Chapter 39: A Promise to Fight

The next morning, Lani woke up to the sound of quiet voices. She blinked her eyes open, realizing she had fallen asleep on the couch. The soft glow of morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm haze over the living room.

Elias was still on the couch, but now Lily was curled up beside him, using his arm as a pillow. Luca sat on the floor with a blanket over his legs, his tablet resting on his lap.

Lani stretched, rubbing the stiffness from her neck. "What time is it?"

Luca glanced at her. "Almost eight."

Lani frowned. "You guys didn't wake me up?"

Elias smirked. "You looked peaceful. Thought I'd let you sleep in for once."

Lani rolled her eyes, but before she could argue, Lily stirred, letting out a soft yawn as she sat up. She blinked at Elias and immediately placed a hand on his chest. "Does your heart still hurt, Daddy?"

Elias's expression softened. "I'm okay, Princess."

Lily narrowed her eyes, clearly not believing him. "I don't want you to die."

Elias inhaled sharply, then pulled her close. "I'm not going anywhere, Lily."

Lani sat down next to them. "We're going to make sure of that."

Luca suddenly spoke, his voice quieter than usual. "Do you know when you'll get the transplant?"

Elias sighed. "I'm on the list, but it depends on when a donor is available."

Luca frowned. "That's not good enough."

Elias chuckled. "Yeah, kid, tell me about it."

Lani stood up. "We need to do something about this."

Elias raised a brow. "Lani, you can't force a donor to appear."

She crossed her arms. "No, but I can make sure the best doctors are keeping an eye out for you. We're not just going to sit here and wait."

Elias stared at her, something unreadable in his gaze. Then, he sighed and shook his head. "You really don't know how to give up, do you?"

Lani smirked. "Not when it comes to you."

Lily, who had been listening carefully, suddenly grinned. "That's because Mommy loves Daddy!"

Lani stiffened. Elias coughed. Luca smirked.

Lani shot a glare at Lily. "Eat your breakfast."

Lily giggled. "I'm not hungry yet."

Elias chuckled. "Smart girl."

Lani exhaled, rubbing her temples. "I'm surrounded by troublemakers."

Elias grinned. "And you love it."

Lani rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

A Step Forward

Later that day, while the kids were at school, Lani made a few phone calls. She contacted some of the best doctors in the field, using her influence to make sure Elias's case was a priority.

Olivia called her in the middle of it.

"You're really going all out for him, huh?"

Lani sighed. "I have to. I can't lose him, Olivia."

Olivia was silent for a moment. Then, she said, "You should tell him that."

Lani hesitated. "I don't want to pressure him. He already has enough to deal with."

"Lani," Olivia's voice softened. "You love him. And he loves you. Maybe it's time you both stop pretending otherwise."

Lani didn't respond right away.

Maybe Olivia was right.

Elias's Own Decision

Meanwhile, Elias sat outside, watching the sky. His mind was a mess.

He had spent so much of his life believing he wasn't meant to have happiness. That love and family weren't things meant for him.

But then there was Lani.

Lily.

Luca.

They were his.

And now, he had something worth fighting for.

He placed a hand over his heart, feeling the steady yet fragile beat beneath his fingers.

He was going to fight.

For them.

For himself.

For the future he never thought he could have.

To be continued…