9

RAINA

As I stepped out of Alexander’s office, my mind was screaming at me to turn back, to save Liam before it was too late. Every fiber of my being was begging me to jump right into it, to hold my son and do whatever it took to stop the illness from consuming him further. But I couldn’t. Not yet.

Just a few more days, I told myself, clenching my fists as I walked down the hallway. Just a few more days to push Alexander to agree to my terms. If I went in now, desperate, without securing my rights as his mother, nothing would stop Alexander from pulling him away from me again. And I couldn’t risk that—couldn’t save him only to lose him all over again.

The thought burned like fire. This wait, this gamble I was taking, it tore me apart. Every hour I delayed felt like I was failing him. But if I held out just a little longer, maybe, just maybe, I could finally make sure that once I saved my son, he’d be mine forever.

I immediately found my way to hospital, I needed to see him again, my heart beating with dread and urgency. I barely noticed the hallways as I walked toward Liam’s room, each step feeling heavier, like I was dragging a weight I couldn’t see. The doctor in charge of Liam’s case met me just outside his door. His face was kind but stern, and as I held back tears, I forced myself to ask the question I’d been dreading.

"How long does he have?” My voice trembled, barely above a whisper.

The doctor’s expression softened, but the words came out like blades. “Not long. The disease is advancing quickly. He needs the transplant soon, or…” He trailed off, but he didn’t need to finish. I felt the blow land, cutting deep.

I nodded, swallowing the ache in my throat. “I’m his mother,” I whispered, though I realized he didn’t know who I was. “I’ll do it—I’ll give him the transplant. But…” I glanced down the hall, wary of anyone overhearing. “I need a few days to put some things in order first. Please, don’t tell Alexander about my visit.”

The doctor looked hesitant, but he gave a curt nod. I thanked him with a small, grateful smile, but it did nothing to ease the weight of the moment.

Stepping into Liam’s room, I was met with the sound of the machines humming softly, their lights blinking in rhythmic cadence. My breath caught at the sight of him—my beautiful little boy, lying so still, so fragile, and hooked to all these devices. I couldn’t hold back the sob that broke from my chest as I moved closer, my hand reaching out shakily.

The moment my fingers brushed against his, cold and frail, my heart shattered all over again. Tears slipped down my face unchecked, each one a testament to the years I’d lost, the moments I’d been robbed of.

“I’m here, Liam,” I whispered, even though I knew he couldn’t hear me. “I’m here now.”

I stroked his hand gently, a silent promise to him and to myself. Soon. I would get him out of here. I’d take him far away from this place, from Alexander, from everything that had kept us apart.

As I bent down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, a surge of determination filled me. I would save him. No matter the cost. I wouldn’t let Alexander—or anyone else—keep me from him again.

Wiping the last of my tears, I straightened and left the room. There was no time to linger. I had to keep pushing Alexander until he agreed to my terms.

Just as I left the hospital and was about to get into my car, my phone rang. Dominic’s name flashed across the screen.

“Hey,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Where are you?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

“At the hospital,” I said softly. “I… I needed to see Liam.”

There was a pause, then he said, “All right. Well, I called to tell you there’s a party tonight to celebrate the deal. I thought you might want to attend, you know, as part of our… plan.”

A party. The last thing I wanted was to be in the same space as Alexander, but this was a chance. An opportunity to press him for an answer. I forced a smile, though he couldn’t see it. “I’ll be there.”

“Good. And, Raina?” Dominic hesitated. “You’ll have Liam back soon. I promise.”

I hung up, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. But first, I needed something to wear. I headed to the mall, hoping to find something that would make a statement—something that screamed confidence, resilience. I wanted Alexander to see just how strong I’d become.

----

As I rifled through the racks in search of something suitable for tonight’s celebration, a familiar, grating voice drifted through the air, freezing me in place.

 “Of all the stores…” Vanessa’s voice dripped with disdain as she appeared in front of me, and Eliza clinging to her side with red, puffy eyes.

I took a steadying breath, bracing myself. Vanessa wasted no time, grabbing my shoulder and turning me around to face her.

I straightened, fixing them both with a cold stare. “Is there something I can help you with?”

Vanessa’s smirk widened, and she crossed her arms, stepping closer. “Help? As if you could help anyone but yourself, Raina.” She looked me up and down, her eyes narrowing. “I have to admit, though, it’s surprising to see you out here, strutting around as if you’re untouchable. Considering the trail of wreckage you leave everywhere you go, you’d think you’d want to hide that smug little face of yours.”

I arched an eyebrow, refusing to let her see how much her words stung. “I was here first, Vanessa. So if my presence is such an offense, feel free to shop elsewhere.”

“How dare you show your face here?” she hissed, voice low but vicious. “Thanks to you, Alexander called off his engagement with Eliza after years of planning!”

