Chapter 72
“Hazel,” Ethan called, his voice cutting through the air, halting her mid–step. The corridor seemed to narrow as his concerned eyes locked onto hers.
“What allergy does Liam have?” he asked, his brows furrowing in a mix of worry and curiosity.
soy
“Soy,” she replied lightly, almost too casually. A sudden regret engulfed her as she realized the implications of her choice of words. Why did she mention soy? Ethan had battled. allergy in his own childhood, and now, the revelation hung in the air like an unspoken connection.
She froze, biting her lip anxiously. Act oblivious, Hazel, she instructed herself, but the unspoken truth lingered in the atmosphere, a subtle tension between them.
Attempting to regain composure, Hazel cleared her throat and questioned, “Why?” Her eyes met Ethan’s, searching for any sign of recognition or realization.
Ethan’s gaze intensified as he stared at her, his eyes penetrating. “I had soy allergies as a child too,” he revealed, the gravity of his words sinking in. The air grew thicker with tension “Oh, no way. Really?” Hazel asked, attempting to sound casual. She avoided his piercing gaze, focusing on the task of unlocking the door, her hands fumbling nervously in the
process.
“Hazel,” he called, his voice drawing her back. Closing the distance between them with a step forward, he entered her personal space.
Suddenly, he was very close. Hazel caught a whiff of his perfume, a fragrant and masculine scent that enveloped her. His expression seemed troubled, a silent turmoil evident in his eyes as if internal questions were swirling within him. The unspoken realization of hereditary allergies lingered in the air, creating a palpable tension. Why else would Liam share the same allergy as Ethan? It was enough to stir suspicion.
Hazel’s breathing became faster and labored, the weight of the unspoken truth hanging heavily between them. The proximity intensified the swirling emotions, leaving them both caught in a tense moment
“Liam’s fine now. Don’t worry,” she reassured him, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness that she hoped went unnoticed.
“Soy allergy is quite common. Most kids grow out of it. It’s one of the most common allergies after all, she continued, adding a light laugh to suppress the tension that lingered in the atmosphere.
“Right. I guess,” Ethan replied, his features gradually relaxing. Hazel could sense his. thoughts at that moment from his demeanor, the unburdening thought that Soy allergy didn’t necessarily imply a shared genetic connection. She breathed a sigh of relief, Ethan seemed convinced; similar allergy didn’t actually mean they were related, it was just
common.
They both stepped into the ward, Daisy had fallen asleep. Sighing, Hazel looked at the two of them; she would have to wake them up later for dinner. Ethan stood over Liam, then sighed, his eyes filled with love and worry. He stroked Liam’s hair softly.
He’ll be fine. It isn’t the first time, she said with a chuckle, trying to make it sound light.
Exban stood, staring at their sleeping faces. He gave a small smille when Daisy muntered and
chewed in her sleep. Chuckling lightly, he said, “She’s probably dreaming about treats.” Knowing Daisy, it was actually possible.
They both stepped into the ward. They were greeted by a hushed atmosphere. Daisy had fallen asleep, she lay peacefully covered up.
Hazel, looking at her two sleeping kids sighed; she’d have to wake them up later to have their dinner.
Ethan stood by Liam’s bedside, he exhaled audibly, his eyes a blend of affection and concern. His gentle fingers ran through Liam’s hair, a tender touch laden with care.
“He’ll pull through. It’s not the first time,” Hazel remarked. He straightened up gazing at the two sleeping children. A faint smile played on his lips as Daisy stirred, murmured in her sleep and chewed. A soft chuckle escaped him, and he mused, “She’s
Must be dreaming about treats. Knowing Daisy, it was actually plausible.
“I heard you were at the company today,‘ Ethan remarked casually, settling onto the edge of Daisy’s bed, the soft creak of the mattress beneath him.
“Yes, had to oversee the project,” Hazel responded in a hushed whisper, acutely aware of the need for discretion. Their conversation, however, appeared to disturb Daisy’s slumber, prompting a subtle stirring as she shifted in her sleep.
Leaning in slightly, Ethan’s expression softened with genuine concern. “How have you been, Hazel? Coping with Daisy and everything else?” His eyes held a mixture of empathy and a yearning for connection.
She sighed, taking a seat next to him on Daisy’s bed.
“I mean, how have you been holding up?” He asked geniuely curious.
She shrugged. “It hasn’t been easy, but I guess the love for my kids keeps me going. She gave an honest smile.
Her babies. Hazel loved them both with her life. The day she had given birth, she was told Daisy died. She was barely breathing when she had her. Hazel looked at her now and couldn’t help but smile. She had come a long way.
Daisy’s heartbeats had been so faint they had barely heard it.
Born over a month past their due date, the twins had been frail. Hazel, however, felt gratitude. Back then, she couldn’t fathom returning to this city, yet here she was. The late arrival of the twins had become a deceptive shield, falsely suggesting they couldn’t be Ethan’s, even though they were. With that, she felt a sense of guarded assurance
They sat in silence, the machines and ambient sounds filling the room with their rhythmic
noises.
“We’ve been here for days now; I’ve kinda gotten used to the machines beeping,” she said, Haughing lightly. “It actually lulls me to sleep now, you know.”
Ethan chuckled lightly.
The hospital room was one of the reasons she was most grateful.
Daisy likes it. Not that she likes staying at the hospital, but she’s happier here than at other hospitals. She has me and her brother to keep her company.
