Chapter 18

Axel's Pov

As I turned and walked away, trying to maintain a sense of composure and not look back, I couldn't bear the pain in Leah's eyes.

The weight of my actions weighed heavily on my heart, as I knew this was the second time I had deceived her for my own selfish reasons. Frustration gnawed at me, and I clenched my fists inside my pockets, unable to shake the guilt that washed over me.

"Axel," I heard Jasper's tiny voice call out as I moved away.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around to see Jasper standing at the hospital exit door, clutching the Batman toy I had bought for him.

Despite the tumult of emotions within me, I smiled, trying to maintain a sense of calm as I walked towards him.

"Hey, little man," I greeted him, attempting to ruffle his hair with raised hands.

But Jasper pursed his lips and skillfully dodged my touch, moving to the side. I was left with my hands awkwardly suspended in the air, feeling the weight of my actions in his rejection.

Jasper looked at me wi