CHAPTER FIFTY NINE - An Unexpected Twist of Fate

Lucas was quiet for a moment, his throat tight with emotion. "Terrified," he finally admitted. "I was scared of losing her, scared of failing our daughter, scared of losing everything we'd worked for. I felt... inadequate. Like I wasn't enough." Ella reached out and took his hand, her eyes filling with tears. "Oh, Lucas," she whispered. "I had no idea you were carrying all that." Dr. Martinez turned to Ella. "And Ella, how about you? How did it feel to be vulnerable, to have to rely on Lucas during your illness?" Ella took a shaky breath. "It was hard," she said. "I've always been independent, always the one taking care of others. To suddenly be the one needing care... it made me feel weak. And then, when I got better, I think I overcompensated. I tried to take control of everything, to prove I was strong again." As they continued to talk, guided by Dr. Martinez's thoughtful questions, Lucas and Ella began to see how their individual fears and insecurities had been driving them apa