I nod, clenching and unclenching my fists.
She takes a step back. “As for finding a donor match, it involves a complex evaluation process. We need to match blood type, tissue type, and size of the organ to ensure the best possible outcome. Delilah will be placed on a national transplant list, and her position will be determined based on the severity of her condition and her overall health.”
“The search for a suitable heart can be quick, or it can take time,” Dr. Laine adds. “We also must prepare for potential rejection of the transplant, so she will need immunosuppressive therapy post-transplant to help her body accept the new heart.”
My head pounds as I digest this information. “And until then? Can she die from another heart attack?”
Dr. Laine nods. “There is always a risk, especially in severe cases like Delilah’s. Her heart is already weakened, and yes, she could deteriorate before a suitable donor is found. That’s why our immediate goal is to stabilize her, manage her symptoms, and prepare her body to be as strong as possible for the transplant.”
The thought of losing Delilah before we even have a chance to fight for her recovery is unbearable. Agony in its purest form.
“We will monitor her very closely,” Dr. Laine says. “She’ll be in the intensive care unit where we can give her the best care available. We’re also going to start her on a new regimen of medications to support her heart function and reduce the risk of further damage until a donor can be found.”
“What can I do?” I ask, feeling helpless but needing to do something,anythingthat might save Delilah.
“Keep her calm at all times.”
Fuck. That’s the one thing I can’t do.
Chapter 47
XAVIER
The room dims as the light begins to fade outside, and darkness fills the space, creeping along the sterile walls, mirroring the growing dread inside me. As I sit by Delilah’s bedside, gripping her hand while watching the fragile rise and fall of her chest. The machines beep in a steady rhythm, a constant reminder of the precarious thread between life and death. The thought of a world without Delilah is unthinkable, a void so profound it threatens to kill me.
She can’t die.
I won’t fucking let her.
The door opens and Declan steps into the room. “X,” he begins, his voice low, “how’s she doing?”
“No change,” I reply without taking my eyes off Delilah. Her face is peaceful, belying the ongoing struggle of her heart.
Declan nods and walks over to stand beside me, his presence a silent pillar of support. After a moment, I turn to him, my decision firm despite the anguish that rises at the thought of leaving her.
“I need the donor list.”
His lips thin as he contemplates my demand. “What are you going to do?”
I press a kiss to Delilah’s wrist before gently setting it on the bed. Then I get to my feet and meet his gaze head on, folding my arms over my chest. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to save her. Give me the list of people who are compatible with Delilah. I’ll handle what comes after.”
When he doesn’t respond readily, I fist my hands to keep from grabbing him by the throat. “I know you have a donor list. Don’t make me do something I’ll regret.”
“It sounds like you’ve already made up your mind to do something irrevocable,” he says. “You don’t need to threaten me as well.”
“Then give me what I want. Your family has authorized the harvest of organs to be sold to the highest bidder. Don’t get righteous on me now, not when I’m close to losing the only thing that matters to me.”
Declan sighs. “I’ll give you what you want, but we both know your bride isn’t going to understand.”
“She doesn’t have to understand. She just needs to survive.”
“This goes beyond her being merely your property,” Declan says tilting his head. “You’ve fallen for her.”
“I’ve done more than fall. I’m on my knees.”
He blinks at me. “Fuck.”
“I know. That’s why I need your help.”
