Chapter 417

Lucas stood by the hospital bed, his voice low but firm.

Dominic's face remained blank, his expression unreadable despite Lucas's words.

Lucas spoke the truth. Dominic wanted to die. What was left for him to hold onto?

If he were gone, someone would still take care of Sophia.

Moments later, the doctor arrived. After examining Dominic, he said, "Mr. Blackwood, your condition is critical."

"You need to remain hospitalized for recovery. If you experience any discomfort, notify me immediately."

Dominic closed his eyes, shutting out the world.

Lucas pulled the doctor aside.

"Is he in immediate danger?" Lucas asked.

The doctor sighed. "Not if he cooperates with treatment. But his will to live is gone. That’s the real concern."

Lucas pressed his lips together. "I'll handle it."

An hour later, Lucas returned with Sophia.

"Sophia, your brother is badly hurt. Can you comfort him?"

She blinked, her brows knitting together. "Why is he hurt?"

"Love wounded him," Lucas said simply.

Sophia tilted her head. "What does that mean?"

"It means… Dominic fought with Evelyn. Badly." Lucas kept his explanation plain.

"Now he doesn’t want to live anymore. Your job is to make sure he doesn’t give up."

Sophia hesitated. "Why not call Evelyn? He won’t listen to me."

Lucas shook his head. "They’re done. He doesn’t want to see her. Don’t reach out to her either."

Sophia bit her lip. "Does that mean I can’t see Lily and Henry anymore?"

"Your brother is dying, and you’re worried about them?" Lucas snapped.

Sophia’s eyes widened. "Fine! How do I stop him?"

Lucas exhaled. "Just stay with him. Don’t leave his side."

"Okay."

When Dominic woke, Sophia’s face was the first thing he saw.

She sat beside him, her large, innocent eyes brimming with worry.

"Big Brother," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Don’t die. What will happen to me if you’re gone?"

Her small hands clutched his. "If you want to die, take me with you. I don’t want to be alone."

Tears welled in her eyes. "No one loves me like you do. I don’t need anything else. Just you."

Dominic’s breath hitched.

He and Sophia were the same. She was the only one who truly loved him.

She squeezed his hand. "Your hands are so cold. Let me warm them."

Four days later, Dominic was discharged.

That same day, every major news outlet in Eldermere issued public apologies.

Evelyn saw the notification on her phone. Relief washed over her.

Dominic was alive. He was starting over.

So would she.

She prayed they’d never cross paths again. No more pain.

Her phone rang.

Sophie’s name flashed on the screen.

"Evelyn! Dominic’s out of the hospital!" Sophie’s voice was cautious, as if afraid to trigger her.

Adrian had warned her—Evelyn was the one who had nearly killed Dominic.

"I saw the news," Evelyn replied, her tone flat.

"Ugh, those vultures will do anything for clicks," Sophie muttered, changing the subject. "Adrian just heard from him. He won’t be at our wedding. Probably avoiding you."