Chapter 2

Chapter 2

5 YEARS LATER

~ Mirabella ~

I’ve fought to survive for four years, but now, the only battle that matters is the one my son is losing.

The doctors say there’s nothing left to do, but I didn’t survive hell just to bury my son.

“Miss Carter?” The sound of the doctor behind me snapped me out of my daze. I turned around with a small smile on my face.

“Doctor Gareth.” I walked over to him, my boots clicking against the tiled floor as I extended a hand to meet his outstretched one.

He took my hand firmly, the skin around his eyes crinkling with the large smile he gave me. I wished I could share the same happiness with him, but instead, I wore the fake smile I’d mastered over the years.

The one that kept the media happy. The one that made people believe I was fine… and not about to drive my heels into my skull.

“Shall we? Theo is in the playroom right now, alone. He’ll be fine, okay? You don’t have to stand around here waiting till his time is up. Let’s have a talk, hm?” Dr. Gareth gestured to the hallway, and I fiddled with the pendant around my neck before following him, a sigh slipping past my lips.

The hospital was mostly quiet, and I tried not to gag at the nauseating scent of antiseptic and blood. One would think I’d have gotten used to the smell after four years of frequenting this place, but it never got easier. It was just as hard—because a part of me knew that someday, I would walk into this place with the son I’d tried to protect… but I would walk out alone. And the thought scared me to my bones.

I didn’t even realize we had reached his office until I heard the door push open. Dr. Gareth gave me a polite smile and gestured for me to come in. I walked in, dropping my purse on the table before sitting in the chair in front of his desk, fidgeting with the Cartier ring around my finger.

He went straight to his chair and pulled off his glasses, looking directly at me. He was by far an attractive man, likely in his late twenties, with blond hair and light green eyes—though that wasn’t enough reason for me to accept his lunch invitations every time I came around with my son.

“Are you sleeping any better?” He cut straight to the point, leaning forward on the table.

I raised my chin, refusing to let my guard down. “I’d rather you not worry about me, Gareth. I’ll be fine. What are the reports about my son?” I asked.

He studied me closely, his brows furrowed before he leaned back. “Lena, I’ve known you for four years. You’re not doing yourself any favors, nor are you helping your son. Your work is already demanding enough as it is.”

My lips quivered, but I couldn’t let anyone see the cracks in my perfect lifestyle. Sure, I knew that my company required a lot from me, but it had been my life for the last four years—and I had worked tooth and nail to build it.

“I’m fine. How’s he coping today?” I changed the topic quickly.

Gareth looked fed up with me, but he sighed and gave in. “He’s handling himself pretty well today. Someone his age dealing with PTSD and severe aplastic anemia? He’s a fighter. But I want to reconsider something…”

He paused to gauge my reaction.

Tears stung the back of my eyes. I sniffed, looking down at the neat table before glancing back at him. “I don’t want him in therapy, Gareth. We’ve talked about this. He doesn’t like strangers and I…” My voice broke, and I clapped a hand over my mouth to stifle a sob.

Gareth didn’t say anything, thankfully. He simply pulled out his handkerchief and handed it to me, his fingers brushing against mine.

“Thanks.” I dabbed at my eyes with it and set it back on the table.

“Don’t mention it.” He leaned forward again. “You’ve been coming here for four years, so of course I care. I never want to see you hurt—and you know that. Your happiness comes from Theo, and right now, he needs help. I’ve received the reports from St. Jude Medical Hospital,” he informed me.

I immediately sat up, my heart pounding in my chest. “Please tell me they have a donor.” I pleaded, my voice cracking.

The silence told me everything I needed to know.

“Fuck…” I cursed under my breath, leaning my head back against the chair as fresh tears welled in my eyes.

Theo needed surgery for even a sliver of a chance to survive. A bone marrow transplant, they said. But I wasn’t a match. I had searched every database I could, paid people to look across the world for a donor, but each attempt came back fruitless.

“I’m being transferred to New York, Mirabella,” Gareth said softly.

I snapped my gaze to him. “What?” My eyes widened.

After living in Switzerland for four years, I had come to trust Dr. Gareth more than anyone. He was the best medical professional for Theo. Replacing him would be a nightmare—Theo would probably take too long to warm up to someone new.

He smiled gently. “New York is a better opportunity for me. But take this as a sign. You’re going to New York for that business deal, yeah?”

My heart stilled in my chest. “Yeah… why?” I managed to stutter.

“There’s a therapist there for Theo. She’s incredible—one of the best in pediatric trauma. Please consider meeting her at least once. And also…” He paused. “You said his father lives in New York, right? This might be the chance to find out if he’s a match.”

Gareth’s voice was full of hope, but I was struggling to keep myself together.

Find out if he was a match?

Two days from now, I will be flying to New York for the first time in years—with my son—for a business deal… with the very man who had shattered me four years ago.

Except now, it was different.

He had no idea I was her. He had no idea he had a son.

And I was going to have to ask him to get tested—to see if he could save the child he didn’t even know existed.

Two days from now, I will see Ethan Robert again.