Chapter 46: A New Hope

Elias was sitting by the hospital window, staring at the city lights when his doctor walked in with an unreadable expression. Lani was sitting beside him, her hand resting on his, while Olivia leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

Dr. Hayes cleared his throat, pulling their attention toward him. "Elias, we found a match."

Lani's breath hitched. Olivia straightened, and Elias froze.

"What?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

Dr. Hayes smiled. "We have a compatible donor. The transplant can be scheduled as soon as possible."

The room was silent for a long moment before Lani squeezed his hand tightly. "Elias… you're going to live."

His heart pounded in his chest. He had spent so long preparing for the worst that the idea of an actual future beyond this felt unreal. He exhaled shakily, his grip tightening around Lani's.

"When?" Olivia asked, breaking the silence.

"Within the next few days," Dr. Hayes said. "We'll need to run final tests, but everything is looking good."

Lani turned to Elias, her eyes shimmering. "You hear that?"

Elias let out a breathless laugh, shaking his head. "I… I didn't think this would actually happen."

Lani cupped his face, forcing him to look at her. "It is happening. You're not leaving us."

Elias swallowed hard, his emotions threatening to spill over. He had spent years convincing himself that he wasn't meant to have a long life, that people like him didn't get miracles.

But maybe… just maybe, this time, he did.

---

The moment they left the hospital, Lani called Olivia to take care of the kids while she broke the news to them. When they arrived home, Lily and Luca were sitting on the couch, waiting anxiously.

Lani knelt in front of them, her hands on their small ones. "I have something to tell you."

Lily's eyes widened. "What? Is Daddy okay?"

Lani smiled. "He's better than okay, baby. They found him a heart."

Lily gasped, her tiny hands flying to her mouth. Luca's eyes widened, his usual calm mask cracking for the first time.

"So he's not going to leave us?" Luca asked hesitantly.

Lani shook her head, brushing a hand through his hair. "No, sweetheart. Daddy is going to get better."

Lily burst into tears, but this time, they were happy tears. She flung herself into Lani's arms, sobbing against her shoulder. "I was so scared."

Lani held her tightly. "I know, baby. But he's going to be okay."

Luca, though more reserved, let out a shaky breath and nodded. He wasn't one for big displays of emotions, but Lani could see the relief in his eyes.

Leo, who had come over for dinner, grinned. "Well, guess that means I'm stuck with you guys for a long time, huh?"

Lily sniffled and wiped her tears, her face lighting up. "Yes! And Daddy can finally play with us without getting tired!"

Luca's lips twitched into a small smile. "About time."

Lani laughed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders.

They still had a battle ahead, but for the first time in a long time, there was hope.

And that was enough.

---

The next morning, Elias sat in his hospital bed, staring at the ceiling as reality sank in. They had found him a heart. A real chance to live.

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. It still felt unreal.

A soft knock on the door broke through his thoughts. When he looked up, Lily peeked inside, her eyes cautious but hopeful.

"Daddy?" she called softly.

Elias smiled and opened his arms. "Come here, baby."

She didn't hesitate. She ran straight into his embrace, her little arms wrapping around his torso tightly. "I was so scared," she whispered against his chest.

Elias kissed the top of her head. "I know, princess. But I'm not going anywhere."

Luca followed behind her, his hands stuffed in his pockets as he stood near the door. He wasn't the type to rush in for a hug like Lily, but his concern was evident.

Elias held out a hand, wordlessly inviting him closer. After a second of hesitation, Luca moved forward and let Elias ruffle his hair. It wasn't much, but it was enough.

Lani entered next, her eyes searching his face. "How are you feeling?"

Elias exhaled. "Like my whole world just flipped upside down."

She sat beside him, taking his hand in hers. "It's a good thing. You're going to have a future, Elias."

He squeezed her fingers. "Because of you."

Lani shook her head. "No, because of us. You fought, Elias. You let us in."

Lily pulled back slightly, her eyes gleaming. "And now we can be together forever, right?"

Elias's heart clenched at the pure hope in her voice. He nodded. "Yeah, baby. Forever."

Luca finally spoke, his voice steady but filled with something deeper. "When is the surgery?"

Elias met Lani's gaze before looking back at his son. "Soon. In a few days."

Lily's grip on his shirt tightened. "I don't want you to go."

Elias lifted her chin gently. "I have to, princess. But when I wake up, I'll be stronger. I'll be able to do everything with you without getting tired."

She bit her lip before nodding. "Okay."

Lani brushed her hand through Lily's hair before glancing