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Chapter 29: Fractured Hope

last update publish date: 2026-07-04 15:12:30

ANDREA’S POV

I gripped the edge of Lily’s hospital bed as the morning light filtered through the blinds. Nurses moved around us with quiet efficiency, checking monitors and adjusting IV lines. My daughter looked so small against the white sheets, her face pale but her eyes wide with fear. Ryder stood on the other side, his jaw locked tight, one hand resting on her shoulder.

“Mommy, will it hurt?” Lily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I leaned down and brushed my fingers across her cheek
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