Chapter 7: DELIVER THE BABY

Laura's Point of View

Jonathan's words are still lingering in my mind, playing like a broken record. I let out a sigh and tried to push them out of my head. I feel guilty, but I can't control how he feels, and I can't lead him on either.

The minutes tick by as I aimlessly wander, trying to delay my return home. My heart races at the thought of facing Jonathan, knowing that our once joyful friendship has been tainted with tension and awkwardness. We both need time to heal and move past this rift, but for now, I can't bear the thought of being in his presence. Each step towards home feels like a weight pressing down on me, suffocating me with discomfort and regret.

I glance at the ingredients I bought and then check my phone to see what time it is.

10:31 PM

I am surprised by the time, realizing that it's already so late.

With a desperate flicker of hope, I scan the dark, desolate surroundings, not seeing any people around.

My heart beats nervously as I realize there is not even a single taxi in sight. Just as I begin to resign myself to the daunting task of walking home alone, a shadow catches my attention. My stomach drops as I strain to see through the darkness, but the eerie figure disappears without a trace.

A chill runs down my spine, reminding me of all the terrifying horror movies I've watched.

Determined to ignore the unsettling feeling creeping over me, I pick up my pace and try to focus on reaching safety. But out of the corner of my eye, I catch another glimpse of the shadow and this time it's moving faster.

Panic sets in as I realize it's not just a shadow, but a person following me.

Adrenaline kicks in and I sprint forward, trying to outrun my stalker. But in my haste, I don't see the large rock in front of me until it's too late.

"Ugh...!"

With a sharp cry of pain, I tumble to the ground and feel a searing ache in my stomach. At that moment, I knew that whoever or whatever was chasing me had caught up…

An overwhelming wave of panic washes over me as I desperately try to stand and escape. But my whole body is stricken with paralyzing coldness, leaving me unable to move as I watch the crimson tide gush from my lower body. My heart races with a primal fear for my twin, my mind consumed by thoughts of their safety.

With trembling hands, I clutch onto the blood, feeling its warmth slip through my fingers.

"H-help..." I whisper, my voice betraying my nerves. Tears cloud my vision as I scan the surroundings, frantically crying out for anyone to come to our aid. "P-please, help us! My babies!"

My voice cracks with desperation.

As if on the brink of collapse, my body weakens further and I can no longer feel my feet beneath me. Just when I think all hope is lost, strong hands grab hold of me and guide me towards a waiting car in a blur of motion and urgency.

"Quick! We'll both be in trouble if something happens to the baby!"

I ignore what the woman is saying, allowing my body to lie down in the backseat as I feel the paleness and coldness start to take over.

I don't even realize how we make it to the hospital. All I can see is the white ceiling and the lights as the woman who brought me here starts to panic.

"Do everything you can! The baby mustn't be in danger!" The woman shouts.

"I know, but it's not that easy! We need an emergency delivery!" The doctor starts to panic too. "We need to deliver the baby via cesarean!"

The doctor's voice sounds like family to me...

"You'll be fine," she whispers to me, looking into my eyes. "Calm down. Everything will be alright."

I nod, even though I can't understand what she's saying anymore. But as I stare at her face, I realize that it's not just her voice that's familiar, it's her face too.

She looks like the doctor who did my prenuptial check-up in North America.

Doctor Fernandez...

I want to call out her name, but I can't anymore. My strength has run out, and it feels like consciousness is slowly pulling me away... until everything goes black.

Unknown’s Point of View

Doctor Fernandez stares intently at Laura's pale face. Her heart feels like it is being pounded with guilt. If only she wasn't being threatened to close down her clinic, she would never have done this and break her promise to Laura.

She first removes the baby boy from Laura and hands him over to a nurse who is with her. Then, she carefully takes out the baby girl and holds her in her arms.

Both babies are wrapped up and as the nurse holds the baby boy, she asks, "Should we give the babies to the woman outside?"

Doctor Fernandez falls silent for a moment, contemplating what she should do. The weight of guilt is heavy on her conscience, as she feels like she is betraying Laura.

She can't bear to take Laura's children away from her, knowing how painful it would be for a mother.

She remains silent for a while until an idea enters her mind...

She doesn't tell those who want to take Laura's baby that she has twins. They only know that Laura is giving birth to one child.

"No. We will only give them the boy," she answers the nurse directly and seriously, taking the baby from her hands.

Carrying the baby boy in her arms, she goes out and approaches the woman outside. She quickly shows and hands over the baby to her. "This is Mister Jackson's son."

The woman accepts Laura's baby boy and warns Doctor Fernandez seriously, "You know what to do, Doctor Fernandez. Keep this secret until your last breath because you know what will happen if you don't."

Doctor Fernandez remains silent and lets the woman leave completely.

After a few hours, Laura wakes up. The first thing she looks for is her children.

A nurse happens to enter her room to check on her.

"Where are my babies...?" Laura asks in her hoarse voice.

The nurse shakes her head and looks directly into her eyes before answering, "The baby girl survives, but your baby boy doesn't make it.”