Chapter 43

Mia

The surgery was finally over, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. Mom had made it through, and the relief that washed over me was almost overwhelming. The surgeons assured me that everything had gone well and she would be placed in the ICU for observation. They mentioned that she would be there for at least half a month, with only fifteen minutes of visitation allowed each day. It wasn’t much, but knowing she was in good hands was enough for now.

As I stood in the waiting room, my phone buzzed with a message from the hospital where I would start working in two days. They were reminding me to bring the necessary documents. A wave of anxiety hit me. With everything that had happened, I had almost forgotten about my new job. I needed to get my paperwork in order, but my mind was still spinning from the events of the past few hours.

Olivia crossed my mind. She had been dragged into this mess because of me, and I hadn’t had a chance to reach out to her since everything went down. I pulled out my phone, fingers hovering over the screen. What could I even say? “Sorry Lorenzo’s men terrorized you. No hard feelings. Hope your brother is okay?"

It felt so inadequate, but I started typing a message anyway.

Hey Olivia, I hope you and your brother are okay. I’m so sorry about what happened with Lorenzo’s men. I’ll explain everything when I can. Thank you for everything, and know I don't hold you accountable. Please stay safe.

I stared at the words for a moment before hitting send. It wasn’t enough, but it was a start. I hoped she understood.

As the surgeons wheeled Diane out of the OR and into the ICU, I followed, my thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Once she was settled, I knew I would have to face Albert. There were so many things we needed to discuss, so many questions I had. But I didn't know where or how to start.

Tomorrow, I would deal with everything else. For now, Mom needed me, and that was all that mattered.

I decided to stay at the hospital with Mom rather than going back to the penthouse. Despite the limited visiting hours in the ICU, I felt more at ease being close, even if it meant just sitting in the waiting room.

"Before that," Albert said. "Let's get you looked at, okay?"

"I'm fine."

Albert glanced at the nurse who pushed a wheelchair towards me.

The sight of it made me wince. I didn’t want to appear weaker than I already felt. “I don’t need that. I'm fine, really.”

Albert stepped in, his hand gently but firmly on my shoulder. “Mia, please. I know it's a lot, but you've been through a lot. Diane is fine. It's time to make sure you are too."

I looked up at him, about to argue, but the concern in his eyes stopped me. “I can walk,” I insisted, though my voice lacked conviction.

"I'm the medical professional, and I say you can't." I looked at the nurse. She smiled at me. "My mom used to wear that much makeup... I stitched her up until the day he killed her. We can do this the easy way in which you get in the chair... or I get your nice, large, strapping husband to carry you."

I blinked at her, thrown by the statement. I looked at Albert who grinned at me. A challenge sparked in his eyes and I thought about the way he'd just held me in his arms for however long we had been at Lorenzo's townhouse.

It would be no contest, but I really didn't want to be picked up, so I sank into the seat.

Albert looked a little disappointed. I almost laughed.

"I'll have food waiting for you in her room, okay?"

I nodded.

"You don't want to come?" The nurse asked.

Albert looked at me. "... Would you like me to stay?"

My eyes stung, and I nodded. He took control of the wheelchair and followed the nurse to a private room. He didn't say anything, but his presence set me at ease. The doctors and nurses were gentle but thorough, noting the bruises that marked my skin and the pain in my side. After a series of scans, they confirmed that I had a cracked rib and wrapped me up. I had a few stitches. Then, it was time to deal with my hand.

The doctor hissed. "We'll have to cut the ring off..."

I winced. It had already swollen up so much.

"Are you sure we can't just... pull it off?"

She winced. "It'll hurt."

"I'll be okay."

"Let me," Albert said, holding out his hand.

I nodded, giving him my hand. The numbed my hand and lubed up my hand. Albert was gentle and patient and eventually the ring came free. He smiled.

"I'll have to get you a chain for it."

My face heated, and I nodded. The nurses continued their work, cleaning my wounds and wrapping my hand. They gave me pain medication, and I could already feel the edge of my pain starting to dull. After they finished, I was left feeling more fragile than I wanted to admit. Albert pushed the wheelchair back toward my mom's room.

"It must be nice to have such a sweet husband," the nurse winked at me. "See you soon about those stitches."

He walked slowly through the halls to ICU. We were silent for a while, the weight of the day pressing down on us.

"Thank you," I finally said, breaking the silence. "For everything."

"I’m just glad you’re okay, Mia. You and your mother are safe now."

I leaned back in the chair, closing my eyes for a moment. The pain meds were starting to make me drowsy, but I fought to stay awake.

“It’s a lot to take in,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I know,” he said gently.

I looked at him, studying his face.

“I don’t want to discuss...the bratva, or any of that, while my mom is here,” I said, keeping my voice low. “She’s been through enough. And I do owe you for saving me.”

Albert’s eyes softened as he lowered his head and kissed my forehead. My gut clenched.

“Agreed. We’ll focus on your mom and your recovery for now.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling a small measure of relief.

He smiled gently. “Of course, wife."

With that, he pushed the wheelchair into the ICU room. My mother was lying in the bed, looking frail but peaceful.

Albert helped me out of the wheelchair and into a chair beside the bed.

The room was quiet, save for the soft beeping of the monitors. I reached out, taking her hand in mine. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw me, she smiled weakly. “Mia, you’re here.”

“I’m here, Mom,” I said softly, squeezing her hand. “Surgery went just fine. Get some more rest."

Albert

As Mia settled into the chair next to her mother, her focus entirely on Diane, I took a step back. I knew I had to give her space, but there was something important I needed to address. The promise of future explanations hung in the air between us, but I also had to offer her a choice.

As soon as Diane was asleep, I spoke.

“Mia,” I said quietly, making sure not to disturb Diane’s rest, “I want you to know something.”

She looked up, her eyes tired but alert.

“If you want to leave,” I continued, “you can. No strings attached. I won’t hold it against you, and there will be no penalties.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “What do you mean?”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my emotions in check. “I mean, I’m offering you a way out if that’s what you truly want. I know this has been a lot to handle, and I understand if you need to go.”

Mia’s expression was a mix of shock and confusion. I could see she was grappling with my offer, trying to make sense of it.

“It’s your decision to make,” I said firmly, though I kept my tone gentle. “I won’t force you to stay, and I won’t make things difficult for you if you choose to leave.”

I didn’t mention the details of my plans with Dmitri or how this decision might complicate things. That wasn’t relevant right now. What mattered was giving Mia the space to make her own choice without added pressure. I wanted her to know that her autonomy was respected, even if it meant disrupting my own plans.

Mia stared at me for a moment, clearly stunned by my offer. She opened her mouth as if to speak but seemed at a loss for words. The silence stretched on, filled with the weight of her unspoken thoughts.

I braced myself for what she would say.