Chapter 16 - The CrucibleThe delivery room became a battlefield.
Doctors shouted instructions.
Nurses moved rapidly around Elena.
Her body was exhausted from months of trauma.
Her heart rate fluctuated dangerously.
“The baby's heart rate is dropping!”
Elena panicked.
“I'm scared.”
Dr. Evans leaned closer.
“Stay with me.”
Through the chaos, Elena saw Julian.
He stood beside her.
He didn't try to control the situation.
He simply reached for her hand.
“Look at me.”
She did.
“You're not alone.”
Her fingers tightened around his.
“I can't do this.”
“Yes, you can.”
“I can't.”
“You already survived the worst night of your life.”
His voice broke.
“Now let me help you survive the best one.”
May you like
Elena stared into his eyes.
Then she pushed.
Related Stories
Chapter 17 - The First Breath“Again!”
Chapter 18 - A New EmpireTwo days later, golden morning light filled the hospital room.
Chapter 19 - The Happy EndingSix months later, the Hawthorne estate looked like a different house.
Chapter 20 - The Shadow at the DoorLater that night, Julian carried their sleeping son upstairs.
