Alejandro was gone for nearly twenty-four hours.<\/p>\n
To most people, that would have meant nothing. But Luc\u00eda knew him well \u2014 he never stepped away from something he considered his. If he disappeared, it was because he was arranging something behind the scenes.<\/p>\n
Carmen Ruiz noticed the shift first. After a quiet adjustment in Luc\u00eda\u2019s treatment plan, the lab results began to improve. The liver values that had been climbing dangerously were now stabilizing. It wasn\u2019t dramatic, but it directly contradicted the earlier warning that she had \u201cno more than three days.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d the attending doctor muttered, studying the monitor. \u201cIf the damage were irreversible, we wouldn\u2019t see this kind of response.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carmen and Luc\u00eda exchanged a look. The pattern was becoming clear.<\/p>\n
Alejandro returned the next day, impeccably dressed, wearing his usual refined cologne and the carefully rehearsed expression of concern he displayed so well in public.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow is she?\u201d he asked at the nurses\u2019 station.<\/p>\n
\u201cStable,\u201d Carmen answered evenly.<\/p>\n
A slight tightening in his jaw gave him away, though he quickly masked it. Luc\u00eda caught it when he entered her room.<\/p>\n
\u201cLove\u2026\u201d he said gently, approaching her bed. \u201cYou look pale.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luc\u00eda kept her breathing shallow, eyes barely open.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m tired,\u201d she murmured.<\/p>\n
He leaned closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve spoken to the lawyer. Just as a precaution. In case things\u2026 worsen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Luc\u00eda opened her eyes more fully and studied him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways thinking ahead,\u201d she said calmly.<\/p>\n
For a brief second, his composure slipped.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just protecting what\u2019s ours.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOurs?\u201d she repeated quietly.<\/p>\n
At that moment, Carmen entered with a tray, interrupting the tension. Alejandro stepped aside, but his glance drifted toward the IV pump. Carmen noticed immediately.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease don\u2019t touch the equipment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRelax,\u201d he replied stiffly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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