She believed attacking a pregnant woman in the hospital had no consequences — until the father she never expected showed up.

Her son.

Then darkness took her.

When consciousness returned, the room was dim, quiet except for the soft breath of the infant sleeping in a bassinet beside her. Moonlight filtered through thin curtains, bathing everything in gentle silver.

Michael sat in the corner, shoulders bowed, eyes tired but peaceful. He looked at her as if she were both miracle and heartbreak.

“You have a beautiful son,” he said softly. “And if you’ll allow it…I’d like to be part of both your lives. Not to replace anything. Just… to finally show up.”

Tears filled her eyes before she could stop them.

For the first time in months, the future didn’t look like a cliff.

It looked like possibility.

But storms rarely end immediately.

By morning, word of Vanessa’s attack had spread throughout the hospital. Michael wasted no time—calling attorneys, filing reports, making sure a restraining order was put in place. This wasn’t just anger; it was protection. Determined. Focused.

When Ryan finally appeared, he didn’t come in confidently.

He came like a man who’d just realized gravity existed.

His eyes found the baby first. Then Sophia. Shame washed over his face.

“Sophia,” he whispered. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t think— I didn’t realize—”

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