Zeke's POV

Walking into the room after Kamille, we saw the children still playing, despite their exhaustion.

"We tried to talk them out of it," Kamille's friend said. (This should be Amanda.)

"It's fine, Amy. They'll be staying at Zeke's penthouse, not far from here. I trust you both to look after them for me?" she asked, smiling.

Both friends nodded. "We've got this," the other friend (Belle) agreed.

"Thank you, Belle," Kamille replied.

As Belle and Amanda prepared to take Roen, Tyris, and Torin to my penthouse, the children protested, wanting to stay with Royer. "But Royer needs us," Torin pleaded, his voice trembling.

"And I just want to be with Royer!" Tyris squealed.

"Mum, can we just stay here?" Roen asked calmly.

Before Kamille could respond, I knelt, meeting their gaze. "I know you want to be with Royer, but he needs rest. My penthouse is very close to the hospital—only ten feet away. You can visit him whenever you want, and he'll be okay."

The children exchanged hesitant glances before nodding in reluctant agreement. "Don't worry, Mummy will be here," Kamille added.

They hugged Kamille and Royer tightly, showering them with kisses and promising to return soon before Belle and Amanda led them away.

Once the children had left, I quickly ordered an extra bed for Royer's private ward. I ensured it was arranged to Kamille's liking, with soft, freshly laundered sheets and extra pillows.

After Kamille tucked Royer in and he fell asleep, I excused her for a moment. Stepping outside, she looked up at me, exhausted. "Where will you sleep?" she asked, concerned. "They only allow one person in here."

I chuckled softly, dismissing her worries. "I'd love to see them try to push me out of my hospital," I replied with a playful grin. Kamille rolled her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. "Whatever," she muttered teasingly.

I leaned closer, my expression turning earnest. "I just want to be here in case you need anything," I assured her, my gaze unwavering. Despite her protests, I was determined to stay by her side, offering support and comfort.

Kamille's tone shifted to seriousness. "I really don't want to come between you and your wife," she began. "I appreciate everything you've done, but you should stop. I'll be fine. I've been fine for four years. I forgive you for everything you did, but as for 'us,' there will never be an 'us' again."

Her words hit me like a hurricane, stirring up conflicting emotions. I felt relief at her forgiveness, yet profound sadness at her bluntness.

As Kamille turned to leave, I felt a sense of urgency. I was not married to that conniving woman anymore! I couldn't let her walk away without knowing the truth. "Kamille, wait," I called out, my voice desperate. "You should know that Ellen and I are divorced."

Her reaction was immediate and unexpected. She stopped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What?!" she exclaimed, shocked and angry.

I took a step forward, reaching for her, but she recoiled, her expression hardening. "It's true," I insisted, my voice a whisper. "Ellen and I are no longer together. We haven't been for a long time."

Silence fell, broken only by our ragged breathing. Kamille's eyes searched mine for deceit. And as she gazed at me, I knew she saw the truth.

But before I could explain, Kamille turned and stormed back into the room.

Damn it! I cursed inwardly.

Frustrated and regretful, I went to the nearby balcony. The cool air offered little respite from the turmoil within me.

Lost in thought, I was startled by a familiar voice. I turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows.

"Zeke," he greeted me warmly, smiling. He was tall and lean, with dark hair streaked with gray at the temples. His white lab coat billowed in the breeze.

"Jonathan," I replied, relieved. Jonathan was more than just a doctor; he was a childhood friend from the orphanage, brought under the wing of the Reid Foundation, and a recipient of a scholarship that had launched his medical career.

I remembered him dreaming of working at my family's hospital during our school days. He'd poured his heart into his studies, becoming one of the finest cardiologists in London.

"Last time I saw you, you were doing your residency, right?" I asked, releasing his arm.

"Yeah, it feels like a lifetime ago," Jonathan replied wistfully. "But I made it through, thanks to the support of people like you."

I nodded, grateful for our enduring bond. His expression grew serious.

"How about you, bro?" he asked, concerned. "You've been so busy lately, and scarce. Everything okay?"

I felt guilty. "I'm sorry," I said, regretful. "Things have been hectic, but that's no excuse."

Jonathan shook his head understandingly. "People who don't know you might think you're deliberately ignoring them," he observed.

I chuckled. "Don't worry about that," I assured him. "I'm used to it."

Jonathan's face lit up. "I'm so happy you're here! Perfect timing, I'm on night shift. Care to join me in my office?"

I hesitated, looking back at the private ward and sighing. "Okay," I agreed. "Lead the way."

Conversation flowed easily, easing the tension. But in his office, Jonathan's words startled me.

"Congratulations, Zeke!" he exclaimed, surprised. "I didn't know you had kids."

Confusion washed over me. "Kids?" I repeated, bewildered. "What are you talking about?"