IMDD CHAPTER 249 (Patreon)

Gage was startled by the intensity of his own reactions and by the protectiveness and affection that surged through him for the child. He wondered if this was all because, in this small, vulnerable little girl, he found a piece of the future he had imagined with Eva, a glimpse into a world that might have been. And now here he was... feeling overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of these emotions. 

"Don’t cry…" The unfamiliar crack in his voice prompted him to clear his throat, trying to regain his usual composure. As he gently pulled away to look at her face, her small hands remained firmly grasped onto his shirt, her grip an obvious sign of her fear of being left alone again.

A tender, rare, and genuine smile graced his lips. "I’m not going to leave you, so don’t cry anymore," he assured her.

And she nodded vigorously, her teary eyes still large and luminous, even as raindrops mingled with her tears.

His smile broadened, touched with a sense of pride he hadn't expected to feel. But his expression shifted quickly as he snapped back to reality, realizing that she was still exposed to the pouring rain. Silently cursing himself, he swiftly scooped her up in his arms, his large hand sheltering her head as he made a dash for the car parked just outside the park.

Once they reached the car, he carefully placed her in the passenger seat, ensuring she was securely buckled in. He then hurried to the driver's side, igniting the engine with haste. As the heater hummed to life, dispersing warmth throughout the vehicle, he pressed the accelerator, the car moving swiftly away from the park.

In no time at all, the car stopped in front of a hospital. He leaped out of the car, cradling the little girl in his arms with a protective grace. He moved swiftly, his strides long and purposeful as he walked towards the emergency room.

Very soon, his presence caused an immediate stir. Heads turned in unison, eyes widening in curiosity at the sight of an imposing yet jaw-droppingly handsome man, drenched from the rain, carrying a child so tenderly. The scene seemed to be lifted from the pages of a dramatic novel, capturing the attention of everyone in the vicinity.

Even the hospital staff found themselves momentarily captivated. Nurses and doctors paused, their tasks seemingly forgotten, as they took in the sight of the striking figure whose clothes were now clinging to his perfectly toned body, water dripping from his hair, and a cute child nestled in his arms. His breathtakingly handsome features, etched with grave concern, added an almost cinematic quality to the scene.

Realizing the attention they had garnered, his expression remained stoic, his only concern right now was the well-being of the child he held. 

When he finally reached the reception desk of the emergency room, the child clutched tightly in his arms.  

Clearing his throat to gain the attention of the now stunned staff, Gage spoke. His voice, usually so commanding, was tinged with an uncharacteristic edge of nervousness.

"She's very cold," he stated. "She needs to be warmed up immediately."

The nurses and doctors, who had initially braced themselves for a dire emergency... well, judging from Gage's grave expression, were taken aback. There was a moment of speechlessness, a collective pause, as they processed the scene before them. This devilishly handsome yet intimidating man, so utterly concerned for the well-being of a small, trembling child, was just making everyone unable to help but swoon secretly.

A nurse stepped forward, her expression professional and emphatic. "Of course, right this way," she said, leading him to a treatment area. The medical team moved with efficiency, bringing blankets and initiating procedures to gently raise the child's body temperature.

Gage watched every move intently, his eyes never leaving the little girl. Every gentle touch from the nurses, every assessment by the doctors, he observed with an eagle eye, his protective instincts fiercely at the forefront.

Once the doctor completed the initial examination, he turned to Gage with an update. "She's going to be fine," he said, his voice reassuring. "Just a case of mild hypothermia, but we caught it in time. We'll keep her here for a bit, just to make sure she warms up properly."

Gage nodded, his expression softening slightly. 

"Daddy..." The little girl's voice drew Gage's attention. When he looked her way, he found her arms outstretched towards him, a silent plea in her clear blue eyes.

He blinked, a momentary pause reflecting his hesitation. Then, with a gentle approach, he leaned in closer to her. "Yes? Do you feel better now? Or are you still hurt somewhere?" he inquired, his voice softening in a way that was still unfamiliar to him.

Her head moved in a slow shake, her eyes locking with his. "I want to go home. Mommy… I miss mommy. Let’s go home, daddy."

Gage felt a strange tug at his heart at her request. All he wanted in that moment was to fulfill her wish instantly and give her everything she wanted and needed. However, he was honestly unable to decide what to do or say because he couldn't just take her out of the hospital. He wanted to call Eva, but he didn’t actually have her number. The idea of going to get Eva himself crossed his mind, but he couldn’t leave the little girl here by herself. Damn… what should he do?

When he caught the subtle downturn of the little girl's lips, he instinctively moved to envelop her in a comforting embrace but paused, suddenly aware of his rain-soaked clothes clinging to his skin.

"Sir, you might want to change first," suggested a nurse. She extended a set of hospital garb towards him. 

He eyed the clothes with a hint of disdain, his expression betraying a reluctance to don such impersonal attire as if the idea of wearing them was almost unbearable. However, a glance back at the child, her small form dwarfed by the hospital bed, shifted his resolve. For her, he would set aside his preferences.

He gently touched the child's head. "I'll go change. I'll be right back," he promised her.

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CHAPTER 250>>