Chapter Twenty-Four :A Second Chance at Life

The hospital room was silent except for the steady beeping of the heart monitor. Camille sat in the chair beside Dominic's bed, hands clenched together, her heart pounding with every slow, measured breath he took.

She had been here before.

Ten years ago, waiting for news that never came.

Now, the fear was back—wrapping around her ribs, pressing against her lungs like a force she couldn't escape.

Dominic had collapsed outside the café that morning. One second, he had been standing there, looking at her with those stormy eyes, and the next, he was on the ground.

Camille had screamed his name.

Now, as she sat beside him, waiting for him to wake up, she realized something terrifying.

She couldn't lose him.

Not again.

The door opened softly, and Dr. Evelyn Carter stepped inside, her expression unreadable. Camille shot to her feet. "How is he?"

Dr. Carter sighed. "His heart is weakening. The stress, the late nights, pushing himself too hard—it's all catching up with him."

Camille swallowed hard. "What does that mean?"

"It means he doesn't have much time left unless he starts treatment immediately."

The words sent a cold chill through her.

"He refused before," Camille whispered, her voice shaking.

Dr. Carter nodded. "But after today, he might not have a choice." She hesitated. "He's been fighting alone for a long time. Maybe he just needs a reason to fight harder."

Camille looked at Dominic, still unconscious, and something inside her broke.

He had been carrying this burden alone. Hiding it from her. From Liam.

She had spent so long trying to keep him out—to keep herself safe—that she hadn't seen how much he needed her.

How much she needed him.

Dr. Carter touched her arm. "He should wake up soon. Talk to him."

Camille barely heard the doctor leave. She moved closer to the bed, reaching out with trembling fingers to take Dominic's hand.

It was warm. Solid.

Alive.

Her throat tightened as she whispered, "You don't get to leave again, Dominic. Not this time."

As if hearing her, his fingers twitched. His eyelids fluttered.

Then, slowly, he opened his eyes.

And when those dark, familiar eyes met hers, Camille did something she hadn't done in years.

She let herself hope.