Chapter 6 - The Unspoken Loss
Silence descended upon the nursery, so absolute that the only sound remaining was the steady, rhythmic beep of Leo’s heart monitor and the soft swallowing of the baby.
Lorenzo slowly lowered his hand. He didn't snatch his son away. Instead, he dropped into a crouch beside Hunter’s chair, his towering presence suddenly bringing him level with her terrified, tear-streaked face.
He reached out with two long fingers, surprisingly gentle, and grasped the plastic band around her wrist. He turned it slowly until the printed black text faced the light.
St. Jude’s Memorial Hospital. Patient: Hunter Bennett. Delivery Date: October 14.
Lorenzo stared at the date. October 14.
That was the exact same night Leo was born in the private wing of the very same hospital.
Hunter swallowed hard, her chest heaving as she pulled Leo a fraction closer, defensive yet trembling. She couldn't read the expression on the mob boss’s rugged face. The cold, intimidating monster of Long Island looked... human. Confused. Pierced by something he hadn't anticipated.
Lorenzo looked up from the bracelet, his dark, intense eyes locking onto hers.
"Whose baby did you lose?" he asked softly.
The question hit Hunter like a physical blow. Her color drained instantly. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. The raw grief she had kept locked behind a quiet, professional mask burst open. A single, heavy tear spilled over her lashes and splashed onto Lorenzo’s hand resting on her wrist.
Behind Lorenzo, the door to the medical pantry opened.
Dr. Nathan Cole stepped back into the nursery carrying a tray of syringes. He stopped abruptly when he saw Lorenzo crouching by the maid.
Nathan’s gaze fell onto Hunter’s exposed wrist, catching the bold red logo of St. Jude’s Memorial printed on the plastic band.
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In an instant, Nathan’s calm, professional demeanor shattered. His hands trembled violently.
The silver tray slipped from his grip, crashing onto the hardwood floor with a deafening rattle. His tablet slid across the rug, coming to a rest at Lorenzo’s feet. Nathan stared at Hunter’s face, his complexion turning as pale as a corpse, his eyes wide with absolute, horrifying recognition.
