CHAPTER 2: THE WOMAN HE THOUGHT HE LOST

Thirty minutes later, Alex was racing through Manhattan traffic.

The twins sat in the back seat beside him.

Neither spoke much.

They seemed afraid he might disappear if they looked away.

When they arrived at the hospital, Alex nearly ran through the doors.

Room 814.

The boys pushed inside first.

"Mama!"

Emily slowly opened her eyes.

The illness had changed her.

She was thinner.

Fragile.

But Alex recognized her instantly.

And when she saw him standing behind the boys, tears filled her eyes.

"You came."

Alex felt years collapse between them.

"You should have told me."

Emily smiled sadly.

"I tried."

Silence settled over the room.

The boys climbed onto the bed beside her.

Alex sat quietly nearby.

For the first time in years, his wealth meant absolutely nothing.

No company.

No skyscraper.

No fortune.

Could buy more time.

That night he stayed beside her hospital bed.

And for the first time in seven years, they talked honestly.

About the accident.

About fear.

About missed chances.

About the boys.

Emily laughed softly when Lucas fell asleep holding Alex's hand.

"He does that when he's scared."

Alex swallowed hard.

"I've missed everything."

"No."

Emily shook her head.

"You found them."

Then she looked at him carefully.

"Promise me something."

"Anything."

"Don't let them grow up thinking they weren't wanted."

Tears slipped down Alex's face.

"I promise."