But I was still holding her when I passed out.
Chapter Fifty-One
ELENA
Now, May 2025
The hospital lightsbuzzed softly above us. Too bright. Too clean. Too… normal.
Chase lay unconscious in the bed, pale against the sheets, bandaged from collarbone to elbow. His arm was elevated. His vitals steady. I watched every breath like it was a lifeline.
Lucía was curled against my chest, wrapped in a hospital blanket that still smelled faintly of antiseptic. She was quiet now, thank god. Just soft baby breaths, lashes fluttering against her cheeks.
She’d been cleared by the ER doctors within the hour. No injuries. Not even a bruise.
Which was a fucking miracle.
Because that car had flipped twice.
But he’d had a car seat.
Peterhad beenready.
He’d bought one. Installed it. Buckled her in like he was heading to a park, not stealing someone else’s child.
I hated him.
And—god help me—I was grateful.
The door creaked.
I didn’t move. Didn’t look away from Chase.
A nurse peeked in, saw Luci in my arms, and nodded gently before leaving again.
Then Chase shifted.
His brow furrowed. His fingers twitched.
“Chase,” I whispered, adjusting Luci so she wouldn’t slip. “Hey, baby. I’m here.”
He groaned, barely cracking one eye open. “Mmph… did we…?”
“You’re okay,” I said softly, brushing sweaty curls off his forehead. “You’re in the hospital. You lost a lot of blood, but they got to you in time.”
He blinked, eyes finding Luci.
“You got her,” he whispered, like he still couldn’t believe it. “She’s okay?”
I nodded, tears blurring everything. “She’s perfect. She screamed in the doctor’s face. You would’ve been proud.”
His mouth twitched—barely a smile. “Peter?”
I hesitated, then said it.
“He died at the scene.” My voice cracked. I hated saying it out loud. I hated that I wasrelievedhe was gone. What kind of person did that make me? “Massive internal injuries. Andy stayed with him until the medics arrived, but… he didn’t make it.”
Chase didn’t say anything for a long moment.
