CHAPTER 6: THE SOFTNESS OF A STORM
282 Words
The East Wing of the Thorne Estate was transformed into a high-tech medical suite within hours. Elena watched as Dr. Sterling, New York’s top pediatric pulmonologist, examined Lia. Alexander stood by the door, his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on the small girl.
"The condition is manageable," Dr. Sterling said, folding his stethoscope. "But the Seattle dampness was the wrong environment. Here, with the right filtration and these specific treatments, she’ll be running in the park within a month."
Elena felt a massive weight lift off her shoulders. She sank into a chair, her eyes stinging with tears of relief. "Thank you, Doctor."
When the doctor left, the room fell silent. Alexander walked over to the bed where Lia had fallen asleep. He reached out, his large hand hovering over her small, pale one. For a second, the cold billionaire vanished, replaced by a man who looked haunted.
"You should have told me," he whispered, his voice thick.
"I tried, Alexander," Elena said softly. "But let's not fight tonight. She's safe. That's all that matters."
Alexander turned to her. The anger was still there, but it was simmering. "Tomorrow, the lawyers will finalize the marriage papers. You’ll have a new identity—Elena Thorne. No one will ever question where you were for five years. We will tell the world we had a private ceremony and you’ve been living abroad."
"And the truth?" Elena asked. "The truth that you hate me?"
Alexander stepped closer, his shadow looming over her. "The truth is a luxury we can’t afford. You will play the part of my devoted wife, and I will be the father they deserve. That is the only truth that matters now."
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