Chapter 106

The moment Sophia stepped into the dimly lit hospital corridor, her pulse quickened.

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled her nostrils, triggering memories she’d rather forget.

Liam clung to her hand, his small fingers trembling slightly. "Mom, is Dad going to be okay?"

She forced a reassuring smile. "He’s strong, sweetheart. He’ll pull through."

But the truth gnawed at her.

Ethan Blackwood wasn’t just injured—he’d been targeted.

The nurse, Charlotte, approached with a clipboard. "Mrs. Blackwood? He’s stable, but still unconscious."

Sophia exhaled shakily. "Can we see him?"

Charlotte hesitated. "Just for a few minutes."

The ICU room was eerily silent, save for the rhythmic beeping of monitors.

Ethan lay motionless, his face pale against the stark white sheets. Bandages wrapped around his torso, a stark reminder of the violence that had found him.

Liam’s breath hitched. "Dad…"

Sophia squeezed his shoulder. "Talk to him. He can hear you."

As Liam whispered to his father, Sophia’s mind raced.

Who had done this?

And why now?

Her phone buzzed—a message from Daniel Carter.

"We need to talk. It’s urgent."

Her stomach twisted.

Daniel never reached out unless it was life or death.

She glanced back at Ethan, then at Liam.

Whatever was coming, she wouldn’t let it tear them apart again.

Not when they’d just found their way back to each other.

But the shadows lurking at the edges of her vision whispered otherwise.

Danger was closer than she thought.

And this time, it wouldn’t stop until it had taken everything from her.

Sunlight streams through my bedroom curtains, forcing my eyelids open. I linger beneath the covers, one hand resting on my rounded belly where tiny kicks greet my palm.

The calendar on my nightstand confirms it - six months pregnant today. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Pregnancy is terrifying. Every milestone feels like walking through a minefield blindfolded. I whisper a prayer of gratitude, painfully aware many mothers never get to hold their babies.

After my morning ritual, hunger drives me downstairs before even showering. Yesterday's chaos made me forget to eat entirely.

Memories of Ethan's lips on mine surface unbidden. My traitorous body still thrums with the memory. I wanted more - his hands, his touch, everything. Hormones? Please. I'm not that good at lying to myself.

Self-loathing curdles in my stomach. After everything Ethan put me through, how could I respond like that? I swore I'd moved on, yet there I was, making out with my ex like some desperate fool.

Maybe Ethan has changed. Maybe pigs can fly. Even if he has, the damage is done. Some wounds never truly heal.

I slam frying pans onto the stove with more force than necessary. Why can't I stop thinking about that damn kiss? His taste, his scent - it's maddening.

"Something bothering you?" Lucas's sudden voice makes me drop the eggs I'm holding.

"Jesus, Callum!" I press a hand to my racing heart. "You nearly gave me a heart attack."

He chuckles. "Sorry. Thought you heard us come in. Hunter and Liam weren't exactly quiet."

I turn to see the boys already devouring yesterday's cookies.

"Just lost in thought," I murmur.

His smile fades. "Still upset about Isabella yesterday?"

I nod, letting him assume that's what's troubling me. Better than admitting I'm obsessing over Ethan's kiss.

"What's for breakfast, Mom?" Liam asks through a mouthful of cookie.

"Full English," I answer.

"Yes!" Hunter punches the air. "Best breakfast ever!"

His joy warms my heart. I pray Isabella comes to her senses before she loses her son forever.

"Almost done?" Liam whines. "I'm starving."

"Five more minutes. Go wait in the living room."

They scamper off while Callum takes the cleaning supplies from me. "Sorry to barge in. The boys insisted on your cooking."

I laugh. Callum's not a bad cook - just different, according to the kids.

"Was going to bring some over anyway," I say, cracking fresh eggs into the pan.

"How are you holding up?" I ask gently.

"Relieved," he admits. "Hunter shouldn't be a secret. After my grandfather died, it was just us two. He deserves to know his family."

Personally, I think Tristan and Victoria aren't worth knowing, but they've been decent to Liam. Maybe I should let go of my grudges. They're not part of my life anymore.

"You're right. Isabella had no right to keep Hunter from them."

The doorbell cuts off his reply. As Liam's footsteps pound toward the door, I pray it's not Ethan. The last thing I need is another morning brawl.

"Who was it?" I call when Liam returns.

He shrugs. "No one there. Just this."

The note in his hand bears my name in jagged letters. Ice floods my veins at the sight.

"Go back inside," I tell him, forcing calm into my voice.

Alone on the porch, the hair on my neck stands up. I unfold the note with trembling fingers.

YOU WILL PAY FOR EVERYTHING.

My breath catches. I scan the empty street before stuffing the note in my pocket.

"Everything okay?" Callum asks when I return. "You look pale."

"Just kids playing pranks," I lie, my pulse hammering.

Breakfast passes with forced cheer. The boys share school stories while Callum talks about work. But the note burns in my mind.

My instincts scream this isn't a prank. Someone's coming for me.

Danger looms on the horizon again.