That feeling had been growing inside her for a long time, quietly taking root until it was as strong and steady as an old tree. She watched Matthew, his face pale but still so handsome, and spoke earnestly. "Matthew, thank you. If it wasn''t for you, I don''t know what would have happened to me."


    Matthew shook his head, cutting her off before she could say more. His eyes were soft, overflowing with affection. "You don''t have to thank me. I just want to help you. I want you to be happy."


    His words made her heart race, her cheeks growing hot. She quickly turned away, pretending to focus on the view outside the window. Sunlight streamed through the leaves, creating warm and patchy shadows on the floor. The light felt soothing, almost as if it could heal.


    The door swung open and the military doctor stepped in.


    Reese pulled herself together and stood up. "Doctor, how is he doing?"


    The doctor offered a reassuring smile. "Mr. Wiles is recovering well. The acute episode is under control and there''s no immediate danger." His tone shifted, bing more serious. "But the mutated gene in his system is still there. It''s hereditary, so we''ll need to keep a close watch on his condition for a long time."


    Reese''s anxiety bubbled up again. "Is there a way to cure it?" She remembered what Sebastian had said and felt a wave of dread.


    "For now, the only real cure is a stem cell transnt from a close blood rtive," the doctor replied, regret in his voice. "This treatment only helped with the immediate symptoms. To get rid of the mutated genepletely, we have to find a suitable rtive for the transnt."


    He nced at his chart before looking back at her. "It would be better for him to recuperate at the military hospital. I''ll get started on the transfer paperwork."


    After the doctor left, Reese felt her heart sink. A stem cell transnt from a blood rtive. Annie wasn''t Matthew''s biological child, and Sebastian and Robbie...


    Did it really mean that the only way to save Matthew was to have another child with Sebastian?


    She nced at Matthew, worry etched deep in her eyes.


    Matthew caught her staring and reached out. "What''s wrong?" He noticed the way her brow was furrowed and the faraway look in her eyes. "What are you thinking about?"


    Reese pulled herself back to the


    moment and forced a smile. "It


    nothing. I was just wondering if


    things are


    going smoothly for


    Roman."


    Matthew looked at her, clearly not convinced, but he didn''t push. He knew she''d talk to him when she was ready.


    He gently rubbed Annie''s back and spoke softly. "Don''t worry too much. Things will work out."


    His gentle eyes made her feel safe, and she nodded, feeling a little calmer.


    She sat down by the bed and pulled Annie into her arms, holding her close. Then she reached for Matthew''s hand, holding it tightly The warmth of his palm steadied her. Her anxiety slowly faded reced by a quiet resolve


    If there really was no other way, she would go through IVF with Sebastian again. She couldn''t let Matthew go.


    Matthew looked down at their joined hands, a flicker of emotion in his eyes. This was the first time she had ever held his hand like that.


    "Don''t worry," he whispered. "We''ll figure something out."


    Reese met his calm gaze and felt some of her tension melt away.


    She nodded and answered quietly, "Okay. You just focus on resting. Don''t worry about anything else."


    Matthew smiled at her, his eyes lingering on her face, full of tenderness and longing.


    ***


    In the police station''s interrogation room, the lights were harsh and cold. Grace sat slumped in the chair, her hair a mess and her face as pale as paper. She didn''t look anything like her usual elegant self.


    No matter how many questions Roman asked, she refused to admit to anything.


    She just sat there, stubborn and silent, clinging to her pride.