Chapter 2: Sanctuary and Scars
The sterile beep of the hospital monitor was the most beautiful sound Julian had ever heard. It meant Elara’s heart was beating steady, and more importantly, the rhythmic, rapid swish of the fetal monitor confirmed their baby was safe.
Elara lay in the plush bed of the private VIP wing, her bruised hand carefully wrapped in bandages. Julian sat beside her, refusing to let go of her uninjured hand.
"How did you know I was there?" Elara asked softly, her voice raspy from crying.
"I woke up three weeks ago," Julian explained, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles. "The moment I could speak, I demanded my lawyers investigate the estate. I found out Victoria had blocked all your access codes and paid off the staff to keep quiet. When I realized she was hosting a gala tonight, I knew I had to blindside her. I didn't know you would be there."
"I came to beg," Elara admitted, looking down in shame. "I ran out of money. The baby is due in three weeks. I just wanted my mother's necklace back—the one I left in the safe. I didn't care about the money anymore."
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"You never have to beg again," Julian vowed, pressing a kiss to her palm. "This is my fault for not protecting you better. But I swear to you, Elara, the people who watched you suffer and did nothing will never work in this city again. And Victoria... Victoria is already in a holding cell."
A tear slipped down Elara's cheek, but this time, it wasn't out of fear. It was the heavy, exhausting relief of a nightmare finally coming to an end.
