Chapter 18
"Emma," Ethan whispered, his voice cracking as all the violence and rage drained instantly from his body. He rushed to her side, dropping to his knees on the sterile floor. Emma collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably as she pressed her face into the curve of his neck. Ethan wrapped his strong arms carefully around her and the two swaddled infants, burying his face in her hair. "I'm here," Ethan murmured, kissing her tears away. "I've got you. Nobody is ever going to hurt you again. I swear to God, Emma, it's over." Noah and Lily, as if sensing their father's protective presence, finally quieted down, their tiny hands reaching out from their blankets. Ethan looked down at his newborn twins for the very first time. His hands trembled as he gently stroked Noah's soft cheek, then Lily's. "They're beautiful," Ethan choked out, tears mixing with the sweat and blood on his face. "You did so well, Emma. You were so brave." "I thought you were gone," Emma wept, her fingers clutching his tactical vest as if she were afraid he would vanish into thin air. "Richard and Mark came into my room... they tried to take them." "I know. Richard has been neutralized, and his assets are frozen. He will rot in federal prison for the rest of his life," Ethan promised darkly. A groan from the floor broke the tender moment. Ethan stood up instantly, stepping defensively in front of Emma, but it was only Carla. She was sitting up slowly, holding a bloody cloth to the cut on her forehead. Ethan looked at his stepsister, his expression hardening. But before he could speak, Emma placed a gentle hand on his arm. "She saved us, Ethan," Emma said softly. "She fought her own mother to protect Lily, and she put herself between Victor and the gun. She is not one of them." Ethan looked at Carla, who was looking down at the floor in profound shame. Slowly, Ethan extended a hand to her. "Thank you, Carla," Ethan said quietly, pulling her to her feet. "You're safe now."
