Page 60 of Dreams and Desires

The days at the hospital stretch into an endless blur of routines and worry. Jacob is getting better, but his recovery is slow—painfully slow. Each day he struggles, and every time I see the exhaustion in his eyes, it feels like another piece of me is being torn away.

After a week in the hospital, he’s back home, and I’ve taken on the role of his caretaker—more to keep myself busy than anything else. I fluff his pillows, adjust his blankets, offer him water, and read to him. I’m trying to do anything to keep the dark thoughts at bay. Anything to distract myself from the nagging worry that something isn’t right.

Dominique visits regularly to check Jacob’s vitals, updates me on his progress, and offers me quiet support with just a look. I pace the living room, frustration boiling over. “You know what, Dominique? I’m not surprised Zade disappeared again. It’s just like him—show up, make a big scene, and then vanish when things get real. It’s pathetic.”

Dominique watches me quietly as I continue.

“How stupid was I to think he’d stick around this time? He’s all charm, all mystery, swooping in like some hero, but when it comes to actually being there, he’s gone. He’s probably off somewhere now, bored, looking for his next project or person to impress.”

I laugh bitterly. “I can’t believe I fell for it again. He makes these grand gestures, but when it matters, he’s nowhere to be found. And I actually believed he was different this time. I’m such an idiot.”

Dominique finally speaks, her voice calm but serious. “Juniper, I get that you’re upset. But there’s something you need to know.”

I glare at her. “What could possibly make up for this?”

She sighs, meeting my eyes. “It’s about the donor—the one who saved Jacob. That’s why I’ve been avoiding the subject. I didn’t know how to tell you.”

Confusion flickers through my anger. “What does that have to do with Zade?”

Dominique takes a deep breath. “Zade is the donor, Juniper. He’s the one who saved Jacob.”

Her words hit me hard, and I stand there, stunned. “What?” I whisper, barely able to process it.

“He didn’t want you to know,” Dominique continues. “He didn’t do it for recognition or thanks. He did it because he cares about you and Jacob.”

I sink onto the couch, my legs suddenly weak. “Zade, he’s the one? But why didn’t he say anything? Why would he do that?”

“Because he loves you,” Dominique says softly, her voice filled with a truth that makes my chest tighten. “And he didn’t want to add to your burden. He wanted you to focus on Jacob, to be there for him without worrying about anything else.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I blink them back, shaking my head as if I can shake away the enormity of what Zade has done. “He’s an idiot,” I whisper. “A stupid, self-sacrificing idiot.”

Dominique smiles, a small, knowing smile that makes my heart ache even more. “Maybe. But he did what he thought was right.”

I sit there, numb, my mind reeling with the realization that Zade—despite everything, despite all the pain and betrayal—gave up a part of himself to save Jacob. And he did it quietly, without expecting anything in return. Without even letting me know.

“I need to see him,” I say suddenly, standing up on shaky legs. “Where is he? Where’s Zade?”

“He was recovering at the hospital initially,” Dominique explains, her tone soothing as she watches me carefully. “In a special wing where he could be closely monitored. When he was stable enough, he moved to the Opal hotel. He’s much better, and he’s fine. He just didn’t want you to find out.”

The tears I’ve been holding back finally spill over, running down my cheeks as I press a hand to my mouth, trying to hold back the sobs that are threatening to break free. “He’s… he’s so stupid,” I choke out. “Why did he do this?”

“Because he cares, Juniper,” Dominique says gently, reaching out to touch my arm. “Because he wanted to make things right in the only way he knew how.”

I can’t breathe; her words hit me so hard that it feels like I might suffocate. I need to get out of here; I need to see him to understand why he’d do something so reckless and so selfless.

“I need to go,” I whisper, my voice shaking as I wipe the tears from my face. “I need to talk to him.”

Dominique nods, understanding. “Take your time. Jacob’s in good hands here.”

I leave the house in a daze, my thoughts a whirlwind of emotions as I make my way to Zade’s suite. I don’t know what I’m going to say or how I’m going to confront him about this, but I know I can’t let this go. I need to see him to understand why he did this.

The ride to the Opal feels like it takes forever, every second stretching out as I try to make sense of everything Dominique told me. The man I’ve been trying so hard to push away, the man I’ve been blaming for so much—gave up a part of himself to save my brother. How am I supposed to reconcile that with everything else? How am I supposed to make sense of the man who can be both my greatest tormentor and my brother’s savior?

When I arrive at the Opal, I head straight to the suite. Inside, it is quiet—too quiet. I look for him and eventually find him in the bedroom, lying in bed, his face pale and drawn. The sight of him like this—so vulnerable, so unlike the strong, confident man I’ve known—hits me like a punch to the gut. There are dark circles under his eyes, and he looks a bit thinner and weaker than the last time I saw him. My heart clenches at the sight, and an overwhelming sadness floods through me.

“Zade,” I whisper as I approach the bed. He stirs at the sound of my voice, his eyes fluttering open, and when he sees me standing there, a small, tired smile tugs at his lips.

"Juniper," he rasps, still scratchy from sleep or maybe from whatever that surgery put him through. "What are you doing here?"

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