Seven approached James’s bedside, leaning closer as he gently rested a hand on his shoulder. His touch was firm and reassuring, an anchor grounding him.

  “Mr. Porter, would you like a drink of water? I can use a straw to make it easier for you.”

  James’s eyelids fluttered as he stirred. His grogginess was palpable, but after a moment, he inclined his head, opening his mouth just enough to allow the straw in. Seven guided him patiently, his movements deliberate. “That’s it. Just open a little more; I’ll drip the water in.”

  Each sip brought him closer to awareness until he signaled that he’d had enough, and a quiet strength returned to his being.

  Seven straightened, his tone measured. “Mr. Porter, my name is Seven, and I operated on you this morning. Kasra and the entire Shahi family are here. They’re relieved to see you’re awake. Let me adjust your backrest so you can see them better.”

  James froze at the mention of the Shahi family. As Seven adjusted the backrest, tears streaked his cheeks. The two people who were with him that fateful evening weren’t in their midst.

  “Where are my girls?” His voice wavered, so faint it barely escaped his lips, but the emotion behind it surged, raw and overwhelming.

  Lara quickly made her way to his side, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “I’m here, Director James. Sana’s lying two beds over. She was shot in the shoulder and thigh, but she’s fine now. It was also Seven who saved her.”

  The revelation hit James like a tidal wave, almost too much to bear. Relief crashed through him, but it came with an undertow of fear and guilt. His hands quivered. “Thank you, Dr. Seven. I… I can’t imagine how I’d have faced her parents if—”

  His speech faltered, caught in the rising swell of his emotions. The thought of nearly losing Sana on his watch was suffocating. Yes, he was outnumbered. But that didn’t matter. The responsibility was his. The weight of his failure clawed at him, unraveling the strong facade he had always maintained.

  Seven could feel the depth of his anguish and self-reproach. “Hey, you both made it through. That’s what matters.”

  At this moment, Kasra stepped forward. “James, we’ve already informed Esme about your condition. She’ll be here tomorrow after dropping the boys off at daycare.”

  But whatever Kasra said barely penetrated the fog surrounding him. His thoughts were elsewhere, spiraling deeper into his fears, the dread in his gut growing heavier, and the unspoken panic finally surfaced.

  “Doctor, I can’t feel anything from the waist down. Will I be able to walk again?” He paused, forcing himself to sound stronger than he felt. “Just tell me straight. I can handle it.”

  The room seemed to still, the gravity of the question sinking in. Seven met his gaze, his confidence unwavering. “Mr. Porter, your body is still under heavy pain meds. You’ll start feeling your legs again after you’re weaned off of them. You’ll also undergo a stem cell injection in about a week. When the time comes, the more pain you feel, the more successful the surgery.”

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  He paused, letting the information settle before inundating him with more. “I’m about 80 percent confident you’ll achieve a full recovery. But it won’t be easy. You’ll need more injections, rigorous physical therapy, and acupuncture for six months to a year. How fast you return to form will depend on how hard you push yourself.”

  James absorbed the information, his mind blank for a moment. Then, slowly, his determination returned. His jaw tightened, and his fingers gripped the sheets with intensity. “You can count on me. I won’t give up.”

  Seven smiled slightly, recognizing the fire blazing within. “I’ve heard about your Special Forces background from Kasra. I know what it takes to earn that green beret. I’m one myself, with Delta Force. We can be considered comrades, so I’ll push you to your limits. Deal?”

  James’s features brightened at the unexpected connection. His hand instinctively shot up as he gave Seven a crisp salute. “Yes, sir. May I know your rank?”

  “I’m a colonel.”

  “Thank you, Colonel!”

  Seven chuckled, returning the salute with a tilt of his head. “Let’s drop the formalities. Just call me Seven, and I’ll call you James. Deal?”

  “Deal.” James let his hand fall, then shifted to try to catch a glimpse of Sana. He scanned the room until he found her in the bed by the window. “P–Princess, are you okay? I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.”

  Sana offered a pacifying smile. “No, Director James. I’m the one who let you down. Despite the training, I didn’t perform as well as I should’ve during the attack. But I’m glad we both made it out alive. When we’re back on our feet again, I’ll work twice as hard during training.”

  James laughed softly, a little strained. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Kasra, incredulous, interjected, “Okay, you two. Let’s take it one step at a time. Let’s work on healing first.”

  James turned his attention to Kasra. Though his voice was steady, his eyes betrayed his uneasiness. “Chief, what’s the plan after I’m discharged?”

  Kasra hesitated for a moment, glanced at Seven, then shifted back to James. “Mom suggested that you and your family move to The Cliffs for the duration of your treatment.”

  “The Cliffs?”

  Kasra continued, “We were discussing it just before you woke up. Given the situation, Seven can’t be in two places at once. If you and Sana stay at The Cliffs, he can treat both of you.”

  James’s brow furrowed. “Isn’t Seven still in the military? How—”

  Before he could finish, Seven chimed in, speaking matter-of-factly. “I’m on authorized leave for around five months.”

  James nodded, his shoulders easing a touch. “I don’t mind, but I’m worried about the kids causing trouble.”

  Ami’s brows rose with mischief as she cut in, “James, you know Sadra and I have been clamoring for grandkids, right? It’s a shame that none of our smelly boys are married. Heck, they aren’t even dating! At this rate, I’ll never be a grandmother. How about letting your kids be our god-grandbabies?”

  James blinked, stunned, but Ami added, “Besides, Esme was a critical care nurse. She can assist Seven during this period. We could hire a nanny and have the chauffeur take the little tykes to daycare, so their routines won’t be disrupted. What do you think?”

  Touched by the generous offer, James’s heart swelled with gratitude. “Thank you, Mrs. Shahi. Esme and I lost our parents before our kids came along. It’d be a blessing if they had you in their lives. But you look way too young to be a grandmother; you should be their godmother instead.”

  Ami’s eyes twinkled with amusement. She waved a hand dismissively, her protest filling the room. “I have enough kids as it is! What I want are grandbabies!”

  The room erupted into chuckles, the earlier heaviness lifted by her humor. It was as if Ami’s playful spirit had cast a healing spell, reminding everyone that, even in adversity, laughter and love could prevail.