Chapter 1221

"Josie, not there." Oliver's voice was low and raspy, barely holding it together.

Josefina just grinned, playful and bold, pushing him closer and closer to his limit.

"What, already losing control?" she teased, her words soft against his ear.

Oliver didn't respond. Truth was, he'd already lost it.

Outside, moonlight crept through the window, spilling a gentle silver across the room before the bashful moon disappeared behind a cloud.

...

Cole set a glass of warm milk in front of Makiko. "Drink up and try to get some sleep."

But sleep was the last thing Makiko could think about. She stared at him, confused and a little anxious.

After twenty years of marriage, there were still moments when Cole felt like a stranger.

"Aren't you worried at all? If they find out you're not actually allergic to chestnuts, doesn't that bother you?"

Cole's voice was calm. “What's done is done. Every time something happens, we both freak out and make it worse. It's already happened. Let's handle it together, not blame each other."

Makiko wrapped her arms around him, pressing her face to his chest. “Cole, you're always so good to me."

Cole's eyes softened, but there was a flicker of something complicated beneath.

"Drink your milk and get some rest, okay?"

Makiko finished her milk and, before long, drifted off to sleep.

Once he was sure she was out, Cole changed into black clothes and quietly slipped out the back door.

No car. He walked, sweat soaking through his shirt by the time he reached the last house on the block, hidden in the shadows.

He pushed the door open and went straight upstairs, moving like he'd done this a hundred times before.

The room was pitch black-so dark he couldn't see his own hand.

"I'm here," Cole called softly.

A woman's voice answered from the darkness-cold and sharp. "Kneel."

Cole dropped to his knees without a second thought, smooth and practiced.

She walked toward him, every step making his heart pound harder.

Light from outside caught his back, but the rest of the room stayed swallowed in darkness.

Her hand brushed his cheek, gentle for half a second.

Then-crack-a hard slap echoed in the room, snapping his head to the side. He didn't say a word.

Not because he didn't want to, but because he was too scared to.

"Cole, after screwing up this badly, you still have the nerve to talk?” Her voice was icy, full of authority.

Cole knelt there, his face hidden in the shadows.

"I messed up," he said quietly.

"And you think that's enough? I put so much money into your projects in the States. The lab is gone. You

couldn't even handle things at the me,

University of Melbourne Tell

Sole, what good are you to me now?"

He stayed silent. There was nothing left to say.

She slapped him again. "Go home and figure out how you're going to make it up to me!"

Cole stood up slowly, knees aching.

He left hunched over, moving slow, his eyes burning with something dark and dangerous.

Morning.

Oliver gently woke Josefina. “Josie, you need to do your tests on

empty stomach Let's go et ana

can eat right after, okay?" .net>

We

She dragged herself out of bed, still half-asleep and reluctant to leave her cozy

cocoon.

Oliver helped her get dressed, even kneeling down to put on her socks.

Josefina pulled her hair up into a messy bun-somehow making it look cute without even trying.

Oliver handed her a toothbrush,

making sure she brushed her teeth,

Vet

then went downstairs to grab the

waiting

breakfast in the kitchen

Check-up first, food after.

Soon they were at the hospital.

Josefina lay back on the exam table as the doctor prepped the ultrasound.

The doctor's eyes went wide. "Oh! There are two babies!"