---- Chapter 24 Nicola clutched her baby tightly. Her legs gave way as Emilio reached out just in time to catch her in his arms. She couldn't hold back any longer. She leaned against him and burst into tears. She was overwhelmed by the fear she had just escaped. Emilio held her close, and his arms were shaking from the adrenaline rush of the near catastrophe. "Thank goodness you're alright," he murmured. The baby was immediately taken for a check-up and was found to be well-protected, without injuries. However, after being taken by Cassie, he was a bit hungry and frightened. Nicola fed her baby, who soon fell into a deep sleep in her arms. Her eyes remained red and swollen from crying. She and Emilio waited outside the emergency room. Lachlan had no family there, so Nicola was the one to sign the consent for his surgery. Although he had only been stabbed once, the wound was in a ---- dangerous spot and led to significant blood loss. The doctors issued several emergency alerts about his critical condition. When Emilio's men came to report the situation, Nicola and Emilio learned that Lachlan had been working as a bodyguard for the villa's perimeter on the island in the past few months. Lachlan had intentionally avoided Emilio and Nicola, so Nicola never discovered his presence. As Nicola waited, her hands and feet turned cold. She then remembered the years she spent with Lachlan. There were countless happy moments, as well as times of heartbreak and despair. But those emotions were insignificant in the face of death. When she discovered her baby had been stolen by Cassie, she had a fleeting moment of hatred toward Lachlan. However, even though she no longer loved him now, there was still a decade of shared history between them: He had been nearly killed and entered the operating room to save her and their baby. So she couldn't bear to see him die. All she could do was repeatedly and fervently pray for his survival. The surgery lasted six or seven hours before the doctor walked out, exhausted. Nicola and Emilio rushed forward. ---- Though the doctor was tired, he smiled at them. "There's no immediate danger to the patient. As long as he gets through tonight, he should be fine." Nicola finally exhaled deeply. She said, "Thank you, doctor..." Emilio expressed his gratitude as well. They exchanged a relieved smile. Emilio was acutely aware that saving Lachlan was crucial. If the latter had died, Nicola might never have moved on from it. After Nicola was relieved, she felt utterly exhausted. She had just given birth. Then she searched for her baby. After waiting for Lachlan for so long, she was extremely tired. Once she was relieved, she could no longer hold on and fainted. When she awoke again, it was already noon the next day. Nicola jolted awake. She instinctively asked, "My baby." Her wrist was immediately grasped as soon as her words fell. Emilio's gentle voice comforted her. "Don't worry, Nicola. Our son is sleeping." She turned her head and saw her son peacefully sleeping beside her. Her heart melted with maternal love and relief. Then she remembered Lachlan and quickly asked, "How's Lachlan?" ---- Emilio soothed her, saying, "Don't worry. He had another surgery last night and has survived the critical point. He woke up this morning and even insisted on getting out of bed to see you. He's now in the next room." After thinking for a short moment, Nicola got up to visit Lachlan. Lachlan was awake and brightened upon seeing her. They shared a quiet, understanding smile. Nicola walked over and gently hugged Lachlan. "Thank you for saving me and the baby." Lachlan's eyes reddened slightly. "It's what | should have done." Nicola didn't stay long and soon left. Lachlan watched her retreating figure, and tears silently streamed down. He knew well that there was no longer any future between Nicola and him. From now on, his best outcome was to watch the happiness of her and the baby from afar. He had ultimately lost the best woman he'd ever had. At the doorway, Nicola found Emilio waiting outside the room. She smiled and said, "I told you I'd be right back. Were you worried about me?" ---- Emilio took her hand. "| was worried that he might take you away. | wish | could keep you with me all the time." Nicola looked up at him and, on a whim, stood on her toes to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek. Emilio had always been composed. But he was momentarily stunned and looked at her in surprise. Nicola chuckled. "Are you still worried now?" Emilio's gaze deepened, and he quickly scooped her up and carried her back into her room. Like an eager young lover, he couldn't wait to kiss her. Nicola wrapped her arms around his neck and rested contentedly against his chest. A smile played at the corners of her eyes. 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