Page 74 of Secret Baby's Second Shot

“Of course,” I said, forcing a steady voice as I followed him into an empty consultation room.

He closedthe door behind us, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed. “You’re a good doctor, Enzo. One of the best we have here. But this situation with the foundation… it’s causing ripples.”

“I understand,” I said, my jaw tightening.

“Do you?” he asked, his tone measured. “Because some of the board members are questioning your judgment. They’re worried about the hospital’s reputation.”

“And what about mine?” I asked, my voice low.

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Enzo, I’ve known you for years. I know you’re a man of integrity. But not everyone sees the whole picture. To them, this looks like favoritism—or worse, manipulation.”

“It wasn’t manipulation,” I said firmly. “Summer did what she had to do for her daughter, and I supported her because I care about them. If that makes people question me, so be it.”

Dr. Cartwright studied me for a moment, his expression softening slightly. “I admire your conviction. But you need to be prepared for the fallout. Not everyone will understand.”

After he left,I stood in the empty room, my chest tight. I’d worked my entire life to build this career, sacrificing time, relationships, and countless hours of sleep. And now, it felt like all of it was teetering on the edge of collapse.

But then I thought of Ava—her laughter, her strength, the way she called me “Daddy” with so much trust in her voice.

And I thought of Summer—the fire in her eyes when she fought for Ava, the vulnerability in her voice when she admitted her fears, the way she’d let me in despite the walls she’d built around herself.

If losing a little of my reputation meant saving them, then it was a price I was willing to pay.

That evening,I returned to Ava’s hospital room. Summer was sitting by her bed, reading her a story. She looked up when I walked in, her face softening.

“Hey,” she said quietly.

“Hey,” I replied, pulling up a chair beside her.

Ava turned to me, her eyes bright. “Daddy, you missed the best part! Bunny turned into a superhero!”

“Super Bunny?” I asked, grinning. “That’s amazing!”

She giggled, holding up the book. “Mommy’s reading it again. You can listen too.”

I leaned back, letting the sound of Summer’s voice wash over me as she continued the story. For a moment, the tension in my chest eased, replaced by the quiet comfort of being with them.

Later,after Ava fell asleep, Summer and I stepped into the hallway. She looked at me, her brows knitting together. “You’ve been quiet all day. What’s going on?”

I hesitated, my hands shoved into my pockets. “The board had a meeting today. They’re… concerned about the foundation situation.”

Her face fell, guilt flashing in her eyes. “Enzo, I’m so sorry. I never wanted this to affect you.”

“It’s not your fault,” I said firmly. “And honestly, I don’t care what they think. The only thing that matters to me is Ava.”

“But your career?—”

“Summer,” I interrupted, stepping closer. “You and Ava are my family. Careers can be rebuilt. Reputations can be repaired. But losing you two? That’s not something I’m willing to risk.”

Her eyes shimmered with tears, and she reached out, her hand brushing against mine. “I don’t know how you can be so calm about this.”

“I’m not,” I admitted, my voice soft. “But when I think about you and Ava, I know I’m doing the right thing. That’s enough to keep me steady.”

We stoodthere in the quiet hallway, the faint hum of the hospital surrounding us. And for the first time all day, the storm inside me began to ease.

Whatever came next, we would face it together.

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