Chapter 20%
I nodded reluctantly, trying to absorb everything she said. There were no words for what I had learned. As I sat in silence, my thoughts returned to every moment with Hestia, from our wedding day to the day she walked away. A sharp pain pierced my chest.
No memory felt joyful. Everything was dull and lifeless. People said we looked like strangers playing house, never sharing real conversations or checking in. I spoke to her in commands, treating her like someone I controlled. Maybe she had happy memories, especially with our son, but after all she endured, especially from Lorde, those memories must have turned bitter, wiped away like chalk. “She was never really ours, and yet we still managed to traumatize her,” I muttered, ashamed of the truth that had always been in front of
me.S
Mrs. Scott didn’t say a word. She had said everything she came to say, leaving the silence to speak for itself. That silence confirmed whatever guilt I felt, whether it was for me or for Hestia.
“I will do my best to convince her to come home,” she said quietly after what felt like thirty minutes of silence. “But if she refuses, there’s nothing more I can do, Lucian. Lorde is my grandson, blood or not, because Hestia is my daughter.”}
I let out a long, tired sigh and nodded. Maybe, like her, I needed to accept whatever decision Hestia made. No matter how much I wanted to fix things, I might already be too late.
Hestial
“Mom…” I answered the call. The number wasn’t saved, but I recognized her voice. “Are you okay? Is something wrong?“}
All I heard was her heavy breathing.
“Hestia, did you hear what happened to Lorde?” she asked carefully.
My heart sank instantly. A lump formed in my throat, threatening to choke me.
“H–he was poisoned, Mom,” I replied, my voice trembling. “But I guess he’s okay now, right?“}
She didn’t respond right away. Her silence twisted my stomach. My chest tightened, and the unease I had felt for days suddenly made sense. I thought it was just about me, especially after I abruptly left for the island. But now, it felt like the tension was for something much heavier.}]
“Mom, what happened?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. “What’s wrong?}
“Hija, Lorde is still in the hospital,” she said gently.}}
“The poison wasn’t treated in time?” I asked, already filled with dread.”
“No, hija. Beverly brought him to a theme park. He collapsed while they were there.“}]
“What?” I gasped, my voice cracking. “Why would she bring him there? Did she tire him out?“}
“He rode a roller coaster. Hestia, it’s been four days. He’s still in a coma, hasn’t woken up, and keeps calling for you.”
The pain hit me like a storm. My eyes burned with unshed tears. Lorde’s heart is weak. He should never be on things like that. He’s not even ready for the role Lucian is grooming him for, which is why I’ve been guiding him carefully. But a roller coaster? That could have killed him.
“Then where is Lucian? What is he doing?” I asked, already gathering my things.
I couldn’t stay knowing my son was fighting for his life. Even if I couldn’t speak to him, I needed to see him, to know he was still breathing, still holding on. My heart wouldn’t rest otherwise.
川
That child was mine to protect. I raised him, watched over him. I didn’t do all that just for him to be put in danger by someone who barely
knew him.”
“Lucian has been trying to reach you. He’s been texting, calling. But you changed your number. He’s begging you to come back. Hestia, your son needs you,” my mother said softly.
Tears spilled freely now. Even if she hadn’t asked, I had already made up my mind.
It took seven hours to get back to the city. I didn’t stop for flowers or food. Lorde only needs my presence.
I went straight to the hospital.”
“Hospital room of Lorde Ducani, please,” I told the nurse.
“Oh, he’s been moved to the emergency room, Ma’am. It’s down that corridor,” she said, pointing right.
Emergency room? But he was in a coma. Why was he moved? What had happened now?
My legs moved on their own, panic taking over. Tears flowed as worst–case thoughts raced through my mind.”
I spotted Lucian yelling at a doctor, furious and frustrated. His beta and delta stood beside him, shocked when they saw me.
“Lucian…” I called, my voice shaking.
He turned, eyes wide. I could barely breathe.”
“What happened? Why the emergency room? They said he was in a coma. Why is he here?“}]
“Is she the mother?” the doctor asked, looking at me.
Lucian hesitated, but I stepped forward and nodded.”
“Yes, I am, Doctor.”
“The biological mother?” he clarified again.”
My throat ran dry. Chesca was gone. Why was he asking for her? I was here. I’m the one who’s here!
Chapter 20
2/2 714%
10:38
“Doctor…” I began.
He opened a folder, pulled out a document, and said, “If he’s a lycan, his blood transfusion must come from his mother. Since he didn’t inherit your blood, Mr. Ducani…“}
My knees weakened. My sobs began.
“W–what do you mean? My son is in danger. Why are you asking for-“}
“Hestia Scott,” the doctor read from the certificate. “We need the biological mother. We need Hestia Scott for his blood.”