 “He called off his engagement?” I repeated and shifted my glance at Eliza. “Eliza, I don’t think you need my help to ruin that.”

The color drained from Eliza’s face, and her eyes flashed with fury. “You’re the reason, Raina. You’re why he canceled it.” Her voice wavered. “You come back, flaunting yourself in front of everyone, acting like you’re someone important, when all you ever were to him was… a mistake.”

My jaw clenched. “You don’t know anything about what I was to Alexander.”

“Oh, please,” Vanessa interjected, flicking her hair back and stepping even closer. “It doesn’t matter how many men you’ve slept with, how many parties you parade yourself at. You’re still just the girl who betrayed him. And you’ll never be on our level.” She leaned in, her eyes sparkling with malice. “Now, do yourself a favor and leave Dominic for someone more deserving. He’s supposed to be mine.”

At that, I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. How stupid was she? Dominic was happily married to the sweetest woman, a fact I kept to myself to avoid more drama. Shaking my head, I tried to sidestep them, but Eliza, emboldened by Vanessa’s presence, stepped forward, hand raised as if to slap me.

The slap didn’t land. My hand caught her wrist in mid-air, and before she could react, I turned to Vanessa. I didn’t even think—my hand moved on its own, landing a sharp slap across her cheek.

“Try that again, and I won’t be so forgiving,” I said, voice calm but loaded with warning.

Vanessa’s eyes widened, stunned. She reached up to touch her reddening cheek, a mix of shock and fury swirling in her gaze. She let out a frustrated growl, drawing the attention of the store attendants and a few other shoppers nearby. “I can’t believe they’re letting just anyone in this place now. You’ve tainted it just by walking in,” she hissed, her voice rising in pitch. “I brought Eliza here to relax, to shop and get some peace of mind, but instead, I find you slithering around here like the snake you are.”

I smirked and shrugged, watching her indignation grow. “Funny, Vanessa. I’d ask you the same thing. After all, I was here first. You and your ‘friend’ are the intruders in this situation.”

Vanessa’s eyes flashed, and she turned to one of the store attendants, her tone haughty and dismissive. “Get her out of here. I don’t care who she claims to be or how much she’s planning to spend. This store is for a certain class of people, not just anyone who has a little money.”

The attendant looked between us, clearly torn, but she didn’t move.

I raised an eyebrow, my smile widening. “Oh, please, Vanessa, you’re embarrassing yourself. If you want this store to cater to a certain class, maybe it should start by barring the doors to people who throw tantrums in public.”

Vanessa’s face turned beet red, and in a last attempt to reassert herself, she reached into her purse and whipped out her black and silver VIP card, holding it up triumphantly. “Maybe this will remind you exactly who you’re talking to. I’m a Sullivan. And in this town, that still means something.”

I calmly reached into my own bag and pulled out my black and gold VVIP card, holding it up for the store attendant to see. “You’re right, Vanessa. In this town, having the right card does mean something. Now, unless you plan on causing a scene that could be very embarrassing for the store and yourself, I suggest you stand down.”

The store attendant nodded toward me, her voice respectful. “I’m sorry, Miss Vanessa, but Miss Raina’s card actually grants her priority access in the store.”

The shock on Vanessa’s face was almost worth the entire ordeal. “This isn’t over, Raina,” she spat, her voice dripping with venom. “Just because you have a little card doesn’t mean you belong here. You’ll never fit into our world. And don’t think you’ve won anything just because you’re flaunting Dominic’s money. Without him, you’d be nothing.”

I gave her a pitying look, allowing my gaze to sweep over her with mild disinterest. “Is that right? Well, Vanessa, if that’s what helps you sleep at night, by all means, hold onto it. But remember one thing—power doesn’t have to announce itself. It just is.”

I grabbed my dress and paid for it before walking away, leaving them behind. And as I stepped out of the store, I felt their gazes boring into my back—but for the first time, I didn’t care in the slightest.

----

As Dominic and I entered the grand hall, I kept my posture poised, my expression calm. The lights sparkled, casting a warm glow over the ornate decorations, and the low hum of laughter and music filled the space. It was a night of celebration, marking the partnership Alexander had pursued so persistently for years. But for me, it was another step in a plan that I couldn’t afford to see fail.

Dominic smiled, gave my hand a gentle squeeze, and headed into the crowd, leaving me to survey the room alone. I spotted Alexander across the hall, and as if he could feel my gaze on him, he looked up. The crowd seemed to part as he approached me, but my heart skipped at the hardened expression he wore—those dark eyes of his revealing no warmth, no compromise.

As he reached me, the silence between us was palpable, charged with the weight of unspoken words. He didn’t need to say it. His expression alone spoke volumes. He wasn’t going to budge.