MEETING THE DARKNESS

31

Viktor stood outside the hospital, his eyes fixed on the doors that had closed behind the doctors who were now fighting to save Dia. He couldn't move, couldn't think. His hands were trembling, still stained with her blood. The weight of guilt was suffocating him.

"This is my fault," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible, as if saying it louder would make it more real. "I should've been there. I should've known. I let her down."

Sid stood beside him, eyes red and swollen from crying. He couldn't bring himself to say anything either. It was unbearable to see Viktor—the unshakable Viktor Martin, the man who never showed weakness—on the verge of collapse. Sid's own tears had long dried up, but the fear was still there, gnawing at him.

Minutes felt like hours, and soon, Viktor's family arrived. His father, Rhys Dexter, strode toward him, his usual confident air replaced with a rare expression of concern. Behind him, Kai, Viktor's younger brother, and mother, Maya, approached with a heavy heart, their gaze flicking to the hospital doors before settling on Viktor's face.

"Son," Rhys said softly, his hand landing on Viktor's shoulder. "She's strong. You know that."

Viktor shook his head, clenching his fists. "I should've been there. I didn't protect her." His voice broke, something rare for him. He hadn't allowed himself to feel this vulnerable in years—not since his mother had died. But this was different. This was Dia, the woman who had become an irreplaceable part of his life, even when he had refused to acknowledge it.

"You can't blame yourself," Kai said, stepping forward. His voice was broken and gentle. Kai already had streaks of tears running down his face, "OCTI planned this. They had help. No one could've predicted it."

But Viktor wasn't listening. He had always been the one in control, always the one with a plan. But now, he felt like everything was slipping through his fingers. He closed his eyes, the image of Dia lying limp in his arms haunting him.

"It's because of me that she's in this mess. She's my wife, and I couldn't even—"

"Stop it, Viktor," Rhys interrupted, his voice authoritative. "Blaming yourself isn't going to help her now. She needs you to stay strong. We'll deal with OCTI. But right now, you need to be there for her."

Viktor nodded, though the guilt still weighed heavily on him. Rhys tightened his grip on Viktor's shoulder, offering silent support. Viktor had always looked up to his father's strength, but in this moment, it wasn't the mafia king speaking—it was a father comforting his son.

Maya took both her sons in her grip and soothed them in her embrace. "It's fine son. I know Dia, She is the strongest person I ever knew. She is going to come back just fine." Even Maya's voice cracked at the end of the sentence. Although Maya and Dia did not meet very often they really liked each other's company.

Just then, a car screeched to a stop outside the hospital, and Dia's friends spilled out, their faces filled with panic and fear. Karishma, Adam, Sahasra, Elle and Vivian rushed toward them. Karishma was the first to reach Viktor, her eyes wide with worry.

"Where is she? How is she?" Karishma asked breathlessly, clutching Viktor's arm. Adam stood beside her, his usual calm demeanor shaken.

"They're still working on her," Viktor replied, his voice hollow. He couldn't bring himself to say more.

Sahasra's eyes filled with tears as she looked between Viktor and the hospital doors. "She's strong, Viktor. She's going to fight. She always does."

Vivian, usually the most composed of the group, had tears streaming down her face. "This can't be happening," she muttered. "Not Dia. She's—she's invincible."

Elle just sat in the corner not uttering a word hoping that her friend is all right.

The weight of the moment hung in the air, suffocating them all. Viktor, feeling the pressure from every side, felt like he was drowning in his own fear and guilt. These were the people who knew Dia better than anyone, and they were all relying on him to have answers, to be strong. But Viktor wasn't sure he had any strength left.

"I should've known Alan was a traitor," Viktor muttered, his hands clenched into fists. "I should've seen it."

"Alan fooled everyone," Adam said gently. "He played us all. But this isn't on you, Viktor."

Viktor turned away, his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. "But it feels like it is."

The group fell silent, the tension hanging thick in the air. Inside the hospital, Dia was fighting for her life, and they were all helpless to do anything but wait.

Sid, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up, his voice shaky. "She's going to pull through, Viktor. You know Dia—she doesn't give up easily. She'll fight for all of us."

Viktor nodded, though his heart was still heavy. He didn't know what he would do if Dia didn't make it. He had never let himself feel this kind of fear before—fear of losing someone he... loved.

The word hit him like a punch to the gut. Love. He had spent so long trying to convince himself that his marriage to Dia was just business, just a convenience. But seeing her so close to death had shattered that illusion. He loved her. And now, he might lose her before he ever got the chance to tell her.

Viktor's eyes burned as he stared at the hospital doors, willing them to open, praying for some good news.

He wasn't ready to say goodbye. Not to her. Not now.

Minutes passed in silence, everyone's hearts heavy with worry. Then, after what felt like an eternity, a doctor emerged from the hospital, his expression grave.

"Mr. Martin?" he called out, looking at Viktor.

Viktor's heart stopped. He stepped forward, his body tense. "How is she?"

The doctor sighed. "She's stable, but it was close. She lost a lot of blood, and we had to perform surgery to repair the damage. She's in recovery now, but she's not out of the woods yet."

A collective breath of relief passed through the group, though the weight of the situation still hung heavy.

"Can I see her?" Viktor asked, his voice rough with emotion.

"Not yet," the doctor replied. "She needs rest. But soon."

Viktor nodded, his chest aching with a mix of relief and lingering fear. Dia had made it through the worst, but he knew the battle wasn't over. For her or for him.

As his friends and family surrounded him, offering comfort, Viktor remained silent, his thoughts solely on Dia.

He had almost lost her. And now that he realized how much she meant to him, he wasn't going to let her go. Not ever again.

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Thankfully Dia is safe!!!

And Viktor just accepted his love for her!!!!!!!!!!

And a special shoutout to MiaHayden15446 for voting on my every single chapter. It means very much to me! Thank you! I'm really grateful!

Anyway with loads of love,

CARA