~ FADING~
1188 Words
Emily’s POV
The tray in my hands trembled as I pushed open the door to Don Montague’s bedroom. The scent of warm toast and tea instantly filled the room as I walked in with his breakfast, but the moment my eyes fell on the sight before me, the world tilted.
Don Montague was lying face down on the floor.
My eyes widened in horror. “Sir?” The tray slipped from my grip, crashing onto the carpet with a clatter of dishes. My legs moved before my mind could catch up. I dropped to my knees beside him, hands shaking as I reached for his shoulders.
“Sir! Please… please wake up.” My voice cracked as tears rushed to my eyes. I shook him lightly, then harder when he didn’t move. “Don! Please, it’s me, Emily–open your eyes!” My sobs filled the silent room as panic clawed at my chest.
“Help!” I screamed, my throat raw as I shouted again. “Somebody, help!”
The door swung open. Vincent’s tall frame filled the doorway, his eyes narrowing in confusion before they landed on his father’s limp body. He was beside us in an instant, his hands strong and steady as he lifted his father carefully from the floor and placed him back on the bed.
“What happened?” His voice was sharp, commanding.
“I…I don’t know,” I stammered, tears blurring my vision. “I brought him breakfast and found him like this.”
Vincent’s jaw tightened. “Call the doctor. Now.”
I scrambled to my feet and bolted out of the room, my vision blurry, my chest heaving with sobs. My fingers fumbled as I dialed the doctor’s number, praying it wasn’t too late.
***
It felt like forever, but nearly an hour later, the doctor and a nurse finally stepped out of Don’s room. Vincent and I rushed toward them immediately.
“How is he?” Vincent’s voice was clipped, but I could hear the strain beneath it.
The doctor hesitated, his eyes flicking to me.
“You can speak freely,” Vincent cut in, his tone brooking no argument. “Whatever you have to say, she can hear it.”
The doctor nodded solemnly. “Mr. Montague’s condition is worsening. He’s weaker than before, and I’m afraid the chances of recovery are very slim.”
A sharp gasp tore from my lips. My knees nearly buckled as fresh tears streamed down my cheeks. “No… no, please… it can’t be,” I whispered, shaking my head as if denial could change his words.
Beside me, Vincent’s jaw clenched tight, his fists curling at his sides. His face remained composed, but the tension rolling off him was unmistakable, I could tell he was afraid to lose his father.
“We need to keep a close watch on him,” the doctor continued, gently. “That’s why I’ll be assigning a private, live-in nurse to monitor him day and night.”
Vincent gave a single, curt nod.
The doctor cleared his throat, glancing at both of us. “He’s awake now. He specifically asked to see you, Mr. Montague… and Miss Emily as well.”
I blinked through my tears, stunned. Me? Was he already saying his final goodbyes? The thought cut deep, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask and risk sounding insensitive.
Vincent shook the doctor’s hand quickly. “One of my men will walk you out.”
Then he turned, striding toward his father’s room. I followed close behind, my steps hurried, my heart heavy with dread.
When we entered, the sight before me broke something inside. Don Montague lay propped against pillows, tubes and wires connecting his frail body to a machine that beeped steadily. His skin looked pale, his breathing shallow, but his eyes were open, filled with the same warmth I had always known.
I tried to hold myself together, but my body betrayed me. My breath came out in ragged pulls, my sobs slipping past my lips as I clutched my chest.
Don turned his head slightly, his gaze soft on me. “Emily, my dear… don’t cry. You’ll only be breaking my heart more.”
I shook my head, my tears spilling faster. “Sir, I can’t help it,” I choked out, my voice trembling as I sobbed harder.
Vincent stepped forward, his voice tight but steady. “Dad, how are you feeling now?”
A small chuckle escaped Don’s lips. “You know your father. I’m too stubborn to die.”
Despite everything, Vincent let out a low chuckle of his own, and I blinked in surprise as a single tear slid down his cheek. It was the first time I had ever seen him show such emotion. I thought he was incapable of it, yet here he was, standing at his father’s bedside with silent tears betraying the hardness he always wore like armor.
Don smiled faintly at him. “I don’t have much to say to you, Vincent. You are my son–I know you. I know what you’re capable of. The Montague empire and legacy are in great hands with you. Even if I die today, I’ll be at peace knowing that.”
“Don’t say that,” Vincent said quickly, his voice firm but strained. “You’re not going anywhere. You’ll live long enough to see everything I will achieve. I promise you that.”
Don gave a soft nod, his lips curving into the faintest smile. Then his gaze shifted to me.
“Emily, come closer.”
My legs trembled as I stepped forward. I reached his bedside, and he took my hand in his, his touch weak but full of warmth.
“Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for taking care of me all these years. You and your son… You gave me a reason to smile again. A purpose to keep going.”
Sobbing, I shook my head. “No, sir… I should be the one thanking you. You took me and my son in when we had nothing. You gave us shelter, food, a home… I’ll forever be indebted to you for that.”
He chuckled softly, though his voice was weak. “You shouldn’t be owing a man who might die soon.”
“No!” I blurted out, my tears falling harder. “Don’t say that. Please don’t say that.”
I leaned closer, clutching his hand tighter. “If there’s anything, anything I can do to make you happy, to keep you alive, just tell me. I’ll do it.”
Don’s eyes softened, his lips curving into a smile. Then, with a voice that seemed to carry all the weight of his remaining strength, he said:
“Then marry my son. Become his betrothed before I die.”
My breath caught. My eyes flew wide as I stared at him in disbelief.
I turned my head slowly toward Sir Vincent, only to find his expression just as stunned as mine.
My heart pounded violently in my chest as silence fell heavy around us.
- Writer
