I wiped at my face quickly, trying to hide the tears just as the sound of little footsteps approached. I forced a smile onto my lips and straightened up as the twins came running.
"Mommy," Zia said, her voice came out soft but concerned as she stopped in front of me. "Why are you crying?"
Zeal came up beside her, clutching a chocolate-stained napkin in one hand. "Yeah, Mommy… are you sad?"
I forced the brightest smile I could manage, blinking the rest of the tears away. "No, baby, I just had something in my eyes."
Zeal gave me a look that said he wasn't buying it. He frowned slightly, tilting his head the way he always did when he was trying to read someone. "You're lying," he said with a little pout. "It's bad to lie."
I blinked, stunned by his honesty, and let out a tiny laugh under my breath. Why do they have to be so smart for their age?
Then my eyes drifted to Zayne standing just behind them. He wasn't saying anything, just watching us. Of course they get it from him.
I leaned down and wrapped both twins into a tight hug. "I'm not crying, I promise. Everything's okay now."
Zeal leaned back just enough to look up at me. "Mommy, can Dr. Hot Chocolate come when we get the mallows?"
Zia perked up instantly, clapping her hands with excitement. "The swirly type!"
I blinked, caught off guard by the question, and looked over at Zayne. He raised an eyebrow, clearly just as surprised as I was.
"I… I guess that depends on if Dr. Hot Chocolate won't be too busy," I said carefully, not wanting to get their hopes up.
Zia wasted no time. She turned to Zayne and tilted her head with big hopeful eyes. "You'll come, right?" That pout was dangerous. I almost laughed. She'd started working her magic on him already.
Zayne chuckled under his breath, crouching slightly. "I will."
"Promise?" Zeal asked, stepping in close, eyes wide.
Zayne nodded solemnly and lifted his pinky. "Pinky promise."
I was already melting just watching the exchange when his phone rang. He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and looked apologetic.
"Excuse me for a second," he murmured, stepping away to take the call.
I turned to Zeal and sighed dramatically, running my fingers through his curls. "How did you manage to get so much chocolate all over yourself?"
"He's messy." Zia chimed in.
"Am not!" Zeal shot back, glaring at her.
William chuckled, kneeling beside Zia. "You're both messy," he said, gently wiping the chocolate smear from her cheek with a tissue.
I smiled at the sight. Moments like these are what make everything worth it.
A moment later, Zayne returned, tucking his phone back into his coat pocket. "I need to leave," he said, looking apologetic. "It's urgent."
I nodded, offering him a grateful smile. "It's okay. Thank you… for today."
Before he could respond, Zeal tugged at his trousers. "You'll come back, right? For the mallows?"
Zayne crouched again, facing him eye to eye. "I pinky promised, didn't I?"
Zeal smiled, then without warning, flung his arms around Zayne's neck. I saw the shock on Zayne's face as he froze for a heartbeat, then slowly wrapped his arms around my son... his son, holding him close.
Zia clapped her hands. "I want a hug too!"
Zayne softened at that, shifting to her side. "Of course," he said, scooping her into a quick, warm embrace.
He stood, adjusting his jacket. "I'll see you later," he said to me. Then he gave William a respectful nod and turned to leave.
As his figure disappeared around the corner, I looked down at the twins, who were practically glowing.
"You like Dr. Hot Chocolate, don't you?" I asked playfully.
They both nodded enthusiastically.
Zia beamed. "He likes mallows like me."
"He looks like us." Zeal added.
My heart clenched as I forced a smile. "He does, doesn't he?"
I turned to William, still kneeling beside the bench. "Thanks for today, Will. It means a lot."
He stood, brushing his hands off. "Don't sweat it."
Then he faced the twins and crouched down again. "Why don't we go get the mallows from the house now, hmm?"
He picked Zia up effortlessly and reached for Zeal's hand. "Come on, kiddo."
I knew what he was doing—giving me space. Letting me breathe. If he weren't here, I don't know what I would have done.
"I know you want to wait here," he added, nodding at me. "Just keep me updated."
"I will," I whispered. "Thank you."
"Bye, babies," I called softly.
"Bye, Mommy!" they echoed back.
I watched them walk away until they were out of sight. Then I slumped onto the bench, exhaustion washing over me all at once. I leaned back, closed my eyes, and let it all settle in.
The last few days had been a whirlwind, and my body was finally demanding a break.
I must've drifted off because the next thing I felt was someone gently shaking my shoulder.
"Miss Lia? She's out of surgery now. It was a success."
My eyes flew open. A doctor stood in front of me with a soft smile.
Relief hit me like a wave. I felt tears rushing back again, but this time they were warm and full of joy.
"Thank you, doctor," I said.
"No worries," he replied kindly. "You should go rest."
I nodded. I must have looked like someone who hadn't gotten a wink of sleep in days. "Can I see her?"
"She won't be awake for a while, but yes. We moved her to a different room. I'll show you."
I nodded, rising to my feet and following him through the hallway. We passed the familiar ward doors and stopped in front of a quiet corner room.
"She's in here now."
I stepped inside and immediately froze.
It was one of the VIP rooms. Spacious, clean, and nothing like the one Emily had been in before. The curtains were drawn slightly, moonlight spilling in just enough to illuminate her peaceful face.
My throat tightened.
Zayne. He must have done this.
I tiptoed over to her bedside, brushing a hand across her arm gently. "You did it," I whispered. "You made it through."
Sitting down on the nearby couch, I pulled out my phone and checked the time.
3:00 AM.
I hovered over the last number I called. Then, without giving myself time to second-guess, I typed out a message.
Thank you for today. And thank you for the room update.
I didn't wait for a reply.
Curling up on the oversized couch, I rested my head on the armrest and finally let myself close my eyes.
Sleep came easily. For the first time in days, I wasn't running anymore.