Love by the Contract

Chapter 66

Emma’s hands trembled as she clutched the coffee cup in front of her, the ceramic cool against her skin. The hospital’s family lounge felt far too small for the enormity of the decision they had to make. Across the table, Alex sat with his laptop open, papers spread around him. His focused intensity had shifted from defensive to something softer, almost desperate.

“This treatment in Europe is promising,” Thomas had said earlier, his voice calm but firm. The idea lingered in Emma’s mind, clashing with the path they had already started down. Every option felt like a gamble, a choice laden with potential regret.

“I’ve looked into the clinic Thomas mentioned,” Alex said suddenly, breaking the heavy silence. He glanced up from the screen, his blue eyes searching hers. “Their results are good, but it’s uncharted territory. Moving the twins would be a risk in itself.”

“And gene therapy isn’t?” Emma countered, her voice sharper than she intended. The stress had worn her patience thin.

Alex’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “It is. But at least we have the doctors here who know our children’s cases. We’re not starting over. Every minute matters, Emma.”

Emma pushed back her chair, standing abruptly. She paced the small room, her thoughts a whirlwind of doubt and fear. “I hate this,” she said, her voice breaking. “I hate that we have to decide like this. What if we choose wrong?”

Alex stood, his movements slow, deliberate. He approached her cautiously, as if afraid she might shatter. “You’re not alone in this,” he said quietly. “I’m here. Whatever we decide, we’ll face it together.”

His words, meant to comfort, only deepened her conflict. Alex had been absent when she needed him most, but now he was here, unwavering. It felt both comforting and unfair.

Thomas’s entrance broke the tense moment. He carried a folder under one arm, his expression serious but hopeful. “I’ve spoken with the specialist in Europe,” he began, glancing between Emma and Alex. “He’s willing to review the twins’ medical records immediately and can make arrangements for the treatment to begin within days if we’re willing to go.”

Emma’s chest tightened. Days. The twins didn’t have days to waste if this wasn’t the right choice. “What makes this treatment safer?” she asked.

“It’s less invasive,” Thomas explained. “It focuses on boosting immune function incrementally rather than rewriting their genetic code outright. There’s less risk of complications like immune overreaction.”

“And the drawbacks?” Alex’s tone was skeptical, his arms crossing defensively.

Thomas met his gaze without flinching. “The long-term results aren’t as well-documented. And the twins would need constant monitoring, which means staying abroad for several weeks, maybe longer.”

Emma sank back into her chair, her head in her hands. She couldn’t fathom being away from them for that long, but the idea of uprooting them in their fragile state made her stomach churn.

“We can’t risk moving them,” Alex said firmly. “They’re barely stable as it is.”

“And what if the gene therapy fails?” Thomas shot back, his frustration bubbling to the surface. “What if there’s a better chance for them somewhere else?”

“Enough,” Emma said sharply, cutting through their argument. Both men fell silent, their attention snapping to her. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to steady. “This isn’t about what either of you think is best. It’s about what’s best for them.”

Alex exhaled, his shoulders sagging slightly. “Then let’s weigh everything carefully. No rash decisions.”

The hours blurred together as they reviewed every detail, spoke to doctors, and considered the options. The twins remained stable, though every update from the NICU felt like a ticking clock. Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Emma made her decision.

She turned to Alex, her voice quiet but firm. “You should take them to Europe.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “Emma, I…”

“You’re right about the risks of moving them,” she continued, her voice trembling. “But if there’s even a chance this treatment is safer, we have to try. And you’re the only one who can go with them.”

Alex hesitated, his gaze searching hers. “Are you sure?”

Emma nodded, though her heart ached at the thought of being apart from her babies. “I trust you. And I trust Thomas. If he believes this specialist can help, we owe it to them to try.”

Thomas’s expression softened, gratitude evident in his eyes. “I’ll make the arrangements immediately.”

The next day was a whirlwind of preparation. Papers were signed, passports expedited, and medical records sent ahead. Emma spent every spare moment with the twins, her heart breaking with every fragile breath they took.

Alex, to his credit, worked tirelessly to ensure everything was in place. His dedication softened the edges of her anger toward him, though it didn’t erase the hurt. As the final arrangements were made, Alex approached her with a hesitant expression.

“Emma,” he began, his voice low. “I know I’ve made mistakes. I’ve hurt you in ways I can’t undo. But I need you to know something before I go.”

She looked at him, her chest tightening. “What is it?”

Alex hesitated, his hand running through his hair. “I never stopped loving you. Even when I made the wrong choices, even when I thought stepping back was the right thing to do… I loved you through all of it. And I still do.”

Emma’s breath hitched, his words cutting through the walls she’d built around her heart. But before she could respond, a nurse appeared to escort Alex to the NICU.

“I’ll see you when we’re back,” Alex said, his voice filled with quiet determination. Then he was gone, leaving Emma standing in the empty hallway, her emotions swirling.

Later that evening, as she returned to her small apartment, Emma found a folded piece of paper tucked into her bag. Recognizing Alex’s handwriting, she unfolded it with trembling hands.

Emma,

I don’t know if I’ll ever find the right words to explain how much you mean to me. But I need you to know that everything I’ve done—even the mistakes—came from wanting to protect you and the twins. I hope you can forgive me someday. And I hope this trip gives us all a chance to heal. I love you, always.

Alex.

Emma sank onto the couch, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself a sliver of hope.

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