Page 97 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

He sighs, a weary look crossing his features. “She… She wasn't ready, Liam. She was scared you’d never want to be a father. And frankly, I didn't want to see you two get hurt again.”

Shame washes over me. He’s right. My past actions haven't exactly instilled a sense of trust in Emma. But this… This is different. This is a chance, a new beginning, and I won't let it slip through my fingers.

Ignoring the questions still swirling in my mind, I grab my coat from the chair. “Where is she?” I ask, my voice thick with urgency. “I need to find her, tell her…”

“She's staying in Rogers Hotel,” my father replies, scribbling an address on a piece of paper and tearing it off. “It’s on Anderson Lane, at…” He rattles off the address, his voice barely a murmur. I snatch the paper from his grasp, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“Thanks, Dad,” I mutter, the words barely audible.

Without another word, I bolt out of the office, the address clutched tightly in my hand. My mind is a chaotic storm, but one thing is clear—I need to get to Emma. Now.

The cool night air whips against my face as I race through the hospital parking lot, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The world seems to blur around me, my focus solely on the crumpled piece of paper in my hand.

Tonight, everything will change. Tonight, I won’t just find Emma. Tonight, I will face my fears, embrace the future, and hopefully, convince the woman I love that we can build a family together. As long as she is willing to give me another chance.

32

EMMA

The shrill ring of my phone pierces the dawn silence, dragging me from a restless sleep. I squint at the bedside clock—5:12 AM. Who on earth could be calling at this ungodly hour?

Groggy and confused, I fumble for the phone, peering at the screen. Damon's face fills the display, the “video call” button pulsating insistently. With a sigh, I swipe to answer, the artificial glow casting an eerie light on my face.

“Hey, sleepyhead,” Damon's voice booms through the speaker, punctuated by the muffled sounds of crashing waves in the background. “June wanted to see your pretty face.”

I manage a weak smile. “June? Isn't it a little early for a beauty routine?” I rasp, my voice thick with sleep.

A chuckle escapes his lips. “Apparently not. She's been worried sick about you. Are you alright, Em?”

The concern in his voice sends a pang through my chest. “Yeah, I'm fine,” I lie, forcing a lightness into my voice. “I’m sleeping like a normal person should.” I glance around the unfamiliar hotel room, a stark contrast to the cozy familiarity of my bedroom back home.

“Uh-huh,” June's voice chimes in, her face replacing Damon's. “Why are you awake to answer a call at 5 A.M then?”

“You called?”

“It was a test, Em,” June sighs. “ You put your phone in the silent mode every time before you sleep. Answering this call proves that you haven’t slept.”

“Or I just forgot the silent mode?”

“Sounds suspiciously like you’re avoiding something.” Damon adds with a sigh.

I roll my eyes, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Maybe I'm just a morning person now. Sunrise and all that jazz.”

“Uh-huh,” June mimics, her tone dripping with skepticism. “So, spill the beans. What's going on?”

Before I can formulate a response, a small figure toddles into view. Ethan, his brown hair sticking out in all directions, clutches a well-worn stuffed animal in his little hand. He holds it up to the screen, his face beaming.

“Aunt Emma! Look what Mr. Snuggles wants! He wants to know what I should bring you!”

My heart melts. “Hey there, champ!” I coo, directing my attention to my nephew. “Mr. Snuggles looks like he needs a good vacation. How about he joins you guys on your adventures?”

“Yay!” Ethan squeals, bouncing in place. “Mr. Snuggles is coming!”

I watch them for a moment, a bittersweet ache settling in my chest. Ethan's innocent joy is a balm to my soul, a stark contrast to the turmoil raging within me.

“So,” Damon's voice cuts in, bringing my focus back to the conversation. “When did you last speak to Liam?”

The question sends a jolt through me. Lying to Damon feels like a betrayal, yet the truth—or at least, my version of the truth—feels too raw to share.

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