Chapter 7

"Jordan.. Jordan was in an accident." Those words kept on playing on a loop in my head. I don't know in which condition my son is and just the thought that he might be in some danger, it was terrifying. I rushed downstairs in a blur, my mind racing. I have no idea how I managed to walked down those stairs. Panic swirled in my chest as I realized the gravity of the situation. I looked around to hail a cab but there were no taxis in sight. I bit my lip while my hands trembled and I tried dialing Sebastian’s number. However, his line was still busy. I couldn’t wait any longer; Jordan needed me. I needed to do something to get to the hospital as soon as possible. I was about to dash out of the front door in search of a car when I heard the low hum of an engine. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the sleek black Mercedes pull up in front of our house. My breath caught in my throat—the person looked too familiar and suddenly it hit me. He was the same person who had helped me at the hospital. The one who held me when I was about to fall. Those black eyes, it did not take me much time to recognize them. I didn’t think twice. Without hesitation, I ran toward the car, panic evident in every step. I threw open the door and gasped, “Please… I need your help. Please, I have to get to the hospital—now.” The man gave me a brief, assessing glance before nodding. “Where to?” he asked in his calm, steady voice. “To the Hospital,” I breathed out, barely keeping my composure. My hands gripped the door frame as I slipped into the backseat. He didn’t say anything more, just started the car while the hum of the engine filling the silence. The ride felt like it lasted forever. My thoughts were a swirl of worry for Jordan and frustration that I couldn’t reach Sebastian. In the meantime, the man drove smoothly, effortlessly, as if he knew the streets as well as his own skin. I couldn’t help but notice the sharpness in his movements—the quiet confidence he exuded—like someone who had seen and done things that most people would never understand. When the car finally came to a stop outside the hospital, I felt a surge of relief and panic all at once. I opened the door quickly, but before I could step out, the man’s voice stopped me. "Hey, wait!" I paused and turned around. “You left your phone in the car,” he said, his tone neutral, as if it were the most natural thing to remind me. I blinked, momentarily confused. Then the realization hit me. I had been so frantic that I had forgotten to take it with me. I turned around to thank him, but the words caught in my throat. “Thank you,” I managed, my voice tight. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. Thank you. Thank you so much.” I was extremely grateful to this stranger at the moment. He gave me a slight nod, and I rushed inside, my legs nearly giving out beneath me as I sprinted through the hospital corridors, anxiety gnawing at my insides. The moment I entered the waiting room, the sharp, accusing voice of my mother-in-law sliced through the air. “Where have you been? You should’ve been here sooner! What kind of mother are you?” she hissed, her hand raised as if ready to strike. My heart pounded in my chest. I hadn’t been prepared for this, not at all. Before I could react, a strong, familiar arm blocked her hand. I looked up in surprise to see Sebastian standing between us, his jaw clenched in frustration. “You will not raise a hand to her,” he said in a low, firm voice, his presence commanding attention. My mother-in-law sneered at him. “You always protect her! Always!” she spat. “I’m done with this. I’ll be the one taking care of Jordan from now on. You’ll see!” I felt a wave of heat rise in my chest. “Over my dead body,” I snapped, my voice unwavering despite the turmoil in my heart. I wasn’t going to let her take my place, not now, not ever, "I am his mother and I will remain by his side. No matte what. There is nothing that can change it." I made my point clear. Sebastian’s hand wrapped around her arm, gently but firmly pulling her away. “We need to see Jordan now,” he said, his voice icy with authority. I nodded, taking a deep breath as we made our way toward Jordan’s room. My thoughts were a mess. I had no idea what I would find—whether my son was hurt or whether the tension in our family would have irreparable damage. My stomach twisted, and my mind was flooded with so many questions. When we reached the door to his room, Sebastian hesitated before opening it. I caught the brief flicker of concern in his eyes, but he didn’t say anything. He opened the door, and we walked inside. Jordan was lying in the bed, his small body wrapped in bandages from a few minor scrapes. His face was pale, but he was breathing steadily. Thank God. I breathed a sigh of relief. “Jordan,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve been here sooner.” He stirred slightly but remained asleep. Sebastian and I both stood there, watching him. After a moment of silence, Sebastian turned to me. “Joey’s arm is fractured,” he said quietly. I blinked, confused. “What happened to Joy?” I asked, a knot forming in my stomach. Sebastian’s face hardened as he glanced toward the door. “She was trying to protect Jordan,” he explained, his voice strained. “She pushed him out of the way when he walked in front of a car, but…” He trailed off, his words hanging in the air. I felt a sudden rush of emotions. Part of me was angry—furious, even—that she had been so involved with my son. But at the same time, she had protected him. She had put herself in harm’s way to keep him safe. “I should go see her,” I said quietly, trying to steady my shaking hands. I could feel my heart thudding in my chest. This was the woman Sebastian had once loved. The woman who had walked away from him, leaving him heartbroken. And now, she was here, taking care of my son. Sebastian hesitated, his eyes darkening. “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said, his voice tight. “She’s… not someone you need to worry about right now.” I didn’t listen. Instead, I walked toward the door. “I’m going to thank her. For Jordan’s sake, and for my own peace of mind.” Sebastian’s eyes followed me, his jaw clenched. He didn’t stop me, but his expression was unreadable. When I reached Joey’s room, she was lying in bed, her arm in a cast. She looked up as I entered, her expression guarded but not unkind. “Thank you,” I said softly. “I know whatever happened before… it doesn’t matter now. I just want to thank you for protecting my son.” Her gaze flickered toward Sebastian, who stood just behind me in the doorway, his posture rigid. His jaw tightened. “Should we notify your family? Your husband might be worried,” I added, trying to keep my tone light. Joey didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she glanced at Sebastian again, her lips pressed tightly together. Then, after a long silence, she shook her head. “There’s no need,” she said quietly. “I’m fine.” Sebastian stepped forward, his voice low. “You should go back to Jordan,” he said, his tone final. He didn’t wait for a response before turning and walking out. I lingered for a moment, looking at Joey one last time, before I turned and followed Sebastian down the hall, my heart heavier than ever. When we returned to Jordan’s room, he was awake. His big brown eyes met mine, but there was no warmth in them. He blinked slowly, his voice a whisper. “I don’t want you as my mom anymore,” he said, his words so cold they cut through me like a knife. “I’m going to live with Aunt Joey.” My breath caught in my throat. I couldn’t speak.