The morning light filtered softly through the hospital blinds, casting a serene glow across the room. Isa sat by Mateo's bedside, her eyes red-rimmed and her body weary from hours of vigil. The steady beep of the machines was the only sound that kept her tethered to reality. Despite the doctor's reassurances the night before, that Mateo's condition was not as severe as it initially seemed, a persistent knot in Isa's stomach refused to loosen.

Jey sat beside her, his large frame hunched slightly as he thumbed through his phone, looking up from time to time to check on Mateo. Every few minutes, he would glance over at Isa, offering her a reassuring smile, even though his own fatigue was evident in his posture. He hadn't left her side the entire night, quietly watching over the twins-one in the hospital, the other in the safe hands of Jimmy-always ready with a comforting word or a reassuring touch.

Isa had grown used to his presence, but this was different. This wasn't the Jey who had walked out years ago. This was someone who, despite everything, had come back into her life with an unwavering determination to make things right. She wasn't sure how long this moment would last, but she was determined to hold onto it for as long as possible.

As the day wore on, Jey finally broke the silence. "You should get some rest, Isa. You've been up all night."

Isa shook her head softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can't. Not until I know Mateo's okay."

"You're not helping him if you're exhausted," Jey countered, his tone gentle but firm. "We both know that."

She sighed, her eyes never leaving Mateo's pale face. He had finally drifted back to sleep, his fever subsiding but still restless. Isa longed to reach out and comfort him, but her own exhaustion was starting to catch up with her. Her limbs felt heavy, and her head was spinning from lack of sleep.

"I know, Jey. But I'm not leaving his side." Her voice cracked with the weight of her emotions. "I can't."

Jey's face softened, and he stood, moving around the bed to stand next to her. Gently, he placed a hand on her shoulder, a touch that spoke volumes.

"You don't have to do it alone anymore, Isa."

She met his gaze, her heart pounding in her chest. The sincerity in his eyes was undeniable. This was no longer the man who had walked away. This was someone who had come back, not just for the twins, but for her too.

But before Isa could respond, the door to the room creaked open, and Jimmy entered, his expression concerned but relieved. "How's he doing?"

Isa immediately stood, grateful for the distraction. "He's stable for now, but still not out of the woods yet."

Jimmy nodded and pulled up a chair beside her, placing a comforting hand on her arm. "You're doing great, Isa. Mateo's a fighter. We both know that."

Isa offered him a small smile, appreciating the sentiment, though the worry never truly left her. "I just wish I could take this away from him. I hate seeing him like this."

"I know you do," Jimmy replied, his voice soft. "But he's tough, just like his mom."

Isa's smile faltered. She didn't feel tough, not at all. She felt fragile, barely holding it together. But she couldn't afford to fall apart-not now.

As the hours passed, the steady flow of visitors dwindled, leaving only those who mattered most. Jey had stepped out to make a call, and Isa, despite her reservations, had finally closed her eyes for a brief moment of respite. But sleep was elusive, and she awoke just as quickly, her eyes darting to Mateo's still form.

The door opened once again, this time with a quiet creak, and she looked up, surprised to see Roman standing in the doorway. He looked as imposing as ever, but his eyes softened when they met hers.

"How's my nephew?" Roman asked, his voice calm but full of concern.

Isa shrugged, her eyes never leaving Mateo. "Still waiting for answers."

Roman stepped further into the room and placed a hand on Mateo's head, his large frame looming over the bed. "He's a strong kid. He'll pull through. He's got you in his corner."

The quiet reassurance, coming from the man who had once been a stranger to her, struck a chord deep within Isa. She had come to understand Roman's loyalty over the years, but this... this was something else.

"Thank you," Isa whispered, finally looking up at him, her voice cracking with emotion.

Roman gave her a nod, then turned his attention to Jey, who had just returned. He gave his cousin a quick look, his face unreadable, before asking, "Is there anything you need?"

Jey shook his head, his expression tight. "Not right now. We're just waiting."

Roman's eyes softened, and he offered a quiet nod before stepping back, giving the family the space they needed.

As the minutes ticked by, Jey and Isa sat in a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts. The hospital room was filled with a strange tension, one that seemed to tighten with each passing moment.

But despite everything that had happened-despite the years of separation, the bitterness, the hurt-Isa could feel the old connection between them. It wasn't as simple as love, nor was it as bitter as their past. It was something more. Something that could still be built on, even if they weren't sure how to navigate it just yet.

Just as the clock struck midnight, the doctor finally entered the room, his face more relaxed than it had been the previous evening.

"He's improving," the doctor said, offering them both a smile. "It's nothing too serious, just a viral infection that hit him hard. We'll keep him here for observation, but he should be okay in the next few days."

Relief flooded Isa's chest, and she felt herself sag against the back of the chair. The weight that had been pressing down on her for so long finally began to lift. Mateo was going to be okay.

She turned to Jey, a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion in her eyes. "He's going to be okay, Jey."

He nodded, the tension leaving his shoulders as he stepped closer to her, placing his hand on her back. "You did it, Isa. You kept him safe."

Isa smiled softly, exhaustion finally catching up with her. "We did it."

And for the first time in a long time, Isa allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, they could face the future together-stronger than ever before.