Chapter 46
Hailey opened the door to the VIP ward, and the trio entered. Oliver rushed to his father's side while Hailey quietly approached Enzo. Debbie placed the food basket on a nearby table and joined her best friend. They stood by his bedside and watched him sleep soundly for over a minute while Oliver got acquainted with Cole.
“My baby, I want to kiss his forehead so bad,” Hailey whispered, trying to hold back her tears. “You will. Once he wakes up,” Debbie assured her. “You should go say hello to him,” Debbie said, referring to Cole. “I would. I just don’t know what to say to him.” “Anything! Speak from your heart, be yourself, and be kind,” Debbie said, then went over to Cole. “Hi,” Debbie greeted Cole with a small smile, lowering her nose mask. “Hi,” Cole responded politely. Ollie was seated on the bed beside him. “How do you feel?” “I’m good. I just can’t wait for Enzo to be better.” “I know you are their father, but thank you for not being difficult about this. Thank you for being you.” “Thanks for the compliments, but I would do anything for my family.” Debbie smiled, nodding. “Ollie, honey, what do you say if we go grab some doughnuts after saying hi to Enzo?” Debbie asked. “Okay, but can we buy some for Enzo too? And some ice cream, and some chocolates, and some flowers?” Debbie chuckled. “Sure. Let’s go.” “Wait, please,” Cole said, reaching for his wallet and taking out his credit card. He handed it to Ollie. “Pay for whatever you want.” Oliver smiled. “Thank you, Daddy.” Debbie could afford to pay, but she wanted Cole to have this moment.
With Debbie’s help, Ollie got down from the bed. He and Debbie went to Enzo, watched him sleep for a while, and then exited the room, Debbie winking at Hailey.
The moment the door closed, Hailey adjusted her nose mask and quietly approached Cole. Unlike Enzo’s bedside, which had a chair, there was nothing beside Cole’s. “Here!” He shifted slightly to allow her to sit on the bed.
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Cole was glad she accepted his offer. She sat and stared at him for a couple of seconds. “Should I be worried?” “Why do you say so?” Hailey asked. “You aren’t saying anything.” “That’s because I don’t know exactly what to say.” “But thank you. I am really grateful.” “You don’t have to. Enzo’s our son. You would have done this for him if you were a match. But we are family, and we will always have each other’s backs.” Hailey nodded, trying not to get emotional. “I didn’t think you would reply to me. I was so nervous about calling you. Debbie almost beat me up for being a coward.” Cole chuckled. “I never thought you would be this responsive after the way I treated you.” “You really looked down on me, didn’t you?” “Maybe,” she mumbled, ashamed. “I know our past was sour. Maybe I used to be an asshole, but I’m not that person anymore. You don’t know how hard I beat myself up every day, blaming myself for throwing away a good life with you.”
They were quiet for a few seconds. Hailey was about to speak when she noticed Cole’s phone on the bedside stand. She could easily see it from where she sat. “I think your phone is ringing.” “Never mind.” “Why? Vanessa?” “Why would you think it’s her?” Hailey shrugged. “I’m right here, Hailey. Feel free to tell me whatever’s on your mind.” Hailey said nothing. “Don’t tell me you believed what she said about me being the father of her child.” “You don’t have to explain anything to me.”
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“It’s obvious you aren’t happy with me, so yes, I owe you an explanation. I don’t know what to do to make you believe me, but everything Vanessa told you was a lie.” “It’s fine. I don’t want to talk about her.” “I was meant to see you today anyway.” Cole raised an eyebrow. “Today?” “Yes, at the office. The boys really want you, so I was going to see you to create a schedule that works.” “If that were the case, you wouldn’t have met me at the hospital.” Hailey looked confused. “I was on my way to the airport when you called. I had a business meeting.” Hailey felt bad. “I’m so sorry.” “No, it’s fine. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’m glad you called when you did. I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if I was on the plane and missed this.” “I am really sorry for the inconvenience. The meeting must have been important.” “Maybe. If it had gone well, the partnership would have boosted my company’s ratings. But I sent Itam alone. It’s fine if it doesn’t work out. I can do without my company, but I can’t do without Enzo.” “That’s probably my dad calling nonstop. But it’s fine.” “You’ve known Enzo for only a short while and yet you love him so much. Thank you.” “You need to stop thanking me.” “Then maybe I should apologize. Debbie and Jess tried to talk to me, but I guess I was too stubborn.” Cole frowned. “Jess?” “Yes. She came to see me about a week ago.” “That traitor!” Cole mumbled. “I had no idea she would come to you,” Cole said. “It’s fine. She did what any real friend would do.” “I didn’t expect you to be this understanding, but I’m grateful.” “The boys are growing. I’ve always done my best as a mom, but things would never be the same without their dad.” “Ollie and Enzo need you in their lives. You can see them whenever you want. Just let me know what days and times work for you.”
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“And please don’t think I’m doing this because you saved Enzo’s life. I wanted to reach out to you before the incident.” “I’ve never seen you as a coward, and I wouldn’t start now.” “It was painful that you were pushing me away. I understand you were protecting the kids, but I was hurt that you didn’t trust me.” “Yeah, I’m not proud of my actions either. And I’m sorry for the hurt I caused you.” “It’s okay. I’m glad we’re having this conversation.” “So, what about us?” “What is it about us?” Hailey feigned ignorance, her heart suddenly beating fast. “You know what I mean.” Hailey shook her head. “No, I don’t.” “So I take it you haven’t forgiven me.” “But I already sent you the papers.” “There’s no way I’m signing that, Hailey.” “I lost a good woman once, and there’s no way I’m letting her go again.”
They stared at each other silently for a while. “Can we just focus on the kids for now?” Cole was about to respond when Enzo’s familiar voice called out: “Mommy!” Both parents turned their attention to Enzo.