Page 159 of King of Ashes
36
ZARA
In the darkest hours, faith is the only thing that strengthens us.
Vian bleeding out before me, his blood pooling under my palms, shattered me. I knew then, with absolute certainty, I’d be lost without him.
This man is my life. My past, present, and future.
His love brought me back to him, and my love brought him back to me.
I dare everyone to steal my happiness from me.
We’re in the maternity ward of the hospital, plastered to an examination table. The OB-GYN applies transparent gel, and I squeeze Vian’s hand, giddy to see our baby.
My husband sits beside me in a wheelchair, which was a feat to achieve. It was that or miss the chance to hear and see our little wonder for the first time. He gave in, making me fall even harder in love with him.
He interlaces our fingers as she moves the wand along my lower belly. I suck in a breath the moment I hear a constant, loud rhythm.
“That’s your baby’s heartbeat,” she says, and my heart speeds up as if aligning with my baby’s.
I see a tiny black dot, and she points at it. “And that’s your baby.”
I’ve cried so many times during the past few days, but these tears are happy ones, filled with awe and a love so big I didn’t think I could feel.
I glance at my husband, who stares completely riveted at the image before our eyes lock and I notice his watery gaze.
“Thank you,” he says, voice fraught with deep gratitude and endless adoration.
Two simple words to encompass the depth of our feelings, every obstacle we crossed, all the hurt we overcame. It sounds like a joke, but those words signify a new beginning.
The world disappears while ours grows between us.
After returning to his private hospital room, he states, “Tomorrow, we’re going home.”
There’s no point fighting with him.
The doctor and I have a secret understanding. It’s a white lie, but I ignore the pinch of guilt for my husband’s well-being. He could have been discharged today, but the doctor sought a hundred percent assurance. I think he knows whose life he saved, and he wants to keep it that way.
The month was also exaggerated, but knowing my husband, he won’t possess that much patience, so anything under that timeframe will be a success.
I know why he’s eager to return: to find the man responsible, but Conrad is handling that. With no support on his side, Paolo fled like the damn rat he is.
I am also looking forward to going home—to the mansion. Not that the penthouse feels any less homey, but it doesn’t hold the same meaning.
We spend the rest of the day together—chatting, sharing soft smiles, exchanging gentle touches and ardent kisses here and there—then go to bed looking at our baby’s first picture.
The next day,Conrad waits to pick us up after my husband gets discharged. Several of his men scatter around, four black SUVs forming a line. The transition is going smoothly so far as we merge our businesses.
My hand lies in his, just like it should be, driving away to our new beginning.
Arriving at the mansion, I smile softly, looking up at him. “I was jealous.”
He snakes his arms around my waist and lets me process my thoughts by giving me his silent support.
“It was unfair of me to accuse you of betraying me. It was a delicate situation. I’m sure keeping your feelings contained, spinning a new love story with the one you’ve always loved, and navigating your business wasn’t easy.” I drag in a lungful of air to fortify myself. “I disregarded your slips. Maybe part of me wanted to test your love. Maybe it was self-preservation.” I shrug, the reason no longer important, and continue, “What I know for sure is that we’re unavoidable, my love.” I lift my palm to his chest, feeling his heart beat strongly under my touch. “I seek to be more than the love of your life, your wife, and the mother of your children, but your lifelong partner in everything.”
He cups my cheeks and lowers his forehead onto mine, brushing his lips on mine. “You are all that and so much more. You’re my everything. You are everything.”
