Mansion

It was Savannah's day off, but her heart felt anything but peaceful. The air was still, yet her mind was a storm, a chaotic swirl of thoughts that wouldn't quiet down. She stood by the small pond on the mansions grounds, arms wrapped tightly around herself as if trying to hold her shattered pieces together. The water was calm, mirroring the cloudy sky, but all she could see was the tempest raging inside her.

A whole month had gone by—a month that had flipped her world upside down. It had been a relentless ride, full of unexpected twists, harsh truths she had to confront, and pain she never imagined she would face. Yet, here she was, still standing. She had to be, for her child. Maybe, just maybe, Theo was still out there, alive. She had to cling to that hope; it was the only thing keeping her moving forward.

But why? Why had Blaze lied to her all this time? Why her child? What did he truly want? Why had he hidden Theo? Had he really taken him away from her? The questions circled in her mind, relentless and suffocating. The only one who held the answers was Blaze, but she wasn't ready to face him just yet. Not without something anything that could give her even the slightest advantage. She needed more before she confronted him, before she demanded the truth.

Suddenly, a voice broke through her thoughts from behind her. It was deep yet gentle, slicing through the chaos in her head.

"Lost in thought?"

She didn't need to turn around to recognize that voice. It was all too familiar. Without shifting her gaze from the water, she replied, her voice barely a whisper, "I'm a lost cause."

Elijah stepped closer, his eyes carefully assessing her. "Didn't find anything?" he asked, his tone steady but laced with concern.

Slowly, Savannah turned to meet his gaze, shaking her head. "I'm hitting dead ends everywhere," she confessed. The weight of those words pressed heavily on her chest. Elijah could see it now—how hard she was trying to keep it together, how much strength it took to avoid falling apart. Her pain was raw, but her determination remained unyielding.

"Help me," she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging inside her.

Elijah's brows knitted together slightly. "Help you?"

"Help me find my child." Her eyes locked onto his, searching for something—hope, understanding, anything. The once bright, sparkling eyes he had known were now clouded with sadness, hollowed by grief. It stirred something within him, tightening his chest in a way he couldn't quite articulate.

He exhaled slowly before responding. "What makes you think I would help you?"

Savannah's heart tightened at his reply, but she held her composure.

"I'm a loyal man to my boss, so this whole mansion" Elijah said, his voice steady. "They have given me alot...more."

Twelve years. That's how long he had stood by Blaze's side and in this mansion. His loyalty wasn't just a choice; it was a part of him, a bond that held him tight. Betrayal simply wasn't an option.

"I know," Savannah replied gently, her understanding evident. Yet, there was a hint of sadness in her tone that stirred something within him. He couldn't quite place it, but it affected him.

"What exactly do you need help with?" he asked, his tone more controlled this time.

Savannah began to explain, but Elijah quickly raised a hand to stop her. "Do you trust me?" he asked out of the blue.

She looked at him, puzzled.

"Do you trust me enough to share everything you're doing behind his back?" His eyes were intense, hard to read. "Why?"

Without a moment's pause, she responded, "You've helped me before. You seem like a good man—"

"Don't be misled, Savannah," he cut in, his voice softening, almost laced with concern. "Don't trust anyone in this mansion."

"But I want to trust you," she said, taking a small step closer.

"Don't," Elijah cautioned, taking a small step back, almost as if he was trying to put some space between them.

Savannah exhaled slowly. "It's okay if you don't want to help," she replied, her tone softer now. "But I believe in you. I really do. I can see it in your eyes. They express so much more than words ever could."

Something within Elijah stirred. His heart raced, an unfamiliar sensation washing over him. The way she spoke, the way she gazed at him—it was a feeling he hadn't experienced in ages.

"What if I let you down?" he asked, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

Savannah paused for a moment, as if weighing that thought. Then, she offered a faint, tired smile—one that didn't quite light up her eyes. "Then I'll be thankful that, at least, you helped me uncover some truth along the way."

And that was all there was to it.

"I won't let you down, Savannah." His voice was barely audible, meant just for him to hear.

Author's Note :

Aww I love Elijah<3

Thankyou for reading:)

Have a good day/night<3<3

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