Chapter 49: A Mother's Intervention
Leo sat in his hospital bed, his mind a swirl of confusion and lingering pain. The slap, the presence of the powerful woman, and the tension in Kai's usually unshakable demeanor—it was all too much to process.
Outside the room, Kai and the woman, now identified as Celeste, stood facing each other in the quiet hospital corridor.
"You've gone too far this time, Kai," Celeste said, her voice laced with a mix of anger and worry. "I didn't raise you to throw your life into chaos like this. And now, he's paying the price for your choices."
Kai rubbed his jaw where her slap still stung. "It's not what you think, Mother."
"Don't you 'Mother' me," Celeste snapped, her eyes narrowing. "Do you think I don't see what's happening? That boy in there—Leo—he's just a kid. He doesn't deserve to be dragged into this."
Kai sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I'm protecting him."
"Protecting him?" Celeste's tone turned incredulous. "Kai, you're destroying him. Look at him! He's lying in a hospital bed, shot, because of your life. How much longer do you think he can handle this before he breaks completely?"
Kai's silence spoke volumes.
"I won't stand by and watch this happen," Celeste continued, her tone softening slightly but still firm. "You're coming with me. Now. We'll figure this out together, but you can't stay here."
Kai's eyes darted to the closed hospital door. "I can't just leave him."
"You have to," Celeste said, her voice almost pleading now. "For his sake and yours. If you stay, you'll only bring him more pain. You know that."
---
Inside the room, Leo stared at the door, his frustration mounting. "Who the hell is she?" he muttered under his breath.
A nurse entered quietly, checking his IV line and adjusting the monitor. Taking the chance, Leo asked, "Do you know who that woman is?"
The nurse hesitated before answering. "She's Kai's mother."
Leo's eyes widened. "His mother?"
The nurse nodded, glancing toward the door. "She's… well, she's a powerful woman. Runs in the family, I guess."
Leo sank back into his pillows, the revelation adding another layer to the tangled web of emotions he was already navigating.
---
When Kai returned to the room, his expression was unreadable. Celeste stayed outside, her presence looming like a shadow.
Leo's gaze met Kai's, a mixture of hurt and curiosity in his eyes. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Kai sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed. "It's complicated, Leo."
"Everything with you is complicated," Leo shot back, his voice breaking slightly. "I'm just… I'm tired of not knowing."
Kai reached out, placing a hand on Leo's arm. "I know. And I promise, I'll make things right."
Before Leo could respond, Celeste re-entered the room, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at Leo. "Get some rest, sweetheart," she said gently. Then, turning to Kai, she added, "We're leaving in the morning."
Leo's heart sank as he realized what that meant. Kai was lea
ving. And this time, it felt different—it felt final.