Chapter 1988

All the apparent ease and nonchalance Dominic displayed earlier were just him relying on sheer willpower. He did not want Galen to see him so worn out. He did not want to scare the child or let him see that side of him.

‘Uncle Dom clenched his teeth and forced himself to stay strong. I thought he was getting better. How stupid and naive am I?!’

Austin genuinely hated himself, feeling guilty for being careless and inattentive. He carefully supported Dominic and grabbed his wrist to check his pulse. The older man’s pulse was inconsistent, sometimes rapid and sometimes slow, which felt dangerous.

“Uncle Dom!” Austin choked, wanting to say something but unable to find the words.

"It's nothing!" Dominic sighed and said, "Towels!"

Austin hurriedly got up to fetch the towels. Then he brought one dry one and one wet one. Dominic saw him holding the two towels, smiled, and tugged at the corner of his mouth. The older man managed to squeeze out two words, “How smart!”

He wanted to tell Aus