Chapter 50

Elena lay on the hospital bed, her eyes half-opened, tiredness all over her face, while Michael sat beside her with Charles on his lap.

"You will be discharged soon," Michael assured her as he held her hands gently; she put on a faint smile. Just then, the door creaked open, and Alexander entered. Charles' eyes widened in surprise, and his face lit up with excitement as he exclaimed, "Dad!" He rushed to Alexander, throwing his arms around him in a tight hug, tears of joy streaming down his face.

Alexander embraced him warmly, a soft smile on his face, as he patted Charles' back, comforting him. "I thought I'd never see you again, Dad, you said you would never leave us! But you did, you left, Dad," Charles sobbed, his voice muffled against Alexander's chest.

Alexander held him at arm's length, his eyes shining with love and relief, and said, "I'm here now, son. I'm not going anywhere; I promise to be with you all the time from now on."

Charles looked up at his father and smiled, "Fath