Chapter 3: The Edge of Loss
The hours outside the operating room stretched into something unbearable.
Marcus sat alone.
Still.
Silent.
For the first time in his life… powerless.
Dr. Hale finally emerged, removing his gloves slowly.
Marcus stood instantly.
“She’s alive,” Dr. Hale said.
Marcus exhaled—but the relief didn’t last.
“The baby is critical.”
The world tilted.
“We managed to stabilize her… for now. But the trauma—” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “—was severe.”
Marcus closed his eyes.
Every moment.
Every warning.
Every time Khloe had tried to speak… and he hadn’t listened.
It all came crashing down.
“I failed her,” he whispered.
Dr. Hale didn’t soften his tone.
“Yes. You did.”
May you like
Then, after a beat:
“But you still have time to decide what kind of man you’ll be next.”
