Chapter Two: A Heartbeat in the Dark
The maternal trauma unit was three floors above the gala.
Downstairs, donors continued drinking champagne beneath chandeliers, unaware that the evening’s honored family had disappeared.
Upstairs, Marcus stood behind a glass partition while doctors examined his wife.
Khloe lay beneath bright medical lights, surrounded by specialists. Monitors displayed her pulse, blood pressure, and the rhythm of the child she had protected with her own body.
Marcus could hear the heartbeat through the wall speaker.
Fast.
Uneven.
Alive.
He pressed his palm against the glass.
Jonathan entered beside him after changing into surgical scrubs.
“She has severe abdominal trauma,” he said. “We’re watching for placental complications and early labor.”
Marcus did not look away from Khloe.
“Will they survive?”
“We are doing everything possible.”
“That isn’t an answer.”
“It is the only honest answer I can give you.”
Marcus finally turned.
Jonathan had known him for nearly a decade. He had welcomed him into the Hale family when Marcus married Khloe. He had defended him when relatives complained that Marcus cared more about Thorne Global than his marriage.
Tonight, Jonathan’s expression held no warmth.
“What was Isabella Rossi doing alone with my niece?”
Marcus looked back through the glass.
“She asked to speak with Khloe.”
“And you allowed it?”
“I didn’t know they were alone.”
“You didn’t know a lot of things.”
Marcus accepted the accusation without defending himself.
That silence told Jonathan more than any excuse could have.
“You knew Isabella was interfering in the marriage,” Jonathan said.
“I knew she was creating rumors.”
“You knew she wanted you.”
“Yes.”
“And you continued allowing her near your wife.”
Marcus’s jaw tightened.
“I never touched Isabella.”
Jonathan stepped closer.
“You think betrayal begins with touch?”
Marcus said nothing.
A nurse hurried from the treatment room and spoke quietly to Jonathan. His expression changed immediately.
“What is it?” Marcus demanded.
“Khloe’s contractions have started.”
Marcus went still.
“She’s only seven months.”
“I know.”
Jonathan entered the room.
Marcus remained outside, forced to watch as more medical staff arrived. Khloe’s eyes opened. She turned toward the glass and found him standing there.
For a moment, the machines, doctors, and panic disappeared.
She looked at her husband.
Marcus saw fear in her eyes.
But beneath it, he saw something worse.
Disappointment.
Not because he had kicked her.
Not because he had pushed her.
Because he had allowed another woman to believe she could.
Marcus placed his hand against the glass again.
Khloe turned her face away.
The movement was small.
It wounded him more deeply than any accusation could have.
Twenty minutes later, the contractions slowed.
The baby’s heartbeat stabilized.
The medical team decided against emergency delivery but placed Khloe under constant observation.
Jonathan returned to the hallway.
“She is stable for now.”
Marcus closed his eyes.
Relief passed through him so violently that he nearly lost his balance.
Jonathan continued.
“The next twenty-four hours are critical. She needs absolute calm. No arguments. No media. No unexpected visitors.”
“I’ll stay with her.”
“That will be her decision.”
Marcus looked at him.
May you like
Jonathan did not soften.
“At this moment, you are not the person she feels safest with.”
