The Ruthless Mafia Boss Ignored His Ex Wife’s Calls — Not Knowing It Was His Baby’s Last Goodbye

The morning sun broke through the heavy Chicago clouds, casting a warm, golden light across the sterile hospital room.

Wade walked quietly through the door, having scrubbed the blood and rain from his skin, wearing a fresh, clean shirt Silas had brought him. He looked exhausted, the adrenaline finally leaving his system, but his heart was lighter than it had been in years.

Audrey was asleep in a chair beside the small, mechanical hospital crib, her hand resting gently through the bars, holding her son’s tiny fingers.

Wade walked over, his footsteps completely silent. He looked down into the crib.

Leo was awake.

The baby looked incredibly small, surrounded by monitors and tubes, but the color had returned to his cheeks. His chest rose and fell in a steady, healthy, beautiful rhythm.

Leo looked up, his big green eyes—Audrey’s eyes—locking onto the tall, dark man standing over his crib.

Wade’s breath caught in his throat. He slowly reached his hand down, terrified of breaking the fragile illusion.

Leo didn't cry. He didn't turn away. The baby let go of Audrey’s fingers and reached up, his tiny, warm hand wrapping securely around Wade’s large, calloused thumb.

A single tear slipped down Wade’s cheek. He was a man who had murdered dozens of men, who controlled an empire of fear and violence, but in that moment, he was completely undone by the grip of a ten-month-old child.

“Hey there, little man,” Wade whispered, his voice thick with overwhelming love. “I’m your Daddy. And I’m never leaving you again.”

Audrey stirred at the sound of his voice. She blinked her eyes open, looking up to see Wade holding their son’s hand, crying quietly.

She didn't speak. She simply stood up and wrapped her arms around Wade’s waist from behind, resting her cheek against his back.

“You came back,” Audrey murmured softly.

“I will always come back to you, Audrey,” Wade promised, turning slightly to wrap his free arm around her shoulders, bringing her into the embrace. “The men who threatened us are gone. The city is secure. I’m moving you both to the main estate today.”

Audrey looked up at him, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. “Wade... your world is so dangerous. I ran away because I didn't want him raised in the shadows.”

“He won't be raised in the shadows,” Wade swore fiercely, looking down at his son. “I will build a fortress of light around him. I will legitimate the businesses. I will do whatever it takes to ensure he never has to see the darkness I’ve lived in.”