The Daring Billionaire’s Wife

Dominic

"It really doesn't look good for me, my children. The cancer's spread to my lungs."

I would've never guessed that this was what my father-in-law had to say and it's for this reason that it leaves me feeling crushed in a way that scares me, especially for Vanessa. I look over at her and she just freezes in her spot, not even blinking as she struggles to find her words.

Hearing this devastating news makes the air thick with tension as no one wants to speak and I can only imagine what's going through her mind right now.

Hoping to break the painful silence, I compose myself to hide my shock as I prepare to say something, but he sighs heavily, his voice breaking as he speaks.

"Remember the time I was away for two weeks? I told everyone that I was leaving to go on business but the truth is I actually went for chemo. I've actually been frequently doing this in secret, but it didn't work because the tumor's grown."

"But...but when did you find out about this?" I ask, glancing at Vanessa's trembling shoulders and hands.

"I found out a few months ago but I didn't want to say anything. I wanted to wait until my daughter got married and I'd hear the good news that I would become a grandfather and it finally happened. I didn't wan anything to come in the way of that joy."

"You shouldn't say it like it's the end of the world." I smile through the sadness in my heart.

"For me, the end is closer than you think. I have less than a year."

As soon as he says that, Vanessa rises to her feet and runs off, placing her hand over her mouth. Concerned, I get up so I can go after her.

"Give her some time," my father-in-law says to me.

I stop in my tracks and my heart actually breaks for her as I can only imagine what she's going through right now. I take a few steps back, sitting back down with him and I can tell he's trying to hold back his tears.

I sorrowfully bury my face in my hands, thinking about how much Vanessa and her father treasure each other.

it, he doesn't need them. He keeps a smile on

the more I feel the

to take it anymore, I get up without saying a word and

huge that I use my

her standing in the corner of one of the bedrooms with her

keeping my eyes on her trembling shoulders. Though I don't

hopes that she doesn't push

contact with her shoulder, I

instantly turns around, burying her face in my chest and

back with my arm wrapped around her

I whisper to

It's not," her voice trembles with

worst from happening," I assure

for a few minutes so she can let it out, until I feel the need to make a suggestion

should go downstairs

I don't want to see

looking into her teary eyes as I wipe her tears away. "You need to talk to him about this and hear what else he has

away again, then hold her hand after she agrees to come

she wraps her arm

tightly hold her hand, this being the only comfort I can give her. She needs to

me, running toward him and bursting into tears again as they embrace each other. She pulls on the fabric of his sleeves, the

but not like this and it makes me face the ceiling just

sorry I kept this from you, my sweet

asks, the desperation in her voice filled with

don't have the strength for that. Even if

don't want to lose you, too!" She holds him tighter as her