Chapter 45

Cole had no idea how long he slept. But voices in the room caused him to slowly open his eyes. His vision cleared slowly, and he found himself face to face with the doctor from earlier.

“How are you feeling?”

“The procedure is over? How’s my son?” Connor could see the worry in Cole’s eyes.

“He’s good. He’s going to experience some discomfort, but he will be fine.” Doctor Connor gestured to the bed a few steps away.

Cole’s heart went out to his little boy, who was lying on the bed with his eyes shut. Their beds were separated by a monitor, mainly for Enzo, who still had IV drips.

“The nurse will come to transfer you to another ward shortly.”

Cole shook his head.

“Can’t I stay with him?”

“Sure, I just thought you might want your privacy.”

“No, I’m good here.”

“You’ll be discharged by the end of the day.”

“What about my son?”

“He’s going to be with us for a few more days.”

Cole nodded.

“My shift is almost over, but my colleague will be here soon to check up on you both,” Dr. Connor said.

Cole nodded. Connor signaled the nurse, and they left.

Once they were gone, Cole pushed his duvet aside and slowly got up, ignoring the soreness. He took slow steps to Enzo’s bedside, sat in the chair, and caressed his son’s free hand.

Enzo slowly opened his eyes. He smiled when he saw Cole.

“Daddy!” His voice was hoarse. “You’re here!”

Cole smiled, leaned close, kissed his forehead, and sat down again.

“How do you feel, baby?”

“Tired,” Enzo said. He sounded drowsy, and Cole saw him fighting to keep his eyes open.

Chapter 45

“It’s okay, buddy. You can go to sleep. I’ll be right here, watching over you.” Cole continued caressing his son’s hand.

“Promise?” Enzo said, almost closing his eyes.

Cole nodded. “Yes, my love.”

He watched Enzo sleep before returning to his own bed. He decided to nap, too, when he saw his phone flashing. It was ringing, but silent because it was on vibrate.

Cole reached for his phone. He saw it was Jess and answered, holding the phone away from his ear to avoid disturbing Enzo.

“Where the hell are you, Cole? God! I’ve been trying to reach you all night. Your dad has been calling me nonstop. He said you failed to show up for a multi-billion dollar deal that could literally save your company.”

Cole sighed, unsure where to begin.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I had an emergency.” He kept his voice low.

“Emergency? Please don’t tell me those witches did something terrible.”

“No. It’s Enzo.”

“Oh my God, is he okay?” Jessica’s worry was evident.

“Yeah, he just had a bone marrow transplant. I was the donor. He’s fine. He just needs to recover,” Cole said, glancing at his sleeping son.

“I’m so sorry, Cole. But I’m glad to hear he’s okay. We were so worried. You weren’t answering your calls. I called your housekeeper, and she confirmed you weren’t home. Hope you’re feeling okay, too?”

“Do you need me to come over?” Jessica asked.

“I’m good. Just a bit sore, but I’m fine. Sorry I worried you. Everything happened so fast. I was on my way to the airport when Hailey called. Unfortunately, she wasn’t a match, so I was needed.”

“It’s fine. I’m glad you’re safe. Since your dad has no clue about the twins, I’ll come up with an excuse for you.”

“Please be strong. And if you need anything, let me know.”

“How is Hailey? She must be terrified. I’m always a mess when my daughter’s sick. I can’t imagine witnessing her undergoing surgery.”

“She was really upset last night. I haven’t seen her today, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon. The doctor insisted she and Ollie go home last night.”

Chapter 45

“Please take good care of her. She might seem strong, but she needs all the love and support she can get.”

“I’m really sorry this is happening, Cole.”

“Thank you for your concern. My kids are more important than anything. Things could have been worse, but I’m grateful. Enzo is out of danger. We’re just waiting for him to recover.”

“That’s good to hear. I’ll take care of everything here. I’ll talk to your dad. I know you and Hailey would probably want some privacy, but if you need me to come over, don’t hesitate.”

Hailey, Debbie, and Oliver arrived at the hospital around 9 a.m. and were fortunate to find Dr. Connor at the reception. Debbie carried a food basket, and Hailey held Oliver.

“Good morning, Doc.”

Connor smiled, calming Hailey instantly.

“How are they?” she asked, referring to Enzo and Cole.

“Oh, the transplant was a success. Congratulations.”

“C…can we see them?”

“Sure! But I think the other doctor is still attending to Enzo.”

“He’s okay, right?” Hailey asked, her concern evident.

“Yes, just a general check-up. He’s young, but a very strong boy, so we need to keep a close eye on him.”

“His father has been really helpful. He hasn’t left Enzo’s side since the donation.”

“They’re in the same room?” Hailey asked.

Dr. Connor nodded. “I hope you don’t mind. Cole just wouldn’t let the little boy out of his sight.”

Hailey swallowed hard. “No, it’s fine. Thank you. Any precautions?”

“Well, things went better than expected. No infections, but you’ll all have to wear gowns and masks to see him, at least for today. He’s really brave. I think he gets that from you and his daddy.”

Debbie smiled proudly.

“Cole should be able to move around slowly, but he shouldn’t do anything strenuous or go back to work for at least a week. He’s free to go home today, but we’ll keep Enzo here for monitoring.”

Hailey nodded, relieved her son was out of danger.

14:34 SH1, 20 Apr Chapter 45

“They’re on the fifth floor, VIP room. The nurses will assist you with gowns before you go in.”

Hailey, Debbie, and Ollie went to the fifth floor and found the VIP ward. Before they could enter, a doctor and nurse came out.

“Hi Doc, We’re here to see my daddy and my brother,” Ollie said.

“Hiiii.” The doctor smiled at Oliver, noting his resemblance to the men in the ward. “Good to see you, buddy.”

“Hi Doc, How are they doing?” Hailey asked.

“Good. Enzo is resting, and I’d like for him not to be disturbed. Can you wait at least an hour before seeing him?”

Hailey swallowed hard. “What about Cole? Can we see him now?”

“Sure! But keep your voices down so as not to disturb Enzo.”

“We won’t. I promise.”

“Please go with Nurse Tina. She’ll help you with gowns.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

The doctor smiled, nodded, and left.

Nurse Tina took them to a sanitation room. They washed their hands, used sanitizer, and put on gowns, caps, and masks (Debbie and Hailey).

Ollie giggled at his reflection.

“What is it, buddy?” Hailey asked.

“We look funny.”

Debbie smiled. “No, I don’t think so.”

“We have to wear these because your brother just had surgery, and we don’t want to risk infection.”

“I know, Mommy. Enzo is very strong. I’m proud of him. I’m proud of Daddy, too,” he said proudly.

“Dr. Philip really complimented Enzo. He’s responding to treatment so fast, which is impressive for his age. You have a beautiful family, ma’am,” Nurse Tina smiled.

“She really does,” Debbie smiled.