Chapter 8 - The Heart of a Monarch
The next morning, the waiting room of the pediatric surgical wing was quiet. Nathan sat beside Claire on the plush couch, their fingers tightly intertwined as the hours ticked by. Lucas and Owen sat on the floor, building a massive Lego castle with Nathan's assistant, who had been instructed to cancel every single corporate meeting for the rest of the week.
At precisely one o'clock, the heavy double doors opened, and Dr. Sterling walked out, removing his surgical mask.
Claire stood up so fast she nearly tripped, but Nathan caught her by the waist, holding her steady. "Doctor?" Claire gasped.
A warm, triumphant smile broke across the surgeon's face. "The surgery was a complete, flawless success, Miss Bennett. The ventricular defect has been entirely repaired. Lily’s heart is strong, her oxygen levels are perfect, and she is already resting comfortably in the recovery suite. She’s going to live a long, completely normal, beautiful life."
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Claire let out a loud, joyous cry, turning to throw her arms around Nathan’s neck. Nathan caught her, lifting her slightly off the ground, laughing with a genuine, unbridled happiness that his sons hadn't heard from him in years.
"We did it, Claire," Nathan whispered against her hair. "She's safe."
