Neil hesitated on the other end of the call before speaking again, his voice low and troubled.
“I know it’s unfair to ask you this,” he said quietly. “But James… he’s really not well. Can you… can you just come and see him once? Just once.”
Mia closed her eyes.
The moment his words landed, memories she had tried so hard to bury surged back—five long years, each one heavy, colorless, and exhausting. No matter how hard she searched, there wasn’t a single memory she could hold onto and saythis made it worth it. Everything was still too fresh, too raw, as if she had only left yesterday.
Tears welled up and slid down her cheeks as she finally spoke.
“He’s unwell now,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “But what if he gets unwell again? Will I be called every time? Will I have to keep going back to him over and over?”
She inhaled shakily. “I’m married now, Neil. I can’t be there for another man. I have a husband.”
Behind her, Alexander tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. He lowered his face to her neck, pressing a gentle kiss there. His expression was calm, but his body was rigid—every muscle taut as he listened to every word.
Neil hesitated, clearly troubled.
“I understand why you don’t want to come,” he said. “But I promise—this will be the last time. Just… for the sake of the five years you lived with him. He neglected you, yes, but he never hurt you. Please. Just come and see him once.”
Mia’s heart pounded painfully in her chest.
After a long silence, she whispered, “I’ll… think about it.”
Then she ended the call.
The moment the phone left her hand, she turned and buried her face against Alexander’s neck. Her shoulders shook as she cried quietly, exhaustion and old wounds crashing over her all at once.
After a while, she lifted her head and looked at him.
“Would you be upset,” she asked softly, “if I go see him… just once?”
Alexander’s jaw tightened. He didn’t look pleased—not at all.
But he answered honestly. “If that’s what you want, I won’t stop you.” Then he added firmly, “But I’m going with you.”
Mia nodded.
***
When Mia arrived at the hospital Neil had sent her the address to, the atmosphere felt heavy the moment she stepped inside the room.
James lay unconscious on the bed, motionless, machines quietly beeping beside him.
Neil stood near the bedside, pacing back and forth restlessly. The moment he noticed Mia, he straightened and hurried toward her.
“Thank you for coming,” he said, his voice polite but strained.
She nodded once, her eyes drifting back to James. “When will he wake up?”
“I’m not sure,” Neil replied. “He hasn’t been responsive at all. The doctors gave him anesthesia so he could rest. He should wake up soon… maybe in a few minutes.”
Mia glanced around the room. “Where’s Mrs. Sinclair?” she asked. “And Ezra?”
Neil’s lips pressed into a tight line. “I informed them. Ezra said they’re busy handling business matters.”
Before Mia could respond, the door burst open.
Kylie rushed inside, holding a small bouquet of flowers. There was a bright smile on her face—as if she were entering a celebration instead of a hospital room.
