Chapter 49

Chapter 49

BLAIRE

I've been so occupied with Blaze's transfer to New York that the night

Sebastian and I were supposed to meet completely slipped my mind. I

was too focused on organizing

ths for Blaze's surgery. After a couple of considerations, his doctor

finally arranged

his transfer. And on that night, I found myself in the airport, anxiously

waiting for Blaze’s arrival.

The bustling terminal echoed with the hum of travellers and the

occasional announcements over the intercom. My attention, however,

remained tethered to the arrival gate, where anticipation and worry

intertwined. As the minutes stretched into hours, I couldn't shake the

unease that accompanied the unpredictability of the situation.

Blaze's condition weighed heavily on my mind, overshadowing any

other commitments, including the clandestine arrangement with

Sebastian. The neon-lit airport served as a stark backdrop to the

complexities of my life, where the urgency of a mother's love eclipsed

the shadows of secret dealings.

In the midst of the bustling crowd, I clutched my phone, checking for

updates on Blaze's journey. Ethan insisted on bringing Blaze here in

New York. He can't stay here for long, but I'm thankful that he still

managed to travel with Blaze all the way here.

As the night unfolded, my thoughts oscillated between the imminent

arrival of my son and the unkept appointment with Sebastian. The

realization that I had neglected a commitment, however reluctant,

sparked a flicker of guilt, further entangled in the intricate web of

responsibilities that defined this chapter of my life.

The echoes of airport announcements and the distant hum of travelers

became a backdrop to the emotional turbulence within, as I awaited

Blaze's arrival with a heart torn between the present urgency and the

unresolved promises of the past.

“Mommy!”

My face lit up when I heard that familiar squeaky voice coming from my

son. I saw him waving his hand, trying to get my attention. Relief

washed over me at the sight of him. I was worried that he might not be

able to withstand the flight coming here. But I'm glad that he managed

to get through it and arrived here safely.

I rushed to embrace him, the worries and fears momentarily forgotten in

the warmth. of our reunion. “Blaze, my love, I missed you so much,” I

whispered, holding him close.

Despite the joy of being reunited, the dark circles under his eyes and

the pale colour of his lips were stark reminders that his health was not

doing any better. As I held him, a

15

1:45%

Chapter 491

mix of emotions played across my face. — a mother’s elation at having

her child back and the gnawing concern for his well-being.

“Are you okay, sweetheart?” I asked, brushing a strand of hair from his

forehead, searching for signs of discomfort.

Blaze managed a weak smile. “I'm okay, Mommy. I'm just a little tired.”

“How was the flight?” I asked him, forcing a smile on my face.

Blaze hesitated for a moment before responding, his eyes reflecting the

weariness of the journey. “It was okay. I slept for most of it. Everyone

was nice to me, and they all gave me treats,” he said excitedly.

I looked at Ethan worriedly. There are few restrictions with his diet, so

I'm worried that

may cause him harm.

it

“Don’t worry. The doctors give specific orders to the airline regarding

his condition. They didn’t give him something that wasn't good for him,”

Ethan assured me.

Relief washed over me at his words, knowing that my son had received

the care and attention he needed during the journey. As we made our

way through the airport, I kept a watchful eye on him, my maternal

instincts attuned to any signs of distress.

“You did great, sweetheart,” I reassured him, squeezing his hand

gently. “We're going to the hospital now, and soon you'll be feeling

much better, okay?”

Blaze nodded, a flicker of hope in his tired eyes. Our dialogue, though

simple, carried the weight of unspoken promises a mother's

commitment to see her child through adversity and a son's trust that

echoed in the way he looked up at me.

“Thank you for coming with Blaze, Ethan. I know you don't have to. But

it still means a lot to me knowing that my son flew with someone I

trusted.”

“Thank you for coming with Blaze, Ethan. I know you didn’t have to. But

it still means a lot to me, knowing that my son flew with someone I

trusted.”

Ethan smiled warmly, a genuine reassurance in his eyes. “Blaire, I

wouldn't have it any other way. Blaze is like family to me, and I want to

support both of you through this.”

I felt a surge of gratitude for Ethan's unwavering support, a friend who

had become a pillar of strength in the tumultuous journey we were

navigating. The airport corridor echoed with the footsteps of

passengers, a backdrop to the heartfelt exchange between two

individuals bound by a shared commitment to a child's well-being.

Blaze, still holding my hand, looked up at Ethan with a tired yet grateful

expression. “Thank you, Uncle Ethan,” he said, his voice soft but filled

with sincerity.

275

Chapter 49

Ethan ruffled Blaze’s hair affectionately. “Anytime, champ. We're a

team, remember?”

As we made our way to the hospital, the trio of us a mother, a son, and

a friend — formed an unconventional but resilient unit. The unspoken

camaraderie among us carried a quiet strength, a testament to the

bonds forged in the crucible of challenging circumstances.

