The Wife He Never Meant to Love (Lila and Damon) novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226

Chapter 226

The car doors closed with a soft thud, sealing Ethan inside while Emily remained outside, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, curled up in the seat, his small chest rising and falling in peaceful sleep, unaware of the storm that surrounded them.

Emily knelt briefly, pressing her hands to the cool leather beside him, as if the touch could somehow keep him safe through the distance that was about to stretch between them. Her voice trembled as she whispered, “Be a good boy, Ethan… listen to Lila. Stay strong, okay?”

She leaned closer, planting a final, lingering kiss on his forehead, then on his cheeks, each kiss carrying every ounce of love, regret, and apology she had stored in her heart. Her lips lingered for a heartbeat longer, as if holding onto him just a little bit longer could protect him from the dangers that now loomed.

“Mom… is sorry,” she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks, “for not taking care of you better… for not being there. But I promise, I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”

Ethan stirred slightly in his sleep, murmuring a soft sound that pulled a jagged sob from Emily. She closed her eyes, fighting to stay composed, but the world around her seemed to collapse in that instant. Her chest ached, her stomach twisted, and for the first time in months, the weight of fear and separation pressed down on her so heavily it was almost unbearable.

Bryan stood a few steps behind her, silent and solemn, giving her a moment she didn’t even realize she needed. He could see the raw, unfiltered grief in her eyes, the trembling of her hands, and the way she fought to hold herself together.

The car started to roll slowly, and Emily’s hands instinctively reached toward the window. She whispered his name one last time: “Ethan…”

The car moved, pulling her child away from her arms, her touch, her protection. She staggered back slightly, tears streaming freely now, her body wracked with sobs. The sound tore through the quiet night, the rawness of a mother’s heartbreak echoing against the walls of the estate.

Bryan’s hand was suddenly on her shoulder, firm but gentle, guiding her forward. “Emily… we have to move,” he said softly, his voice careful, almost reverent, as if he didn’t want to shatter her further.

She lifted her head, eyes fixed on the red tail lights fading into the distance, unable to look away. Every step she took afterward felt hollow, each footfall a reminder that she had to leave her son behind, the child she had fought so desperately to protect.

Inside, Lila’s gaze remained steady on Ethan, watching over him like a guardian angel, but Emily’s heart ached with the knowledge that this temporary safety came at an unbearable cost: the bond between mother and son, stretched across distance and danger, torn by the cruel necessities of survival.

As Bryan led her back toward the building, Emily followed silently, each step a painful reminder of what she had given up, and of the unyielding storm that awaited her in the coming nights.

Lila arrived at the estate just as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the manicured gardens. Her steps were light, but her mind was heavy with worry. She paused at the staff’s station, her voice gentle but firm.

“Please, take care of Ethan for me,” she said, glancing toward the staff member, who nodded silently. Without waiting for a response, she continued down the hallway, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.

When she reached Damian’s room, she paused at the doorway, taking in his small, serene face. Her fingers brushed lightly over his hair before she leaned in to kiss his cheeks. “Stay safe,” she whispered, a faint smile tugging at her lips, and left quietly, her presence as fleeting as a shadow.

Her heart thumped faster as she approached Damon’s room. The door loomed ahead, and she hesitated for a fraction of a second before entering. Laying herself beside him, she wrapped an arm around his waist, feeling the slight warmth of his body.

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Chapter 226

“You’re in good shape, according to the doctor,” Lila said softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.” So why are you still not awake? Are you mad at me that you don’t want to open your eyes?”

No response came, only the steady beep of the heart monitor. Damon’s heart suddenly skipped into rapid beats. Lila’s eyes darted to the machine, alarm flashing in her chest. She looked back at his motionless face, hesitating before planting a light, cautious kiss on his lips.

“I’ll call the doctor,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

But the sudden spike in his heartbeat was far from normal. She hurried out of the room and knocked on the door beside it, her concern pressing her fingertips against the wood.

The doctor, rubbing his eyes, opened the door. “Yes?” he asked, clearly weary.

“Damon’s heart-it’s… it’s abnormal,” Lila said, her worry spilling into her words. “Please, come quickly.” The doctor followed her inside. The monitor confirmed it: Damon’s heart rate had spiked to dangerous levels. The doctor frowned, suspicion crossing his features.

“Did you do something?” he asked cautiously, turning toward Lila.

“I just… lay beside him,” Lila admitted, her gaze locked on Damon’s still form. “Is he going to be okay?” The doctor checked the pulses, his expression darkening. This man is heartless, he thought grimly, and poor Lila… she doesn’t even know.

“Maybe… maybe he was just excited,” he offered weakly, trying to soothe her. “He should be okay. You must be tired-go rest.” He gently guided her out of the room. Lila glanced back at Damon one last time before leaving, a silent plea in her eyes.

Once alone, the doctor sank into a chair, rubbing the fatigue from his face. Damon’s eyelids fluttered, slowly revealing sharp, calculating eyes.

“You know,” the doctor murmured, “sooner or later she’ll know.”

“Keep her busy,” Damon said, his voice hoarse but commanding. “I need to go somewhere.”

“Lock this room,” he added, leaning back slightly.

“If she asks why…” the doctor began.

“Just give a medical excuse,” Damon replied, closing his eyes again, already planning the next move in his silent, heartless game.

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