The Mistress: Her revenge [18+]

Ch. 18

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Kyle walked into the hospital, clutching a bouquet of roses in one hand and a gift basket in the other, his nerves buzzing beneath the surface. His steps were measured, his expression carefully curated to hide the truth of why he was really here. Every glance, every smile was part of the plan. He scanned the lobby, taking in the sterile surroundings—the muted beeping of monitors, the low hum of nurses chatting behind the reception desk. The smell of antiseptic hung in the air, sharp and cold, a reminder of how fragile life was in places like these. He approached the front desk with ease, plastering on the kind of charm that could disarm anyone.

"Hi, I'm here to see Dani Vitello," he said, his voice warm and friendly. "She's in the maternity ward."

The nurse glanced up from her computer, offering a polite but distracted smile. "Room 214. Take the elevator to the third floor, then it's a left down the hallway."

"Thanks," Kyle replied, heading toward the elevator, his mind calculating each step he would take. Outside, Pete would be waiting. A moment. That's all they needed.

As the elevator ascended, Kyle practiced his lines in his head, rehearsing how he would frame the conversation, how he'd manipulate the situation without tipping his hand. When the doors slid open, he followed the winding hallways until he found the maternity ward. Room 214 loomed in front of him. He paused just for a second, drawing in a slow breath, before raising his hand to knock softly on the door.

"Come in," Dani's tired voice called from the other side.

Kyle pushed the door open and stepped inside, his eyes landing on Dani sitting up in bed. Even in her exhaustion, she looked radiant, the soft glow of motherhood surrounding her. By her side, an incubator housed her newborn, tiny and fragile. For a second, Kyle's resolve faltered. He wasn't heartless. But this wasn't about Dani—it was about the bigger picture. The game had already been set in motion.

"Kyle!" Dani's face lit up as she saw him. "You actually came."

He crossed the room in a few strides, setting the bouquet and gift basket on the table beside her bed. "Of course I did. I wouldn't miss this for the world. Congratulations, Dani. She's beautiful."

Dani's eyes shimmered with tears. "Thank you. It means a lot that you're here."

Kyle sat beside her bed, his gaze falling on the baby. "She really is perfect," he said, his tone softer now, almost reverent. "You must be so proud."

"I am," Dani whispered, a slight crack to her voice. "It was such a hard journey, but looking at her... it's worth it."

He reached out, brushing his fingers over the edge of the incubator. "She's a fighter. Just like her mom."

Dani blushed at the compliment, her eyes meeting his. "I'm just doing what any mother would do."

Kyle leaned back, flashing her a charming smile. "You always downplay yourself. You've been strong through everything."

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're too kind."

"I'm just being honest." His voice lowered as he leaned in slightly, his smile turning into something more intimate. "You know, I've really missed you, Dani. Things would have been different back then. Simpler."

Dani looked at him, her smile faltering. "Kyle, what are you—"

"Do you ever think about it?" he pressed, his voice barely a whisper now. "What we could have had... before everything got complicated? I mean, with the baby and your husband."

Dani blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation. "Kyle, I..."

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture was tender, deliberate. "You were always special to me, Dani. Even now, seeing you like this... it makes me realize just how much I care."