All Chapters of Broken Vows, Rising Flames : Chapter 141 - Chapter 150

Clara’s POV The drive back to the hospital was quiet. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still gray, like it was grieving with us. Maurice sat between Damon and me in the back seat. His little hand stayed wrapped around mine the whole way. He hadn’t said much since the funeral, and I didn’t ask him to. Even a child needs time to deal with so much pain. “You okay, buddy?” Damon asked gently, looking at him in the rearview mirror. Maurice gave a small nod. He didn’t say a word. He just kept looking out the window as the city passed by. I reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. When we got to the hospital, we checked him in, and a nurse took us to his room. It was the same room he had stayed in before. It still smelled faintly of antiseptic and crayons from all the pictures he used to draw there. I helped Maurice climb into the bed. He was looking exhausting like he just got off a marathon race. I pulled the blanket over him and brushed his hair away from his foreh

Leonard’s POVMy eyes blinked open all of the sudden, followed by the loud scream of the ambulance siren. It echoed loudly in my head as I stared blankly at the roof of the van— still trying to get a hold of my bod.It all felt numb, from my head to toes. Every breath sending pain signals to my rib.The memories didn’t take time to flood in, coming back bit by bit, from the prison, capsule and the commotion around me. I could perceive even the smell of dust still clung to my nostrils.I tried to move at some point, but my body refused to listen. Even lifting my head felt impossible.Then whoever was driving suddenly slammed on the brakes.The tires screeched across the road and my body shifted on the stretcher.Are we already at the hospital?I looked across to the back of the ambulance.A police officer sat across from me. Our eyes met at first glance. I wish I could turn back to the hands of time. “Stay down,” he uttered coldly. “I’ll check what’s happening.”He opened the back

Clara’s POVMy eyes opened to the soft rustling sound in the room. Damon stood by the dresser, buttoning his shirt. His eyes caught mine in the mirror briefly before he looked away to straighten his collar.“I have a meeting with some investors today.” He adjusted the cuff link of his shirt before he turned to me. “It’s a two hour meeting. I won’t be gone for long.” I sat up on the bed, watching him move around to put his files and laptop in order. He always wanted everything to go as plan. “Are you sure you should leave?” I asked. “What if something—”“I’ll be back before you know it.” He walked crossed the room, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Keep your phone close. Call me if you need anything.” “Okay,” I whispered, sounding like a child who had no choice but to watch their father leave for work. He pulled back and looked at me, his eyes steady.“I love you.”“I love you too,” I said with a blush on my face. He picked up his keys and headed for the door, stopping at

Clara’s POV The seat had gradually become uncomfortable, which was strange after less than ten minutes of sitting.Well, the discomfort was nothing compared to the hollow fear sitting right in the middle of my chest. I stood up and paced the hallway from one end to another. “He’s going to be alright,” Damon said from his seat. “He’s a fighter.” A humorless chuckle escaped my lips. “I wished I had your kind of faith, Damon.” He rose to his feet and walked up to me. “I just have to believe. Otherwise I don’t know what else to do with myself right now.”I looked at him, at the worry he was working so hard to keep out of his face for my sake, and something in me softened just slightly.“I won’t forgive myself if something happens to—“ “Don’t say that.” He cut in, pressing his index finger against my lips. “Nothing is going to happen to our son.” He pulled me close, and I buried my face in his chest and let myself cry quietly, because there was nothing else left to do while my so

Seven Months LaterClara’s POVThe chair beside Maurice’s hospital bed had become my usual spot over the last few weeks.I knew every mark on it. Every little squeak it made whenever I moved.At this stage of my pregnancy, getting comfortable felt impossible.I held Maurice’s hand while my other hand rested on my stomach. The baby moved gently inside me, almost like she was restless too.Please, I prayed. Let her come soon.The door opened, and Doctor Sidney walked in.The look on his face made my heart sink. It was the same careful look doctors wore when they had bad news.“Clara,” he said softly. “Can we talk?”“Sure, Doctor.” I said, holding Maurice’s hand even tighter.He pulled a chair closer and sat in front of me.“I want to be honest with you,” he said. “Maurice’s condition has gotten worse.”A knot formed in my chest. “How bad is it?”“He’s still fighting,” Doctor Sidney replied. “He’s stronger than most children his age. But I believe he’s holding on for one reason.”I sta