Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 271

Raymond’s POV

The morning light filters through the hospital blinds, casting pale stripes across the floor. I watch Talia’s chest rise and fall, her breathing finally even after a night of fevered tossing. The IV fluids have done their work, stabilizing her, but her clothes are soaked through with sweat, clinging to her like a second skin.

I have not slept. My wolf would not let me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her pale face, heard her fevered murmurs, felt her burning skin beneath my palm. So I stayed awake. I watched over her like a sentinel guarding something precious.

The door opens, and Electra slips in, carrying a paper bag that smells of warm bread and coffee. She stops when she sees Talia awake, her face breaking into a relieved smile.

“Talia, you are awake!”

She crosses the room quickly, setting the bag on the bedside table. Her hand hovers over Talia’s forehead, checking her temperature. She lets out a long, relieved breath.

“Thank goodness. It was discovered in time.”

I watch the exchange from my chair, my arms crossed over my chest. The tension in my shoulders eases slightly. Talia’s color is

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Chapter 271

better now. The flush of fever has faded, leaving behind a pale but peaceful complexion

Electra busies herself with the breakfast, pulling out containers and arranging them on the small table. She glances at me. “Mr. Capaldi, you stayed all night?”

I shrug. “I had nothing better to do.”

2

Talia shifts on the bed, trying to sit up. Her movements are weak, uncertain. I rise instinctively, moving to help her adjust the pillows behind her back. She looks up at me, and something flickers in her eyes. Gratitude, maybe. Or something deeper.

“Raymond, you did not have to

I cut her off with a wave of my hand. “I did not have to do anything. I chose to.” I hold her gaze. “There is a difference.”

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She opens her mouth to argue, then closes it again. For once, she does not fight me on this.

Electra passes me a cup of coffee, and I take it gratefully. The warmth seeps into my palms. I do not usually take my coffee black, but right now I do not care. I just need something to keep me awake.

We eat in comfortable silence. The hospital room is quiet, the only sounds the soft clink of chopsticks against containers and 57

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the distant hum of the city waking up outside.

After breakfast, Talia looks at me. “Mr. Capaldi, you should go home. You have been here all night. Robin needs you.”

I shake my head. “Robin is with my driver. He is fine.” I lean back in my chair. “I am not leaving until I know you are stable.”

Talia’s jaw tightens. “I am fine now. The fever has broken. I can take care of myself.”

I almost laugh. This woman. This impossibly stubborn woman. She would rather collapse from exhaustion than accept help.

lean forward, my elbows resting on my knees. My voice drops lower, more serious. “Tia, I know you are used to doing everything alone. I know you have been let down by people who should have been there for you.” I hold her gaze. “But I am not those people. And neither is Robin.”

She looks at me, and for a moment, I see the walls around her heart tremble. Just a little.

Then she looks away. “I know. I just… I am not good at this.”

I smile. “Neither am I.”

The moment passes. Electra clears her throat, breaking the Spoll. She looks at Talia with a new expression, one I cognize57

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< Chapter 271

from my own dealings with stubborn people. Acceptance.

“Talia,” Electra says, “I need to update you on Rafael’s

situation.”

Talia straightens slightly. “What about Rafael?”

“Everything is proceeding according to plan.” Electra’s eyes gleam with something like satisfaction. “The results should be available by the day after tomorrow at the latest. We have the paternity test scheduled. The other side has agreed to participate.”

Talia nods slowly. “And the public reaction?”

“Shifting.” Electra leans back in her chair. “The silence from the accuser’s side has made people suspicious. Some of Rafael’s fans are starting to speak up again. The tide is turning.”

I watch Talia’s face as she processes this. The worry lines around her eyes soften, just slightly. She has been carrying so much on her shoulders. Rafael’s scandal. Electra’s attack. Her own health. It is too much for one person.

But she does not have to carry it alone. That is what I want her to understand.

Talia swings her legs over the side of the bed. “I want to be discharged today.”

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< Chapter 271

Electra frowns. “Talia, you just got your fever down. You need

rest.”

“I can rest at home.” Talia’s voice is firm. “I do not want to

be here when the daytime crowd arrives. The hospital will be chaotic. I will not be able to rest here anyway.”

I can see she has made up her mind. There is no point arguing. Instead, I stand.

“Fine. I will go downstairs and settle the paperwork.” I grab my jacket from the back of the chair. “I will also fetch my car from the underground lot. Wait for me at the main entrance.”

Talia nods, her eyes meeting mine. “Thank you, Raymond.”

I pause at the door. “You do not have to thank me for being there when you need me.” I meet her gaze. “That is what family does.”

I leave before she can respond.

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