Chapter 277
Ava’s heart raced as she rushed to Rock’s side, her hands trembling. “Rock! Rock, wake up!” she cried, shaking his shoulder gently but firmly. His face was pale, beads of sweat glistening on his brow, and his breathing was shallow.
Without a moment to lose, she pulled her phone from her pocket and dialed Lambert’s number. “Please, come quickly!” she urged, her voice shaking. “My brother… he’s unconscious and needs help p>
As she waited, she grabbed a damp cloth from the sink, dabbing his forehead, whispering words of comfort even as worry consumed her. Rock remained unresponsive, his expression pained, and Ava prayed silently, hoping for the strength to keep calm until help arrived.
Ava felt a lump in her throat, her own emotions wavering as she watched her nephews beside their father, barely holding back tears. She took a shaky breath, trying to stay strong, though the sight of William sobbing and Alexander looking so lost only made it harder.
Ben placed a hand on Ava’s shoulder, a silent comfort. “We’ve known for a while, Ava,” he said gently. “Rock wanted to tell you himself, but he never wanted anyone to worry. He tried to hold on, for everyone p>
The medics continued their work, stabilizing Rock before preparing to transport him to the hospital. William clung to his father’s hand, his voice breaking. “Dad… we still need you. Don’t go yet. There’s so much we have to share with you p>
Alexander appeared composed, but tension rippled through his body, and his hands trembled.
“He’ll be fine; he just needs some rest. These are the usual side effects of his treatment,” the doctor finally reassured them, allowing Alexander to exhale in relief.
“Oh, thank God. Thank you… thank you so much!” William cried, still unable to hold back his tears.
Alexander turned to speak with Dr. Black, who had been on standby for any emergencies. They had brought their own equipment to be prepared for situations just like this, ensuring his father received immediate care whenever he needed it.
Outside the room, Rain stood anxiously with Sanya and Aunt Melanie, silently praying that Father Rock would be all right. She held her breath when Alexander finally stepped out, looking visibly shaken.
“How is Father Rock?” she asked urgently.
“He’ll be fine Alexander said, though his voice was strained. As he spoke, his knees nearly buckled, but Rain was quick to catch him, wrapping her arms around him for support.
“I… I don’t know what to do, Rain,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “I keep wishing this was just a nightmare. I thought I could handle it, but seeing him unconscious like that and waiting, not knowing if he’d wake up… it’s suffocating. I can hardly breathe p>
Rain gently stroked his back, her presence steady and comforting. “You have to stay strong for him, Alexander. This is exactly why he didn’t want us to know, he didn’t want us to be heartbroken like this. Show him your strength, so he knows he doesn’t need to worry about us p>
The doors opened, and Aunt Ava emerged, gently pushing William and Ben outside. Her sharp gaze turned to Sanya as she declared, “Take your crybaby husband with you. His endless sobbing isn’t helping anyone right now p>
Sanya nodded quickly, wrapping her arm around William as he sniffled quietly. Ava turned her attention to the rest of the group, her tone firm. “I’ll stay with my brother tonight. He’s stable now and just needs rest. The doctors are here, and I’ll keep an eye on him. You all go back to your private villas. Check on him in the morning. Now, shoo!” She waved her hands as if sweeping them away.
Before anyone could argue, Aunt Ava closed the doors decisively behind her.
Rain, Sanya, and Aunt Melanie exchanged meaningful glances as they turned to leave. The group dispersed, with Sanya leading a subdued William back to their villa and Uncle Ben following Aunt Melanie to theirs.
Rain gently took Alexander’s hand, guiding him toward their bedchamber in the main villa. The weight of the night was evident in his silence, and she held onto him, offering quiet strength as they retreated to find some rest.
Rain gently guided Alexander through every step, almost as if he were sleepwalking. His silence, his distant gaze, and the tremor in his movements made her heart ache. Once she settled him in bed, she lay beside him, wrapping her arms around him as he rested his head against her chest.
His silence was somehow even more unsettling than William’s tears. She softly stroked his back, hoping to soothe him, though the tension in his body held steady. “I’m here,” she whispered, her voice steady. “You don’t have to hold it all in with me p>
For a moment, Alexander closed his eyes, his breathing shallow as if he were holding back. Rain pressed a gentle kiss to his hair, reassuring him with her warmth and presence. Slowly, he seemed to relax against her.
“I’m not ready to lose him,” Alexander whispered. “I know I need to prepare myself for the worst, Rain, but it’s so hard. He must have been in so much pain… I’ve researched everything I could about his condition, his symptoms, and all the side effects of his treatment p>
“I know,” Rain murmured, continuing to hold him close. “But he’s still here with us, and we’re all going through this together p>
Alexander took a shaky breath, his voice low and unsteady. “I thought I could handle it… I kept telling myself I was ready, but seeing him tonight, seeing how frail he’s become… it’s different. I just keep thinking about the pain he’s had to endure, and that I couldn’t do anything to stop it p>
Rain gently stroked his hair, letting him voice the fears he’d been holding inside. “He’s fighting, Alexander. For you, for William, for all of us. That strength… it’s something he passed on to you. And whatever happens, you’re honoring him by being here, supporting him, and making sure he’s not alone p>
Alexander’s grip on her tightened slightly, his breathing deepening as her words began to calm him. “Thank you,” he whispered. “For being here… for everything p>
Just then, Rain’s phone rang, and she bit her inner lip when she saw it was Ivan calling. In the back of her mind, she silently prayed, hoping this time Ivan would bring good news, instead of more bad news.