Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 27: Breath of Life

The night deepened around the hospital, casting long shadows through the narrow windows of Room 312. Ivy had drifted into an uneasy sleep, her breathing shallow and irregular. Lucien sat beside her bed, his eyes never leaving her face, haunted by the fear that had gripped him since he arrived.

Around midnight, a sudden commotion outside the room drew Lucien's attention. He turned to see a team of doctors and nurses rushing down the corridor, their expressions tense. A nurse entered Ivy's room with a worried look.

"We need to increase her oxygen levels," the nurse said quickly, approaching Ivy's bed. "Her oxygen saturation has dropped. We need to put her on supplemental oxygen to stabilize her."

Lucien's heart raced as he watched in alarm. "What's happening? Is she okay?"

The nurse's voice was calm but firm. "Her condition has worsened, and we need to address it immediately. Please, step aside."

Lucien reluctantly moved away, his anxiety growing as the medical team worked efficiently but urgently. They adjusted Ivy's bed and carefully placed an oxygen mask over her face. The steady hissing of the oxygen machine filled the room, adding to the tense atmosphere.

As the team worked, Ivy stirred and her eyes fluttered open, disoriented by the sudden activity. Her gaze met Lucien's, and despite the mask, the fear and confusion were evident in her eyes.

"Lucien?" Ivy's voice was muffled but tinged with concern.

"I'm here, Ivy," Lucien said, his voice tight with emotion. "They're just making sure you get enough oxygen. Everything will be okay."

The doctor in charge approached, his expression serious. "We're monitoring her closely. The substance Alessandra used may have had more severe effects than initially thought. Her lungs are struggling, and we need to ensure she gets enough oxygen to help her recover."

Lucien nodded, though his anxiety was palpable. "Is there anything I can do?"

The doctor placed a reassuring hand on Lucien's shoulder. "For now, just be here for her. We'll keep you updated on her progress."

As the medical team continued their work, Lucien's mind raced. He thought about the relentless media coverage, the ongoing issues with Alessandra, and the emotional strain Ivy had been under. Everything seemed to be closing in on him, and he felt helpless in the face of it all.

Once the immediate crisis had been addressed, the room settled into a more subdued state. The oxygen mask now gently assisted Ivy's breathing, and her vital signs appeared to stabilize. The medical team gradually retreated, leaving Lucien alone with Ivy once more.

He took Ivy's hand, his grip firm but tender. "You need to focus on getting better, Ivy. We're all fighting this together. I won't let anything happen to you."

Ivy's eyes were half-closed, her strength visibly drained. "I'm scared, Lucien. I don't want to be a burden..."

Lucien's heart ached at her words. "You're not a burden. You're everything to me. We'll get through this. You're strong, and I believe in you."

He leaned in, gently brushing his lips against her forehead. "I'm right here. I promise you, we'll face this together."

The hours passed slowly, the quiet beeping of the monitors and the occasional whisper of hospital staff being the only sounds breaking the silence. Lucien stayed by Ivy's side, his presence a constant source of comfort despite the turmoil swirling inside him.

As dawn began to break, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the hospital window, casting a soft glow over the room. The oxygen mask had been removed, and Ivy's breathing was more stable. Lucien felt a glimmer of hope as he watched her sleep peacefully, her chest rising and falling steadily.

Evelyn and Celeste arrived early, their faces reflecting the fatigue and concern of the past few days. Seeing Ivy in a somewhat improved condition was a small relief, though the underlying tension remained.

Lucien stood as they entered, his eyes red from lack of sleep. "How are you two holding up?"

Evelyn gave him a weary smile. "We're managing. The news has been a rollercoaster, but we're here to support you and Ivy."

Celeste, her eyes filled with concern, moved closer to the bed. "Is she doing better?"

Lucien nodded. "The oxygen helped. She's stable for now, but we need to keep a close eye on her."

As the day wore on, the hospital room became a place of quiet reflection. The drama and turmoil of the past weeks seemed to pause, replaced by a moment of fragile calm. Lucien knew that the battle with Alessandra was far from over, and the path to recovery would be challenging.

But for now, he focused on the immediate task: being there for Ivy, supporting her through her recovery, and finding a way to protect her from the threats that loomed on the horizon. The road ahead was uncertain, but Lucien was determined to face it with unwavering resolve, fueled by his love for Ivy and his commitment to their future together.