FIFTY TWO

His breath hitched when he felt a faint beat. “You’re going to be okay.” He murmured, his voice cracking. He carefully lifted her into his arms , cradling her against his chest . Blood neared onto his clothes , but he didn't care. “Hold on, please hold on.”

Olivia's eyes fluttered open, pain etched across her face. “Lucas…” she whispered weakly.

“I’m here, pretty doll,” Lucas said, his voice both fierce and tender. “Just stay with me. You’re going to be fine I promise.”

Lucas moved with swift purpose , cradling Olivia in her arms. The Villa's opulence contrasted sharply with the blood and Lucas' mind raced, knowing he had to act fast. He hurried through the hallways until he reached the room.

Carefully laying Olivia down on a plush sofa, Lucas's eyes scanned her injuries. The blood was a stark contrast against her pale skin. He grabbed his phone and dialed an emergency number he reserved for such a dire moment.

“Get a medical team now!” he barked into the phone. “We have a critical injury, hurry!”

He knelt beside Olivia, gently brushing her hair away from her face. “Stay with me Olivia, help is on the way.”

Her eyes fluttered open, a pained but resolute gaze meeting him. “Lucas…. I’m scared.”

“You’re going to be fine,” Lucas said, his voice strong but fringed with wramth. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

Minutes felt like hours as Lucas stayed by Olivia's side, whispering reassurances and holding her hand. The sound of approaching footsteps finally broke the silence , and a team of medics burst into the room, their equipment ready.

“We need to stabilize her, and get her to the hospital.” the lead medic said, quickly accessing Olivia's condition.

Lucas nodded,cstepoing back to give them space but never taking his eyes off Olivia. The medics worked efficiently , and within moments , they had Olivia ready to be moved.

As they carefully placed her on the stretcher, Olivia reached out for Lucas. He took her hand walking beside her as they made their way out of the villa and towards the waiting ambulance.

“I’m right here, Olivia,” Lucas said, his grip firm and reassuring. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The ambulance sped through the streets, sirens blaring. Lucas’s heart ended with the flashing light, he couldn't lose her, not now.

At the hospital, Olivia was rushed into surgery, leaving Lucas pacing the waiting room. He prehended his knuckles, anxiousness and fear carrying within him. He couldn't stand being helpless.The pure white walls and the antiseptic smell only intensified his worry.

After what felt like eternity, a doctor emerged, his expression a mask of professional calm.

“Mr Moretti,” the doctor began, pulling off his gloves. “Miss Carter is stable, but her condition is more complicated than we initially thought. There was significant damage. We’ve managed to stop bleeding , but the next 24 hours are critical.”

Lucas's heart sank , but he maintained his composure. “What precisely do you mean?”

“It means she's not stable yet,” the doctor explained. “We’ll need to monitor her closely . There's a risk of complications. We’re doing everything we can.”

Lucas nodded, a mixture of relief and fear coursing through him. “Can I see her?”

The doctor nodded. “Yes, but please keep it brief. She needs rest.”

Lucas walked into the room, the beeping of machines greeting him. Olivia lay there, pale and fragile, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. He sat beside her gently taking her hands on his.

“Pretty doll,” He whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m sorry for making you go through so much pain.”

Meanwhile, Marco lay in a makeshift hospital bed, in a hidden location. His leg throbbed with pain from the multiple gunshot wounds Lucas had inflicted. His men were scattered around, some tending to their own wounds, others standing guard.

Giovanni approached him,his face grim, “Boss, we need to regroup. Lucas is going to come after us, we need to plan.”

Marco’s face contorted with pain and anger. “We won't win if we regroup here,” he spat. “We are out numbered and outgunned. We need to get back to NewYork and treat my leg properly.”

Giovanni frowned, but nodded, “Alright boos, we’ll make the arrangements.”

……🌵

At the hospital, Lucas sat close to Olivia , his eyes red with emotion, his heart filled with regret. He blamed himself for not protecting Olivia. He should have been more vigilant, should have protected her better. As he sat there, his hand gently holding hers, a phone buzzed, breaking the silence. He reached for it and realized t was Olivia's phone.

Checking the caller's ID , hexsaw “Mom” flashing on the screen. His heart sank. He had never spoken to Olivia's mother before. All he knew from his sources was that Olivia's family lived in Spain.

He hesitated, unsure whether to answer the call, what would he say? How would he explain the situation without causing her more worry?

The phone buzzed again, more insistent this time. Lucas took a deep breath and swiped to answer.

“Hello,” he said cautiously.

There was a brief pause before a worried voice responded, “Olivia? Is that you?”

Lucas cleared his throat,feeling the weight of the moment, “No …this is Lucas. Olivia is …resting right now.”

“Who are you? Where's Olivia? Is she okay?” The panic in her voice was palpable.

“She's okay , just a bit under the weather,” Lucas lied, trying to keep his voice steady. “She’s very tired lately, I think she’s overworked. She needs to rest.”

“Overworked?Oh, my poor girl,” her voice cracked with emotion. “I knew she was pushing herself too hard. Please, take care of her . And make sure she gets the rest she needs.”

“I will,” Lucas promised. “Don't worry. I’m here with her, I’ll make sure she gets everything she needs.”

There was a long silence on the other end of the line. Finally Olivia's mother spoke again, her voice trembling, “Hold on. You said your name is Lucas?”

“Yes, Lucas,” he repeated.

“Lucas Moretti?” she asked, the fear in her voice unmistakable.