AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"But you threatened his life."
I stand up, slamming my hands against the desk and causing an empty glass to rattle across it.
"He will fucking do what he's told and save her, or he will face the consequences," I shout.
"Threatening them isn't going to make them want to save her, you asshole. Don't you get it? The doctors and nurses do the best they can with what they have; it's not their fault she's sick." Amelia is furious.
"Do they?"
She shakes her head in confusion.
"Do they what?"
"Do they do their best? Surely if they did their best they would have been able to save her. But they couldn't. They better learn from their mistakes this time." My throat is so tight my words are practically stuck, unable to come out, unable to explain the frustration and fear I am feeling for Elena.
"Save who?" Amelia asks, realizing I am talking in past tense.
"Merelda." I snarl angrily.
Amelia stares at me for a long moment, until I can't handle the softness in her eyes for a second longer.
I can't take it anymore.
I shake my head and try to push past her, but she steps in front of me.
"Who is Merelda, Stefano?" She asks gently, her hand resting on my chest.
"It doesn't matter."
"It matters. Who is she?"
My jaw clenches so tightly it shoots pain down my neck. I roll my shoulders back trying to ease it away.
"Was - " I correct her. "She's gone. She died."
"Stefano - "
"She was my daughter, Amelia. She was my daughter and she got really sick. I did everything I could. We fought her disease for years, but she got weaker and weaker and no one could help her. I couldn't help her. The doctors couldn't help her. I lost her." I choke.
"You had a daughter?" She asks, shocked but talking gently.
"I had a daughter. Years before I met you."
"What disease did she have?"
"Alagille Syndrome," I say, guilt tracing my words.
"The same as Elle." Amelia whispers.
"The same as Elle."
She steps forward and wraps her arms around my waist, hugging me, holding me against her, resting her head against my chest. I stand frozen in time, wanting to lift my arms around her as well, but not able to move.
I'm feeling overwhelmed by emotions and memories.
I can't go through that again.
I can't lose Elle as well.
