Adrian stood. “I understand. Keeping those we love safe is an arduous task. Cathy will write my cell on the discharge papers when you all are ready to leave. She’s the nurse you spoke to when you arrived. I plan on discharging Bianca tomorrowmorning, and she’ll be moved to a room on the sixth floor in an hour. You can see her then. Once you get home, if you notice anything alarming, please call me.”
“Will do,” I said, shaking his hand. “Thank you, Adrian.”
“You’re welcome. Best of luck.”
As he strode away, I lowered back into the chair and contemplated the weeks ahead. I would ensure Bianca had everything she needed to recover as quickly and painlessly as possible. Recalling the doctor’s words, my eyebrows drew together as I wondered about Bianca’s D&C. Had she experienced a miscarriage? When? Had Victor known? He must have if she’d entered the hospital to have a procedure.
Realizing I wouldn’t have any answers until I talked to Bianca directly, I pulled out my phone to make some calls. It was imperative I stay on top of what was spreading amongst the families so I was aware of the narrative.
My wife had inadvertently sped up my turf war, and whether I liked it or not, there was no turning back.
Chapter 25
Bianca
Iblinked rapidly, my head pounding as I scrambled toward consciousness. My throat burned, and I lifted my hand to my neck, wincing as a slight pain pulsed at my side.
“Hey,” Michael’s deep voice said, blanketing me as I tried to focus. “I’m here. You’re on meds, but you might feel some dull pain so be careful.”
I tried to talk but only a squeak came out.
Michael pulled his chair closer and took my hand, careful not to jostle the IV taped to the back of my hand. “You had a tube in during surgery,” he said, kissing my hand as his free hand stroked the hair at my temple. “It’s going to be hard to talk.”
“Surgery?” I whispered.
He nodded, his jaw resting against my hand as he studied me. “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”
Inhaling deeply, I struggled to understand what happened before it all came rushing back. Going to the distillery for Michael’s present. Getting slammed by another car. A confrontation with Simon before...
“Oh, god...” I rasped as tears flooded my eyes. “I killed Simon.”
Michael nodded and gently wiped my tears away. “Don’t repeat that to anyone but me. The official report says that Joaquin shot him.”
Ragged breaths left my chest. “He was going to kidnap me so I’d tell him where Alexis was... I couldn’t let him threaten her, Michael.”
“Of course not.” His thumb stroked my cheek as I struggled to contain the swirling emotions. “You did what you had to do. My fierce, strong wife. I’m in awe of you.”
I gazed into his eyes, taking comfort in his presence.
“Are Joaquin and Chris okay?”
“They’re hurt but they’ll be fine.”
“This is all my fault,” I said, shaking my head on the pillow. “I’d been cooped up in the house, and I learned it was your birthday and... I just wanted to get you something special. It was only a ten-minute drive...”
“I know, sweetheart,” he said, his tone caring without a hint of anger. “I don’t blame you. I wish you’d listened to me and stayed home, but we both know you’re not thrilled at taking orders from me.”
Unable to smile at his teasing, I fought off more tears as exhaustion set in. God, I was so tired.
“What did they do surgery on?” I asked weakly.
Michael’s eyes darted between mine as a feeling of dread washed over me.
“Michael?”
“You had several damaged organs, and the surgeon was able to repair most of them. But your uterus had severe scarring and damage from your previous D&C, so they had to remove it.”
My chin trembled. “Remove it? They...did a hysterectomy?”
