CHAPTER 82: LIAM

The hospital is too bright, too sterile. I feel out of place in the narrow hallway, surrounded by cold, white walls and the faint, antiseptic smell that seems to cling to everything. I've been here for hours, pacing back and forth, trying to keep my mind from spiraling out of control.

I look at the double doors leading to the operating room, wishing I could do something more, anything to help Emma's mom. I've already arranged for her to have the best care money can buy. I insisted on the most expensive private room in the hospital. I even hired extra security to stand guard outside her room to ensure she had peace once the surgery was over. It feels like nothing in the face of what Emma is going through, but it's all I can do right now.

I lean back against the wall, running a hand through my hair. I've been trying to call Emma since I found out, but she wouldn't answer. I get it—she has every right to be angry with me. I messed up in more ways than I can count. But when I heard about