Chapter 10: The Touch of Life**
Julian bypassed the electronic keypad using Clara’s decrypted override code. The glass doors slid open with a hiss of pressurized air.
He approached the bed slowly, his heart thumping against his ribs. Clara looked pale and thin, but her peaceful face hadn't changed. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only proof she was still fighting.
Marcus brought Lily into the room.
The little girl broke away and ran to the bedside. “Mama! I found Daddy! Look, he’s walking!”
Lily climbed onto the edge of the mattress and gently pressed her warm hands against Clara’s pale cheeks, murmuring words of love and longing.
Julian placed his hand over Lily’s and Clara’s joined hands. “Clara… you can rest now. We’re together.”
For a long moment, the room was silent. Then, the rhythmic beeping of the monitor accelerated. Clara’s long eyelashes fluttered. A soft, raspy breath escaped her lips, and her fingers slowly curled around Lily’s tiny wrist.
Her hazel eyes opened, adjusting to the dim light, until they locked onto Julian’s tearful gaze.
“Julian…” Clara breathed weakly. “You’re standing.”
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“Because of our daughter,” Julian choked out, kissing Clara’s forehead.
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