The hospital's entrance loomed ahead, marking the next phase of our

journey. The dialogue between us may have been simple, but the

undercurrent of shared responsibility and mutual support was a

powerful force that guided us into the unknown. Together, we stepped

into the hospital, ready to face whatever lay ahead in the pursuit of

hope and healing

to

In the hushed corridors of the hospital, the scent of antiseptic lingered

as a backdrop the echoing footsteps of doctors and nurses. Blaze, still

holding my hand, cast a glance. at the unfamiliar surroundings. The

subdued lighting created a sense of solemnity that mirrored the weight

of the decisions we were about to make for his well-being.

Ethan, ever the reassuring presence, walked beside us with a quiet

determination. “Blaire, if there's anything you need, just let me know. I'll

be right here,” he said, offering a supportive smile.

“Thank you, Ethan. Your support means more than I can express,” I

replied, feeling the weight of gratitude in my words.

As we approached the hospital room, Blaze's weariness was evident.

The dialogue between us shifted to comforting assurances,

acknowledging the challenges that lay ahead.

“We'll get through this, Blaze. Mommy's right here, and so is Uncle

Ethan. We're a team, remember?” I whispered, echoing Ethan's earlier

words.

Blaze managed a small nod, his trust in our makeshift family evident in

his eyes. The hospital bed awaited him, a canvas for the medical team

to paint the brushstrokes of recovery.

As Blaze settled into the room, a nurse entered to discuss the

upcoming procedures and the details of the surgery. The dialogue

shifted to medical terms and treatment plans, an intricate dance of

information exchange that sought to restore health and hope.

In the quiet moments between medical discussions, Ethan and I shared

glances that spoke volumes a shared commitment to Blaze's well-

being, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges ahead, and the

unspoken understanding that in this journey, we were bound by more

than mere friendship.

“Would you like to spend the night here? I can book you a hotel for

tonight. You can take the flight first thing in the morning,” I suggested to

Ethan.

n

Chapter 19

“There's no need for that. I jus

want to make sure you and Blaze are settled before 1 I go back. I will

stay here to be with the two of you if I could. But...”

I cut him off immediately. “No, don’t. You've done so much already,

Ethan. I'm grateful for everything. I'll be the one who should feel guilty

for taking up all your time when you don't have to.”

Ethan's expression softened, a silent understanding passing between

us. “Blaire, you're not a burden. You and Blaze are important to me. I

want to be here for you, no matter what.”

“Thank you, Ethan.”

“No worries, Blaire. I'm happy to help. But now that you and Blaze are

already settled here in the hospital, I'm going back to the airport to

catch the earliest flight to Hawaii.” His willingness to be there for us,

even at the cost of rearranging his own plans, touched my heart.

“Ethan, you've been a rock for us. I don’t know how to repay you for

everything.”

He grinned, a warm reassurance in his eyes. “No need for repayment,

Blaire. Just focus on Blaze and get through this. I'll stay in touch and

come back whenever I can.”

As Ethan prepared to leave, the hospital room felt emptier, but his

support lingered like a comforting echo. The dialogue of genuine

friendship, etched in the moments we shared, remained a source of

strength as he bid us farewell.

“Take care, Blaire. Give Blaze a hug for me, and let me know if you

need anything.” Ethan said, his words a promise that transcended the

physical distance that would soon

separate us.

As he left the room, the gentle closing of the door marked the end of

one chapter and the beginning of another in our unfolding journey. In

the dialogue of shared experiences, Ethan's impact on our lives

resonated, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, genuine

connections endure and provide a beacon of support when we need

it most.

With Ethan's departure, a gentle sense of solitude enveloped me,

prompting a sudden craving for the comforting embrace of a good cup

of coffee. As we made our way to the hospital, I spotted a nearby coffee

shop just a few blocks away.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee beckoned, promising solace in a

steaming mug. I glanced at Blaze, still peacefully asleep, his weariness

evident from the journey. It seemed like he'd find respite in the morning,

allowing me a brief moment to step away.

Entering the coffee shop, the warmth of the cosy atmosphere

embraced me. The soft murmur of conversations provided a soothing

backdrop. I approached the counter, the

Mon, 22 Jan

Chapter 49

anticipation of that first sip of coffee bringing a momentary respite to the

weight on my shoulders.

“Can I get a strong black coffee, please?” I requested the simplicity of

the order mirroring my desire for a moment of quiet reflection.

As the barista prepared the coffee, I found a secluded corner, a quiet

sanctuary amidst the bustling world outside. The first sip delivered a

comforting bitterness, grounding me in the present. With the warmth of

the cup in my hands, I allowed myself a moment of stillness.

After a couple of minutes, I decided to go back to the hospital. But it

hadn't been long since I stepped out of the coffee shop when a black

sedan suddenly stopped in front of me. In just a matter of seconds, I

found myself being forcefully shoved right into the

car.

And in that moment that I have been forced into that car, all I could

think of was my son, who was currently lying alone in the hospital bed.

“Who are you, and where are you taking me?” I asked the man driving

the car, but he remained silent.

“Mr. President needs a word with you, Miss Banks.”

5/5

I