“Your son sustained extensive trauma to his hands,” he said gently. “We intervened as quickly as possible. With advanced surgery and long-term rehabilitation, there is a chance for recovery. Movement can return.”
My voice came out thin. “W-will he still be able to play?” I asked. “The piano… that was everything to him.”
The doctor hesitated. “One day, perhaps. But not for a long time.”
I nodded, covering my mouth as silent sobs tore through me. All those circled dates on the calendar—competitions, recitals, small proud dreams—flashed through my head and bled into something fragile and uncertain.
The door opened again.
This time, it wasn’t quiet.
A man walked in with easy confidence, tall, smiling like he was fully aware of how dangerous he was. Two massive men flanked him like living walls.
“Vivienne,” he greeted casually, like we were meeting for drinks. “Name’s Gabriel Lambert. I work for Dimitri.”
The doctor disappeared so quickly it would’ve been funny under different circumstances.
Gabriel rested his elbow on the bed rail. “Dimitri took care of the people who hurt your son. Would you like to see what’s left of them?”
My stomach rolled. “No,” I breathed. “Please. I don’t want to see anything.”
He laughed softly. “Shame. It was… thorough. Dimitri ordered them executed and cut apart. They won’t be a problem ever again.” His gaze sharpened. “Curious who hired them?”
Ethan whimpered.
I tightened my arms around him and pressed his face into my chest, turning away from Gabriel completely. “I don’t care,” I said hoarsely. “I only want my child safe.”
Gabriel’s smile widened slightly. “Very well. Dimitri will be arriving in Europe soon. You have seven days to finalize your divorce. When that week ends, he’ll come for you himself.”
My throat trembled. “Thank you,” I whispered, because gratitude was the only thing left to give.
His eyes glittered with amusement as he leaned closer. “Don’t thank me, little dove. Dimitri doesn’t want gratitude. He wants possession. Your body. Your soul. Everything you refused him before.”
He straightened, winked like it was all a joke, and left with his men melting into the hallway behind him.
The room felt smaller once they were gone. Heavier. Ethan shifted, beginning to cry, and I rocked him gently, whispering comfort while the night pressed in like the walls were slowly closing.
---
I don’t remember falling asleep.