Aurelia’s POV I immediately called him.“You didn’t have to go through all this trouble,” I said softly. My voice came out smaller than I intended.“It’s no trouble at all,” he replied. “It’s my way of showing support.”“Thank you,” I whispered. “It’s a lot.”“Do you like your teddy?” he asked, a teasing smile hidden somewhere in his tone.I laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “It’s way bigger than I thought.”“Well, that’s why I got it,” he said.“Thank you,” I repeated, meaning it more this time.“Goodnight, Aurelia.”“Goodnight.”When the call ended, I stayed still, holding the phone like it was his hand. There was something comforting about his voice, something that steadied me in a way I didn’t expect.That night, I slept better than I had in weeks, hugging the giant teddy, cocooned in quiet peace and the soft echo of kindness.The next morning, I woke up early and went home to cook for Oliver. The kitchen was quiet, sunlight slipping through the curtains like golden ribbons. I
Aurelia's POV I didn’t need to respond.They left after a while, leaving me alone with Cassia. She stayed until it got late before finally heading home.Later that night, Oliver woke up hungry. I fed him slowly, spoon by spoon, my heart swelling each time he swallowed.Before dawn, when the cleaners began moving around, I informed the nurses that I was heading home. Once there, I cooked for Oliver, packed his flask, and got dressed for work.When Mrs. Amara finally emerged, I pointed toward the food flask.“There’s his meal. When I get back, I’ll make him dinner.”I didn’t wait for her reply, I simply grabbed my bag and left.The moment I walked into the hall in my office, my colleagues surrounded me with concern. Word had spread about Oliver’s surgery, and their sympathy warmed me more than I expected. I assured them he was stable, that he was healing.Back in my office, the telephone rang. It was Julien’s secretary, he wanted to see me. I smoothed my blouse and went upstairs.“Hey,
Aurelia’s POV The next morning, I woke up before sunrise. The hospital hallway was unusually still, no footsteps, no murmurs, just the rhythmic hum of the machines keeping time with my heartbeat. Grant, Selene, and Mrs. Amara were nowhere in sight. I told the nurse I’d step out to get Oliver some food. The moment I stepped outside, the crisp morning air brushed against my skin, clearing the fog in my head. The taxi ride home was quiet, and I realized Cassia had slipped some money into my bag. My eyes watered. That woman was my miracle in human form. When I got home, I changed quickly and went straight to the kitchen. The scent of warm milk and vanilla filled the air as I stirred the custard, my mind wandering to Oliver’s soft laugh, his tiny hands gripping mine even in sleep. I packed his food neatly and was about to leave when Mrs. Amara’s voice pierced the calm. “How’s Oliver?” she asked from the stairs, her silk robe trailing behind her like a crown of entitlement. “He’s sta
Aurelia’s POVGrant shot up the moment she appeared.“Mother, you came!” he exclaimed, rushing to hug her.Mrs. Amara’s presence alone made the hallway feel colder. “Of course I did,” she said with that soft, rehearsed voice of control. “You think I’d stay away when my grandson’s on an operating table?”I stayed seated, spine straight, fingers digging into my palms just to stay calm. When she turned toward me, I forced a polite smile.“Welcome, Mrs. Amara.”The sound of her gasp echoed off the marble walls. The hallway went silent.“What did you just call me?” she asked sharply, her tone dripping with insult.Cassia leaned closer to me and whispered, “Isn’t that her name?”I kept my voice even. “I used to call you Mother, but you told me to stop. I was just following your request.”She hissed and looked away, waving her perfectly manicured hand as if brushing me off. “So she’s the one who refused to take care of her son?” she asked Grant.Grant nodded.I bit back a bitter laugh. It wa
Aurelia’s POV I returned to the room and took out the breakfast he got for me, warm, hearty, and somehow tasting homemade. I wondered how Julien managed to get it here so quickly. For the first time in what felt like ages, I didn’t feel alone. Between Julien’s quiet kindness and Cassia’s fierce loyalty, I finally felt like I had an army behind me. That thought alone soothed something inside me, helping me eat until I was full. I packed up the rest, and the nurses came in occasionally to check on Oliver’s vitals. Not long after, the doctor returned. “Once the payment is made, we can proceed with the surgery on Monday,” he said. Relief washed over me so strong that my knees nearly gave out. Monday. Just a few more days. By two o’clock, Cassia burst into the room, worry etched all over her face. I told her everything, the diagnosis, the upcoming surgery, and how Julien had come to the hospital that morning. Cassia folded her arms and sighed. “You know, I really want to curse out G
Aurelia's POV I noticed it first in the way Oliver’s little fingers couldn’t hold his spoon that evening.He hadn’t finished his food, barely even tried. His skin looked too pale, his breathing too slow. I tried to feed him pap, coaxing every small bite like it was hope itself, but he only managed a few spoonfuls before turning his face away.I cleaned him up, ignoring the ache in my arm, and went downstairs to find Grant, only to see Selene sprawled across the couch, scrolling through her phone. I didn’t even ask for him. I just turned to the kitchen, washed Oliver’s plate, and focused on the rhythm of the water, anything to drown the sound of her presence.But that night there was no sleep. Oliver’s breathing grew shallow, quick gasps followed by long silences that made my heart stop. His lips had lost their color. His small chest rose unevenly. I felt helpless, terrified, like I was watching him fade in slow motion.I ran to Grant’s room, pounding on the door until my knuckles hu