Chapter 26 - The Return to the Light
The sterile smell of the hospital room was broken only by the soft, rhythmic beeping of the fetal heart monitor.
Chloe was lying on her side, staring blankly at the dark window, her hands resting protectively over her swollen stomach. She jumped slightly when the heavy wooden door clicked open.
William stepped into the room. His charcoal suit jacket was gone, and the terrifying, icy mask he had worn in the grand parlor had completely melted away.
He looked exhausted, but his eyes were incredibly soft as he walked toward her bed.
"Is it over?"
Chloe whispered, her voice fragile.
William sat on the edge of the mattress, reaching out to gently brush a stray lock of hair away from her bandaged cheek.
"It is over, my love,"
William replied, leaning down to press a long, tender kiss against her forehead.
"She is gone. She will never, ever step foot near you or our son again."
"Did she fight you?"
Chloe asked, a tear slipping down her nose.
"She tried,"
William smiled softly, a genuine expression of absolute reassurance.
"But she was fighting a war she had already lost. The house is yours, Chloe. The staff is entirely loyal to you. You never have to look over your shoulder again."
Chloe closed her eyes, letting out a long, shuddering breath. The heavy, suffocating weight of Eleanor's tyranny lifted from her chest, leaving her feeling lighter than she had in months.
"Hold me,"
May you like
Chloe whispered.
William carefully slid onto the narrow hospital bed, wrapping his large, warm arms securely around her, acting as an impenetrable human shield against the rest of the world.
