004

Zina's POV 

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Nine months had passed since that fateful night. I was back in Italy, my stomach heavy with the child Tyson and I had created. Each day, I woke up hoping for some news about him, but all I got was silence. Tyson had vanished, and no one could tell me where he was—or if he was even alive.

Now, here I was, in the labor room. My body ached, and my heart was heavier than ever. After that night with Tyson, I discovered I was pregnant. It was the only reason I had the strength to escape from Luther and Ethan’s clutches. This baby, our baby, was my light in the darkness.

Sweat dripped down my face as the contractions grew stronger. I was gripping the edge of the bed when the door burst open.

“Sister Mary?” I gasped, seeing the familiar face of the woman who had sheltered me. She was dressed in her nun’s habit, her expression grim.

She rushed to my side. “Zina, we don’t have much time. Your uncle and cousin have found out where you are. They’re on their way.”

My heart skipped a beat. “What? How did they—”

“There’s no time for questions,” she interrupted, her voice urgent. “We need to get you out of here as soon as possible.”

Panic gripped me, but I forced myself to stay calm. “What about Tyson? Have you heard anything about him?”

Her face fell, and she shook her head. “I’m sorry, Zina. The search crews you hired all reported the same thing… that Tyson died in that fire.”

“No,” I whispered, shaking my head furiously. “That can’t be true. Tyson is alive. If he were gone, I’d feel it in my heart. Why can’t they find his ashes then? Why?”

“Zina…” Sister Mary’s voice was soft as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You need to prepare yourself for the possibility that he’s gone.”

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I clenched my fists. “No. Tyson is alive. He has to be.”

Before Sister Mary could respond, another wave of pain hit me. I cried out, clutching my stomach.

“It’s happening,” she said, her voice filled with urgency. “You’re going into labor!”

I gritted my teeth, trying to focus on my breathing as Sister Mary called for the doctor. The next hour felt like an eternity, each contraction more unbearable than the last.

“Push, Zina!” the doctor urged.

I clenched my fists and screamed, putting every ounce of strength I had into it. For Tyson. For our baby.

With one final push, the room was filled with the sound of a baby’s cry.

“It’s over,” the doctor said, smiling warmly as they held up the tiny, wriggling bundle.

I was gasping for breath, my body trembling from exhaustion. “Is it… a boy or a girl?” I managed to ask.

Sister Mary stepped forward, her eyes glistening with emotion. “You just gave birth to a beautiful girl, Zina.”

A girl.

Tears streamed down my face as they placed her in my arms. She was perfect, with Tyson’s strong features and my dark hair. I cradled her close, whispering, “You’re my miracle. My hope.”

But even as I held her, the looming threat of Luther and Ethan hung over me like a storm cloud. I would do whatever it took to protect her—no matter what.

I reached out with trembling arms. “Please, Sister Mary, let me hold her.”

She gently placed my daughter in my arms, and as I felt her tiny warmth against my chest, a tear slid down my cheek. I had never felt such a profound mix of love and heartbreak.

“Have you thought of a name for her?” Sister Mary asked softly.

I closed my eyes, imagining what Tyson would want. He always spoke of simple, elegant names. “Ava,” I said finally, my voice breaking. “Her name is Ava.”

Sister Mary smiled. “That’s a beautiful name.”

Before I could reply, a loud bang echoed through the room. My heart leaped into my throat.

“They’re here,” I whispered, my voice trembling.

Sister Mary stood up quickly. “I’ll check the door.”

I held Ava tighter as I listened to the sound of her steps fading toward the entrance. When she returned, her face was pale.

“It’s locked, but it won’t hold them for long,” she said, her voice low but urgent.

I didn’t have much time to think. If Luther found out about Ava, he would use her as leverage—or worse. I had hidden my pregnancy for nine months, but now, with her here, it was impossible to hide anymore.

I looked at Sister Mary, tears streaming down my face. “Take her,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Zina, no,” she protested. “She’s your child—”

“She’s Tyson’s child,” I cut her off, my voice fierce. “And I can’t let her fall into their hands. Please, Sister Mary, protect her.”

Sister Mary hesitated but nodded. “I’ll do everything I can.”

I kissed Ava’s forehead, letting my tears fall onto her soft skin. “Tyson, I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I know you’d never want this, but I have no choice.”

Removing the wedding ring from my finger, I slipped it onto a delicate chain and placed it around Ava’s tiny neck. “Keep this safe, my love. Someday, I’ll find you again.”

The banging at the door grew louder, more violent.

“Go,” I urged Sister Mary. “Take her out the back. Hurry!”

As Sister Mary disappeared with Ava, I quickly pulled on a plain dress to hide the signs of childbirth. My heart was pounding as the door burst open, and Ethan strolled in, a smug smile on his face.

“Well, well,” he said, his tone dripping with mockery. “You really thought you could run forever, little cousin?”

I stood my ground, clenching my fists. “Leave me alone, Ethan.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Now, now. That’s no way to talk to family. Let’s make this simple. You’re coming with me. The easy way or the hard way—you decide."

I glared at him, my resolve steeling. For Ava, I would do whatever it took to keep her safe.