Chapter 12%
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The moment Rosalie stepped off the plane, she spotted her parents holding a welcome sign.
Next to them stood a little boy, about four or five years old.
He looked a bit thin and pale, but his wide, bright eyes sparkled with life and energy.
Even just standing there, he caught the attention of passersby, who stopped to take pictures.
The boy wasn’t shy at all; in fact, he happily posed for the cameras.
But the instant he saw Rosalie approaching, his face lit up with a bright smile, and he ran into her arms. “Mommy!”
Seeing James, Rosalie’s own smile blossomed, tears welling up in her eyes.
It had been three long years, three whole years, since she had last truly held and kissed her child.
To keep Chase from learning the truth about her marriage to the Hollis family and risking her chance to get pregnant to save James, she had never dared to have much contact with him.
Over the three years, mother and son had barely seen each other.
Only in secret moments did she video call James through her parents.
Many times, James had told her through the screen how much he missed her. And during the lonely surgeries he faced.§
She had wanted to fly to Ireland, wrap him in the warmest hug, and tell him Mommy was always there.}
But she couldn’t.
Only by carrying Chase’s child could she truly save James.
Until then, her plan to conceive using his sperm could not have any mistakes.
Now, at last, the longing of all these years had brought them back together. Soon, James’s blood disease would be fully healed.” Thinking this, Rosalie opened her arms and smiled, ready to catch James as he ran toward her.”
But halfway through his sprint, the little boy stumbled and fell forward.
“Mommy!” James cried out, fear breaking his voice.
“James!” Rosalie rushed forward in panic.
But she was too far away; there was no way she could catch him in time.
With James’s fragile body, a fall like that could have landed him straight in intensive care.
His grandparents stood too far off to help.
At that moment, they bitterly regretted loosening their watchful eyes during this rare family reunion and not staying close like they always did.”
Thankfully, the horrifying image of James hitting the ground never happened.
Because in that split second, just before impact, a strong hand scooped him up.
Rosalie arrived moments later, wrapping James tightly in her arms, her voice trembling as she checked him again and again.} “James, James, thank God you’re okay. It’s all Mommy’s fault. Mommy knew you missed her… she should’ve run to you sooner…“}
It was no surprise Rosalie was so terrified. Ever since James fell ill, even the smallest injury could become life–threatening.
He had spent most of his young life confined to hospital beds. Though his condition had grown more stable, allowing him the occasional outing, any physical strain still posed a serious risk.
James had clearly been frightened, too.
Yet, when he saw Rosalie’s tears, he lifted his small hand gently and wiped them away. His soft, childish voice trembled with comforting warmth. “Don’t worry, Mommy. James is grown up now and very brave. I can protect you. See?“}
With a proud grin, he struck a playful, muscle–flexing pose, trying to lift her spirits.
Watching James’s innocent show of courage, Rosalie finally laughed through her tears.
This child was so much like his father, even while hurting, he thought first of others.
One day, he would surely grow into a kind and warm–hearted boy.
And there would be countless tomorrows ahead.
Rosalie’s eyes welled with fresh tears once more.
Just then, a deep, soothing voice spoke beside her. “With James’s condition, he shouldn’t stay out in the wind too long. It’s best to take him home now.“%
Rosalie turned toward the voice and looked up to find a man so strikingly handsome it nearly blinded her.
