Chapter 35

LEON'S POV “Leon, what did the doctor say? How’s the baby?” Irene’s eyes searched mine, filled with both fear and hope. I forced a steady breath, willing myself to sound calm. “Your body’s not in any serious danger,” I said softly, reaching for her hand. My thumb traced gentle circles on her skin, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. But inside, I was anything but calm. My mind raced with the weight of the doctor’s words, the complications, the risks—everything I had to keep from her, at least for now. “I… I just need to step out for a moment, okay?” I murmured. Irene nodded, trusting me completely, which only made the guilt gnaw deeper. As soon as I left the room, the facade crumbled. I leaned against the cold wall of the hallway, staring blankly ahead, trying to process the news I had just received. How was I supposed to tell her? How could I be the one to break her heart, to see the light drain from her eyes? I clenched my fists, struggling to hold myself together. I couldn’t