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.

by the looks of it, he doesn't need them.

I feel the need to

get up without saying

my phone

her standing in the corner of

me, keeping my eyes on her trembling shoulders. Though I don't hear her cry,

the hopes that

contact with her shoulder,

her face in my chest and

her back with my arm wrapped around her waist

okay," I

her

do everything I can to prevent the worst from happening," I assure her as I close my eyes as

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

should go downstairs

don't want to

that." I place my hands on the sides of her face, 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 to say. I know you're upset, but

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

out of the room, she wraps her arm around mine, resting her head

we walk in silence, she constantly sniffles and I tightly hold her hand, this being the only comfort I can give her. She needs to talk to her

from me, running toward him and bursting into tears

seen her break down before, but not like this and it makes me face the ceiling just so I can hold back my own tears. I don't remember the last

this from you, my sweet child," he says to her, his

about... surgery?" she asks, the desperation in her

for that. Even if

lose you, too!" She holds