Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 26: Homecoming

Lucien’s flight touched down late in the evening, and he could barely contain his anxiety as he collected his luggage. The trip had been a whirlwind of meetings, negotiations, and constant calls from home, each one adding to the burden he carried. The weight of his absence had been a constant source of stress, and now, the urgency to return was more intense than ever.

The car ride from the airport to the penthouse felt interminable. Lucien’s mind was focused solely on Ivy, and he couldn’t shake the image of her in distress from his thoughts. The media storm surrounding his family, particularly the scandal with Alessandra, had only exacerbated his worries.

When he finally arrived at the penthouse, the place was eerily quiet. Lucien entered, his heart sinking as he noticed the somber atmosphere. Celeste and Evelyn were waiting for him in the living room, their faces drawn with exhaustion and concern.

“Lucien!” Evelyn exclaimed, rushing to embrace him. “Thank God you’re back.”

Lucien hugged her tightly, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of Ivy. “How is she? What happened?”

Celeste, her own anxiety palpable, stepped forward. “Lucien, it’s been a nightmare. Ivy went out for a walk, and Alessandra showed up. She used some kind of toxic substance on Ivy. We’ve been at the hospital all day.”

Lucien’s face went white with shock and fury. “Alessandra? That woman never stops. Where is Ivy now?”

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. “She’s in the hospital. They stabilized her, but she’s still under observation. The substance caused severe reactions, and they’re monitoring her closely.”

Lucien’s heart raced as he grabbed his coat and keys. “I need to go to her. Now.”

Celeste and Evelyn exchanged worried glances but nodded in understanding. “We’ll come with you,” Celeste said. “It’s been a rough day, and you shouldn’t face this alone.”

The drive to the hospital was quick but filled with tension. Lucien’s mind was consumed by thoughts of Ivy, and he could barely focus on the route. When they arrived, the hospital’s bright lights seemed almost harsh against the darkening sky.

Lucien rushed through the emergency entrance, his anxiety palpable. The receptionist directed them to the waiting area where Ivy had been taken. Lucien’s hands trembled as he approached the area, his heart pounding with fear and anticipation.

In the waiting room, he found Celeste and Evelyn sitting together, their faces etched with fatigue. The arrival of Lucien brought a brief respite from their worries. They stood to greet him, their expressions a mix of relief and sadness.

“She’s been stable for now,” Evelyn said softly. “But the doctors said it’s crucial to keep her under observation. We’ve been waiting for any updates.”

Lucien nodded, his eyes filled with determination. “I want to see her.”

A nurse approached, her expression professional but sympathetic. “Mr. Blackwood, Ivy is in Room 312. Please be aware that she’s still recovering, and she may be disoriented.”

Lucien thanked her and made his way to Ivy’s room, his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. As he pushed open the door, his breath caught at the sight of Ivy lying in the hospital bed. She looked pale and fragile, but the sight of her brought a surge of relief and heartache.

Ivy’s eyes fluttered open when she heard the door, and she slowly turned her head to see Lucien standing there. Her expression was a mixture of surprise and exhaustion. “Lucien?”

Lucien rushed to her side, taking her hand gently in his. “I’m here, Ivy. I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner. How are you feeling?”

Tears welled up in Ivy’s eyes as she looked at him. “I’m… I’m okay, just tired. I missed you so much.”

Lucien squeezed her hand, his voice thick with emotion. “I missed you too. I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. I should have been here.”

Ivy shook her head weakly. “It’s not your fault. It’s Alessandra. She… she did this to me.”

Lucien’s expression hardened with anger. “I know. We’ll deal with her. But right now, you need to focus on getting better. I’m not leaving your side again.”

The room fell into a quiet, intimate stillness as Lucien sat beside Ivy’s bed, holding her hand. The presence of his support seemed to provide her with a small measure of comfort, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to pause.

Evelyn and Celeste quietly entered the room, their expressions softening at the sight of the reunited couple. “We should give you two some privacy,” Evelyn said gently. “We’ll be in the waiting room if you need anything.”

Lucien nodded gratefully. “Thank you. I’ll keep you updated.”

As the door closed behind them, Lucien turned his full attention to Ivy. “We’re going to get through this, Ivy. I promise. I’m here now, and I won’t leave you again.”

Ivy’s eyes filled with tears of relief. “Thank you, Lucien. I just want this to be over.”

Lucien brushed a strand of hair from her face, his own eyes brimming with emotion. “It will be. We’ll get through this together. And when we do, things will be better.”

As the night wore on, Lucien stayed by Ivy’s side, his presence a steady source of strength amidst the turmoil. The battle with Alessandra was far from over, but for now, Lucien’s focus was on Ivy and helping her recover from the ordeal. The road ahead would be challenging, but with their love and determination, Lucien believed they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.