Chapter 241
“Thank you,” Sadie said, a flicker of gratitude passing through her tired gaze.
Averi stirred in her arms, his tiny fingers gripping her collar with surprising strength. His wide, glossy eyes darted around the room, his lips parting as if he was searching for the right words. Then, in a tiny, drowsy voice, he whispered, “Mommy…”
Sadie’s heart clenched. She tilted her head, brushing her fingers gently through his soft hair. “What is it, sweetheart?”
Averi lifted a small hand and pointed toward the window. Outside, the city pulsed with life. Neon lights flickered against the night sky, their colorful glow painting soft patterns on the walls. “Go out… play…” he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep, his little face full of longing.
Sadie’s breath hitched. For a moment, she couldn’t speak. How she wished she could take her little boy outside, let him feel the crisp night air, hear his laughter echo through the quiet streets. But… he had just come out of surgery.
Sadie’s hesitation was brief but noticeable. Alex caught it immediately.
His voice was warm, reassuring. “Where do you want to go, buddy?” He crouched slightly, meeting Averi’s gaze. “Once you feel better, I’ll take you wherever you want.”
Sadie blinked, surprised. She hadn’t expected that.
Averi’s face lit up instantly. He clapped his tiny hands in excitement. “Great! Alex will take me out!”
In the next second, he wriggled free from Sadie’s arms, wrapping his small arms around Alex’s leg.
Sadie watched them, her heart a tangled mess of emotions—gratitude, warmth, and something far more complicated.
Comforted by the promise, Averi stopped fussing and finally drifted into sleep, his tiny breaths even and soft.
Ten minutes passed.
The room fell into a hush, the quiet only broken by the rhythmic sound of the little one’s breathing.
Sadie adjusted Averi’s blanket with a gentle touch before rising to her feet. She walked toward the window, drawn to the city lights flickering beyond the glass.
Alex followed, his steps light, his gaze never leaving her. She looked… fragile. Too thin. Too pale.
“Sadie.” His voice was quiet, careful. “Let me take care of you. Both of you.”
She turned. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to still. Then, she shook her head. A slow, gentle refusal.
“Alex… please don’t.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “These past three years, I’ve already relied on you too much. I know you mean well, but…” She exhaled, the words heavy on her tongue. “But I’ve learned to take care of Averi on my own. I don’t want to be a burden to anyone else.” Her voice softened further, almost breaking. “Besides… between us…”
She didn’t finish, but Alex heard everything she didn’t say.
There were too many gaps between them.
A dull ache spread through Alex’s chest, sharp and relentless. He reached out instinctively, his fingers hovering just inches from Sadie’s cheek. But then he hesitated—paused midair—before letting his hand drop.
A faint, bitter smile flickered across his lips. “Sadie,” he murmured, his voice laced with something raw. “You always carry everything alone. Have you ever considered… that you don’t have to?”
Sadie lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes—the quiet sincerity in them, the unspoken plea. A warmth stirred in her chest.
But she buried it just as quickly.
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