The soft beeping of the monitors filled the hospital room as Nadine sat by Liam’s bedside, her hand resting gently on his small one. He looked so peaceful, his breathing steady, his pale face slowly regaining color. It was a relief after the harrowing hours they had just endured. But Nadine’s relief was fleeting, replaced by the storm brewing within her. Adrian stood at the other end of the room, watching them in silence. The sight of Liam lying there had shaken him to his core. Guilt clawed at him, but his heart swelled with a mix of awe and love. He had a son—a beautiful, resilient little boy. Nadine, sensing his gaze, stood abruptly and walked to the door. “We need to talk.” Adrian followed her into the hallway. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a harsh glow, but it couldn’t mask

