CHAPTER 4: Between Life and Loss
Hours felt like years.
Marcus sat outside the operating room, still in his blood-stained tuxedo.
For the first time in a long time—
he was powerless.
Dr. Hale emerged just before dawn.
Marcus stood instantly.
“Khloe?” he asked.
A pause.
Then—
“She’s stable.”
Marcus exhaled for what felt like the first time all night.
“And the baby?” he asked, his voice barely holding together.
Dr. Hale’s expression softened.
“The baby is strong,” he said. “She fought.”
A long silence followed.
Then Marcus nodded, his eyes closing briefly.
“I almost lost everything,” he admitted.
Dr. Hale placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Then don’t make the same mistake again.”
When Marcus finally entered Khloe’s room, she was awake.
Weak—but alive.
Their eyes met.
No words were needed at first.
Only truth.
Only relief.
“I’m sorry,” Marcus said finally. “For not seeing it sooner.”
Khloe studied him.
Then gently—
she reached for his hand.
“Just don’t miss it again.”
May you like
This time—
he wouldn’t.
