Penelope POV

I have never witnessed Ruth in such a state of despair, and the realization that it was her own blood who caused her pain felt terrifying. I retreated to my room to gather some supplies for the children in the hospital.

Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door. Knowing it would be Silvio, I gave the go-ahead, and the door opened to reveal him stepping inside, his face completely devoid of any emotion as he approached me.

Without uttering a single word, I walked toward him and pulled him into a tight embrace. I couldn’t fathom the turmoil he was experiencing at that moment; our plan to...