Chapter 51: Healing and Homecoming

The following days in the hospital were filled with recovery routines, check-ups, and an overwhelming amount of rest Elias wasn't used to. He hated being stuck in bed, but every time he even thought about trying to get up, Lily or Lani would shoot him a warning glare that kept him in place.

Luca still acted indifferent, but Elias caught the way he would check his monitors when he thought no one was looking. Leo, on the other hand, was more vocal.

"You look like an old man just lying there," Leo commented one afternoon, sitting at the foot of the hospital bed. "Is this what having a new heart does to you?"

Elias smirked. "I just had surgery, kid. Cut me some slack."

Leo shrugged. "I dunno. I thought you'd at least be cooler about it."

Lily gasped dramatically. "Daddy is cool!"

Leo smirked. "Eh. He was cool. Now? He's just… kinda lame."

Luca snorted, and Elias groaned. "I regret ever letting you in here."

Lani, who had just walked in, arched an eyebrow. "Oh, trust me, they belong here. They're making sure you don't do anything reckless."

Elias muttered something under his breath, but Lani ignored him, walking to his bedside and placing a fresh container of cut fruit in front of him. "Eat."

Elias frowned. "I—"

"No excuses."

He sighed, taking the fork and stabbing a piece of melon. "You're really enjoying bossing me around, aren't you?"

Lani smirked. "I always enjoy bossing you around."

Leo laughed. "Yeah, that's basically her love language."

Lani turned to him. "Do you want to be banned from visiting?"

Leo held up his hands in surrender, grinning.

Lily climbed onto the bed, sitting beside Elias. "So, when can you come home?"

Elias glanced at Lani, knowing she had been speaking to the doctors more than he had.

She sighed. "The doctors want to keep him for another week. Just to be sure."

Lily pouted. "That's too long!"

Elias ruffled her hair. "I know, princess. But I gotta make sure I don't fall apart on you."

Lily giggled. "You won't! You're strong."

Lani muttered, "Yeah, too strong-headed sometimes."

Elias grinned but didn't argue.

---

A Week Later – Going Home

When Elias was finally discharged, it felt like stepping into a new world. The sun was brighter, the air fresher—everything felt different.

Lani had driven to the hospital with the kids, and the moment Elias stepped outside, Lily ran to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"Daddy's coming home!" she cheered.

Elias laughed, hugging her back. "Yeah, I am."

Luca walked up next, hands in his pockets. He didn't say much, but when Elias met his gaze, Luca gave him a small nod.

It meant everything.

Leo clapped him on the back. "Try not to do anything dumb. You're fragile now."

Elias smirked. "I'll be fine."

Lani stood by the car, watching the reunion with a soft expression. When Elias turned to her, she rolled her eyes. "Are you going to stand there all day, or are you getting in the car?"

Elias chuckled. "Yes, ma'am."

The drive home was filled with laughter, teasing, and Lily talking non-stop about all the things she wanted to do now that Elias was back.

When they finally reached the house, Elias took a deep breath before stepping inside.

He was home.

Not just in a house.

But with his family.

And this time, he wasn't going anywhere.

To be continued…