Chapter 49 Almost Unbearable
Almost Unbearable
I’m scared that you’re gone and you’re not ever coming back. Please don’t let that be true. —Please, Iz
Izzy
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Russo, they didn’t make it.”
A scream tears from my lungs—raw, inhuman. The hospital walls close in around me.
Massimo’s grip is iron-tight around my hand, anchoring me to a reality I no longer want.
“Isolde,” he says, his voice hoarse, low, “you need to stay calm. He needs you.”
Heartbreak like I’ve never felt makes my chest feel as though it’s collapsing inward. But he’s right.
Enzo needs me.
Our baby is gone—ripped away before we even got a chance to hold them—but he’s still alive. Broken, bruised—just as I was when I came to him.
“You need to rest. We’ll give you some medicine to remove the rest of the pregnancy tissue over the next few hours. Usually we’d send you home—but given the circumstances, we’ll keep you here overnight for observation.”
The doctor leaves after giving me some pills and water.
Massimo stands.
“Will you be okay on your own for a moment? I have two guards outside if you need anything.”
I nod. “I’ll be okay. Let me know if anything changes.”
He squeezes my hand one last time before leaving.
Enzo hasn’t woken up since we arrived here. The doctors said that it’s just his way of healing.
In the quiet of the room, I let myself grieve.
It might not have been planned, I may not have known for long, but the pain of losing my child feels almost unbearable.
Enzo
A rhythmic beeping wakes me.
Startling, my eyes snap open.
Izzy.
Where is Izzy?
Bright hospital lighting burns at my retinas.
Wires decorate my chest.
I rip them out.
Alarms start blaring. The sound grates on my eardrums.
I don’t care.
Pushing myself up, I swing my legs off the bed. Standing is hard, my body drained of energy. But my need for Izzy is more important.
I stumble into the hallway.
The receptionist startles, eyes darting up at the sound. Her face screws up in fear as she sees me, throat bobbing.
“M… Mr. Russo,” she stutters. “You can’t—”
“Where is she?”
She doesn’t answer right away, just starts clicking on her keyboard, one hand reaching for the phone.
“Where is my wife?” I bellow, not caring that I’m making a scene. Not caring that my entire body hurts. All I need is Izzy.
“Room 223. Second floor. But—”
I stop listening, turning on my stride and following the signs up to her floor.
Finally, I stop outside her door just as the nurse from before leaves.
“Mr. Russo, you’re not supposed to be up here.”
I glare at her.
She doesn’t flinch, just sighs before continuing. “I know you’re going to go in anyway.”
I nod, pushing the door open carefully. “Thank you…” I trail off, realizing I have no idea of her name.
She smiles with no warmth. “Ameli.”
I turn back to the door, preparing myself for what lies on the other side.
Izzy’s honey hair spills around her peaceful face. She groans, eyelids fluttering as I move towards her. They blink open, those beautiful blues locking on me.
“Hi,” she rasps, her voice scratchy.
“Hi, Cuore mio.”
“You’re supposed to be in bed,” she scolds, but her lips are turned upward.
“Better make some room for me then.”
She scoots over, patting the small space beside her.
I settle in, grasping her hand in mine and bringing it to my lips, letting the kiss linger against her skin before pulling away.
“How are you feeling?”
She laughs. “Like I got kidnapped by a lunatic.”
“I’m sorry. I got there too late.” Shakes her head at me but I can’t stop the words tumbling out. “I failed you. I’m so sorry. This should never have happened.” I close my eyes, breathing deeply. “I don’t expect you to forgive me—”
“Enzo Massimo Russo,” she scolds, and my mouth snaps shut. “There’s nothing to forgive. It wasn’t your fault.”
“I’m supposed to protect you.”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not weak. I can protect myself.”
I huff a hollow laugh. “That you can, baby.”
She snuggles into me, and I sigh, momentarily contented.
A gut-wrenching sob tears from her.
"What's wrong?"
She sniffs, her breath hiccupping as she tries to speak.
"Izzy? Are you hurt?" I press a little more frantically.
"I… I lost the baby," she whimpers, and my heart breaks in two.
Despite the pain radiating throughout my body, I pull her closer, stretching my arm around her.
“I’m so sorry, Cuore mio,” I whisper, offering her whatever strength I have left.
Sadness washes over me, settling like a heavy blanket.