A low autumn sun slanted through the arched windows of the Hudson Valley estate, painting the library in pale gold. Olivia sat in a high-backed armchair, Leo perched on her lap as he finger-painted on a tablet. His laughter, bright and innocent, should have warmed her. Instead, each breath felt as fragile as the wilting windflowers in the vase beside her.
Across the room, Alexander lingered at the doorway, watching them with a tenderness mixed with anguish. His suit jacket hung unused over a chair—he'd abandoned board meetings for the solace of family. At the sight of Olivia's labored chest, his jaw tightened. He crossed the room and knelt beside her.
“Are you all right?" he asked, voice hushed.
She forced a smile, brushing Leo's golden curls aside. “I'm fine." But her ribs ached, and h
