Surgery.

Selene’s POV. "It's quite strange; he was probably tipped off about the investigation," she said. "He probably fled the state." I shuddered. "But we are currently widening the search, but as of now...he's vanished." "Lord!" I exclaimed. Tom can be crazy. He probably knows I took it. Lisa would have told him. I threw my head back with my eyes closed. Thinking. gripped the edge of the pew, my knuckes white. "You should ask his mistress, Lisa." She would know." Silence. "Do you have an address?" A shaky "no" escaped me. "Okay, we would handle this. I understand you are having quite a difficult time at the hospital. You don't have to worry about anything. But if you happen to hear or see anything, let us know. We would be investigating the case." "I understand," I managed to say. The line went dead, leaving me to my own racing thoughts. Outside the cathedral, the sunlight was too bright. Mocking me. A deep contrast to the course of my life right now. I took in deep breaths.

Amira.

Selene’s POV.I had no appetite; Amira's been in the intensive care unit for hours, and I still haven't been able to My legs bobbed restlessly."You haven't eaten anything today, honey. " Mother said, staring at the half-empty plate of pudding on the table."I am quite worried about you."She had practically dragged me out of the waiting room against my wish.I rubbed my aching forehead. "Oh, Mother, I just can't eat. Not until I see my baby girl.""Oh, honey," she said, taking my hand in hers. “I am so sorry you have to go through all this."I leaned back in my seat. Watching the trail of people walking in and out of the food court.I couldn't just wait for all these to be over.I buried my face into my palms.The sound of Mother's phone ringing made my head snap.“It’s your dad," she said, reaching for it.She muttered something under her breath and looked up at me.“Amira’s awake.”I stood so fast, I almost tipped the table over.“Thank goodness,”I didn’t think of my untouched pla

House hunt.

Selene’s POV.“Are you following me around?”He sighed. Slipping his hands into his pocket.“I just wanted to make sure you were good.”“I am fine, Rowland. Amira’s okay, and that’s all that matters.” I said, turning to slip the car key into the door.He was behind me in seconds; his hand rested lightly over my shoulder, and he turned me around slowly.He was standing closer than I expected.So close I could feel his breath on me.“Selene.” He muttered.He sounded calm and confused.“You don’t have to rush into anything tonight.”I frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”His gaze drifted briefly toward the hospital building before returning to me.“When Amira gets discharged… you and she can stay at my place.”Silence.“She’ll have space,” he continued. “And it’ll be easier for her recovery.”I studied him. I missed him. I really did.I wanted him too. After that night at his place, my hormones haven't seemed to settle.But still, I shook my head.“No.”His expression didn’t change, but

The fever.

Selene’s POV.“Are you sure it was him?” The investigator's voice came through from the other end.“I…I am sure.” My voice trembled. “I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life.”She sighed deeply. "We found his car by the west coast." But that’s all there is. No flight bookings, no paperwork, and no trail.”I remained stiff.I needed a moment to take in the weight of what I had just heard.No trail.I know Tom. He won’t just disappear; he’s planning something.My throat went dry.“Then where is he?” I whispered.Then my mind drifted to Amira.My grip on the phone shook.“What if he comes back?” I said quickly, my voice raised. “What if he comes looking for me?”A pause.“He knows how much I love my daughter,” I added. “He knows Amira is… everything to me.”My breathing grew uneven.“He could use her.”My heart began to race.A cold, creeping fear settled into my bones.“Mrs. Selene,” the investigator said, her tone calm, “listen to me.”I stayed quiet.“We are aware of

Emergency.

Selene’s POV.I stirred awake.My head was rested in Rowland's hard chest as it rose and fell slowly.He was fast asleep, his arms around me.We must have fallen asleep in between my panic attack and him trying to comfort me.I felt calmer.Everything felt… still.The machines were quiet.Amira lay peacefully a few inches from me.I let out a breath, letting myself believe maybe the worst was truly over.Amira shifted slightly on the bed.I sat up, alarmed.Rowland groaned.It was such a small movement… but it felt like everything.My heart leapt.“Rowland…” I whispered.She’s waking up.She’s okay.In seconds, I stood by Amira's bedside. Her lashes fluttered.Rowland stood up immediately.I leaned closer.“Baby?”Her lips parted, but no words came out.The monitor gave a loud beep.I froze.“What was that?” I asked.“It’s probably just a sensor reading,” he said, but his voice had changed.Beep.Beep.Faster.My pulse raced with each beep of the monitor.His eyes stayed on the screen

Unexpected.

Selene’s POV.“Doctor…” I panted. “What's going on? What is wrong with my daughter?!”He didn't say anything. He exhaled and took a step back. Making my heart jolt.“We managed to stabilize her.”I waited…“But there are complications.”My chest caved in.Mother gasped behind me.Rowland stood by my side.“What kind of complications?” I whispered.His lips pressed together.“Her body isn’t responding well to the transplant. We’ve been monitoring her vitals closely, but…” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “we are seeing signs of rejection.”The world tilted.“No…” I shook my head. “No, that’s not possible. You said the surgery went well—”“The surgery did go well,” he said gently. “But what happens after is just as critical. Right now… her body is struggling.”My lips parted, but no words came out.“Can you fix it?” I asked, my voice barely there. “There has to be something you can do.”“We are doing everything we can,” he replied. “But we need to see how she responds over the n