Julia’s face flushed with frustration, and she threw up her hands in exasperation.
"You have no idea what he’s like when you’re not around," she muttered under her breath. "But fine, Lucas. You take care of him. Let’s see how long your patience lasts."
Lucas ignored her and gently stroked Caleb’s back. "It’s okay, buddy," he said softly. "I’m here now."
Julia stord out of the room, leaving Lucas alone with Caleb.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Caleb’s tears imdiately began to dry up.
He sniffled once more for good asure, then leaned back slightly to look at his father, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"Can we go get the superhero figures now, Daddy?" Caleb asked sweetly, as if nothing had happened.
Lucas, unaware of the sudden shift in his son’s deanor, nodded.
"Sure, champ," he said, relieved that Caleb seed to be calming down.
To Lucas, Caleb’s request was just a sign that the boy was bouncing back from the ordeal.
He had no idea that his son, clever beyond his years, had learned how to play both parents for his benefit.
---
The next morning, Lucas sat behind his desk, his wheelchair positioned for comfort, though his mind was anything but.
Gabriel stood to the side, controlling the large screen as it played a reel of actors and actresses, their pictures and clips carefully selected for Lucas to choose from.
One by one, their faces flashed on the screen, accompanied by Gabriel’s brief descriptions.
Lucas watched, his expression showing no interest.
"Next," Lucas said, after each one, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.
His mind seed far from the auditions, as though none of the performances could spark his attention.
Even when Julia, his wife, appeared on screen, Gabriel hesitated, glancing at Lucas before giving a neutral description of her recent work.
Lucas scoffed. "She’s inexperienced," he muttered. "She doesn’t know her craft."
Gabriel nodded and continued with the showcase.
As more faces ca and went, Lucas’s indifference only grew.
"This is a waste of ti," he said, leaning back in his wheelchair, his eyes dull as he waved his hand. "None of these people stand out."
Gabriel, sensing Lucas’s frustration, continued without pausing.
"Aurora Grey," he said suddenly, as the screen shifted to a new clip.
The na seed to stir sothing, and Lucas’s attention snapped back to the screen.
He watched as the video showed a woman with striking features and a captivating presence. She commanded the screen effortlessly, her movents graceful and her expressions layered with depth.
Gabriel explained, "Aurora Grey won Best Actress at the Academy Awards a few years ago. She left Sumturm City five years ago, but rumor has it she’s recently returned."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Is she skilled, or did she win that award through connections and influence?" he asked, his tone sharp with curiosity.
Gabriel shook his head. "No, sir. She’s highly skilled. In fact, she won the award while working with a low-budget film, which makes her achievents even more remarkable. She has a reputation for taking challenging roles and making them morable."
Lucas leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing in on the screen.
Aurora’s performance was magnetic, and for the first ti during the session, he felt intrigued. She had an undeniable presence that demanded attention.
He was quiet for a mont, watching her with more focus than he had given anyone else.
"Aurora Grey," he repeated softly, as if testing the sound of her na. "She left Sumturm City, you say?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yes, sir. But as far as I know, she’s back."
Lucas didn’t respond imdiately, but there was sothing in his expression that showed a flicker of interest.
"Set up a eting with her," he said, his voice firm but calm. "I want to know if her talent is as genuine as they say."
Gabriel nodded, making a note of it. "Of course, Mr. Rossi."
Lucas leaned back again, his gaze still lingering on the screen where Aurora’s image had faded.
He hadn’t felt this intrigued in a long ti, and there was sothing about her that made him think that maybe, just maybe, she could be the missing piece for his film.
---
On the other hand, Aurora stepped into the hospital with Leo holding one hand and Aria the other.
The cool, sterile air of the hospital wrapped around them, but Aurora remained calm, her strength firm for the children.
Leo, despite the seriousness of his appointnt, was full of energy, while Aria humd quietly to herself, the two of them displaying the carefree nature only young children could.
As they reached the reception, a nurse smiled warmly at them.
"Leo Grey?" she asked kindly, looking down at the boy, who gazed back with wide, curious eyes.
Leo nodded, squeezing Aurora’s hand.
"That’s !" he said proudly, his sandy-blond hair falling into his face, which he quickly brushed away with his free hand.
Aurora smiled, her expression firm but gentle. "We’re here for his appointnt. They’re preparing him for the surgery."
The nurse nodded and led them down the hall, explaining the procedure in soft, reassuring tones.
Leo’s heart, a chanical marvel, required a battery replacent every few years, a delicate surgery that kept his life in balance.
Aurora knew the stakes, but her calm deanor was rock-solid, ensuring that neither Leo nor Aria picked up on the gravity of the situation.
As they entered the waiting area just outside the surgery room, Aria, with her dark hair tied in a ssy ponytail, tugged on Aurora’s sleeve.
"Mommy, after the surgery, can we get ice cream?" she asked, her voice sweet and innocent.
Aurora crouched down, looking at both of them. "Of course, honey. After Leo’s all better, we’ll celebrate with ice cream. But rember, we need to be brave for him, okay?"
Leo, looking up at his mother with his big blue eyes, grinned. "I’m always brave, Mommy. You taught that." His voice was full of trust and admiration for Aurora.
Aurora smiled, brushing a strand of hair out of Leo’s face. "You’re the bravest boy I know," she said, her voice steady. She pressed a kiss to his forehead before standing up.
A few minutes later, the doctor arrived, greeting them with a reassuring smile. "Leo, ready for your big adventure?" the doctor asked, kneeling to Leo’s level.
Leo nodded eagerly. "Will I get to see robots in the surgery?"
The doctor chuckled. "Not quite robots, but we’ve got so pretty cool machines that help fix your heart."
Aurora remained composed, even as they led Leo into the surgery room.
She kissed him on the cheek one last ti and whispered, "I love you, Leo. I’ll be right here when you wake up."
"Love you too, Mommy!" Leo replied cheerfully, waving as they wheeled him away.
Aurora sat back down with Aria, her calm deanor unwavering, though a deep, protective worry stirred within her.
Aria climbed into her lap, resting her head against Aurora’s chest.
"He’s going to be okay, right?" Aria asked softly.
Aurora nodded, holding Aria close. "He’s going to be just fine, sweetheart. Leo’s strong, and so are you."
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