Losing her baby.

Andrew and Astrid's morning began in strained silence at the dining table. The absence of even a perfunctory greeting hung heavy in the air. Andrew's envisioned married life, once filled with promise, now seemed irreparably fractured.

After breakfast, Andrew made his way to Sir Galton's club, his emotions simmering. The elder's unwelcome presence at his wedding still rankled. "What brings you here?" Sir Galton inquired, his tone tinged with amusement.

"You attended my wedding uninvited," Andrew replied, his voice laced with irritation. "You weren't even on the guest list."

Sir Gallton chuckled, seemingly unperturbed. "As your surrogate father, I hardly require an invitation. Your father's passing left a void, and I've taken it upon myself to guide you."

Andrew's anger flared, his words dripping with venom. "You're not my father. His loyalty to your organization cost him his life. That's sufficient reason to despise you."

Sir Galton's smile faltered, his expression turning somber. "Let's discuss our grievances, son. Calm down and let's talk."

"I'm issuing a warning," Andrew said, his tone measured. "Respect my boundaries, and those of my loved ones. Failure to comply will have consequences. Stay away from my life."

Sir Galton's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "You embody your father's unwavering spirit. That's precisely why I envision you leading the Big Dogs. You're more than qualified."

Andrew turned to depart, but Sir Galton's words halted him. "Do you truly believe disregarding our contributions is justified? We've done everything for you."

Andrew pivoted, his gaze narrowing. "What, precisely, have you done for me?" he demanded, his voice firm.

"Most contracts you signed were secured by us," Sir Galton said, his voice venomous. "We eliminated your competitors, clearing your path to success." He paused, studying Andrew's reaction.

Andrew's eyes widened, his mind reeling. "You think you rose to the top through fair play?" Sir Galton continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "No one reaches the summit by playing nice. We protected you from numerous assassination attempts." His gaze locked onto Andrew's. "John, your trusted assistant, knows the truth."

The weight of Sir Galton's words hung heavy in the air. Andrew felt numb, struggling to process the magnitude of the revelations. The rapid demise of his competitors, the mysterious backing down of rival businesses – it all made sense now.

Sir Galton's expression turned calculating. "I'll compensate you, name your price." The offer hung in the air like a challenge.

Andrew's gaze hardened. "Do I look like I need your money?" he asked, his voice measured. "Can it restore the loyalty of those who died protecting you?" His words dripped with disdain.

Sir Galton's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, then?" He leaned forward, anticipation etched on his face.

Andrew's voice was firm. "I need an heir. Someone to inherit my legacy, not your gang." Sir Galton's expression darkened. "You're the only one capable of leading the Big Dogs. You're like your father."

Andrew stood, his eyes blazing. "I am not my father." His voice echoed through the room. "I refuse to join your gang. Find someone else." With those final words, Andrew turned and walked away, leaving Sir Galton seething.

Andrew drove to a flower shop, seeking a gesture of reconciliation. He selected a stunning bouquet and elegant jewelry, hoping to make amends with Astrid. The attendant reassured him, "She'll love it. It's a beautiful choice."

Andrew's mind, however, lingered on the daunting task ahead – apologizing without revealing the truth. He hoped Astrid wouldn't press him for explanations until he'd resolved the situation.

Upon arriving home, Andrew took a deep breath and approached Astrid. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely, offering the bouquet and jewelry. Astrid's expression softened, and she accepted his apology.

Though curiosity lingered in her eyes, she didn't push for answers. Perhaps, Andrew thought, this was their new reality. Astrid seemed determined to move forward, prioritizing their relationship and unborn child.

Inside, Astrid felt conflicted. She detested the morning's secrecy and Andrew's reluctance to confide in her. She yearned to be his rock, his trusted ally, and supporter. The distance between them felt suffocating.

Yet, Astrid vowed to regain Andrew's trust. She'd wait patiently, silently nurturing their bond, until he felt secure enough to share his burdens. For now, she smiled, her eyes conveying unconditional love and acceptance.

Astrid drove to her hospital checkup, lost in thought. Suddenly, two black cars boxed her in, their sleek forms a menacing presence. She wondered why Andrew would want to stop her, seeing no apparent reason.

Four men emerged, their faces hidden behind masks. Astrid's instincts flared; Andrew's hires were usually suited professionals, not rough-looking gangsters. She rolled up her windows and locked the doors, a sense of unease settling.

The men banged on her glass, their fists pounding out a frantic rhythm. Fear crept in. Astrid grabbed her phone and dialed Andrew's number repeatedly, but he didn't answer. Panic simmered, her mind racing.

The car refused to start; they must have tampered with it. Astrid's eyes darted toward the rearview mirror. The cars that had been honking impatiently were gone, leaving the lane eerily deserted.

Desperate, she called 911, her fingers trembling. "Hello, emergency services?" a calm voice answered.

"Please help! I'm being attacked," Astrid pleaded, holding up her phone to show the men. Her voice shook.

The gangsters intensified their assault. One smashed the window with a rock, shattering the glass. Astrid screamed as they dragged her out.

"Ma'am, stay calm. Help is on the way," the dispatcher reassured, her voice steady.

Astrid's wrists and ankles were bound. She struggled, but they overpowered her. "Please...help!" she screamed, her voice hoarse.

The dispatcher's voice remained steady. "Ma'am, can you give me your location?"

Before Astrid could respond, the line went dead. Silence engulfed her.

Astrid's vision blurred as the gangster loomed over her, a bottle of pills emerging from his pocket. Her eyes widened, recognizing the label: abortion pills. A chill ran down her spine. She clenched her jaws, determined to protect her unborn child.

Tears welled up in her eyes as the gangster's fingers gripped her cheeks. The pain was excruciating. Everything blurred, and Astrid's world went dark.

She awoke in a hospital room, surrounded by sterile silence. A police officer sat beside her, his expression somber. Astrid's gaze wandered, struggling to recall the events.

"Where's my baby?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The officer's eyes dropped. "I'm sorry, ma'am. We lost him." Pause. "The doctors tried to save you, but...the only way was to remove the baby. You were given an overdose of abortion pills. You're lucky to have survived."

Astrid's tears flowed freely, her body shaking. The officer's apology hung in the air, a heartbreaking reality.

Minutes passed before Astrid summoned the strength to speak. "I need to see Andrew." Her voice trembled.

The nurse hesitated. "Ma'am, you're not well enough—"

"I have to tell him," Astrid insisted, her eyes pleading. "Please."

The nurse nodded sympathetically. "I'll arrange for your discharge."

Astrid stood up, her legs wobbly. Rain pounded against the hospital windows, echoing her turbulent emotions.

At Thompson Constructions, Astrid knelt before the building, her hospital gown clinging to her soaked frame. Her hair dripped with rainwater, mingling with tears.

"Andrew..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry...I failed you...I lost our child." Her eyes begged for forgiveness.

Just as she spoke, the building's doors swung open. Andrew stood before her, his eyes wide with shock. "Astrid, what—"

But before he could finish, a figure emerged from the shadows behind him. Sir Galton's menacing smile sent shivers down Astrid's spine.

"Welcome, Astrid," he sneered. "I see you've delivered the news. Now, it's my turn."