Nathan couldn't fathom the consequences of the adhesion between the placenta and the uterine wall. With haste, he reached for his phone, eager to search online for answers. Mila promptly stopped him, her tone reassuring. "Don't look it up. The internet is full of scaremongering. There's nothing to worry about." Nathan's heart weighed heavy, his arm instinctively pulling her closer and planting a tender kiss on her forehead. "I've missed another check-up. I'm failing as a husband and father." Mila's voice softened. "It's okay. I don't blame you. But when I'm giving birth, I need you by my side." Nathan clasped her hand, bringing it tenderly to his lips. "I'll be there for you and our child, I promise." "No matter how busy you are, I want you to witness our baby's first moments. And I hope the first person I see after leaving the delivery room is you." "I promise you, I'll never leave your side on the delivery day." With a contented smile, Mila closed her eyes and leaned i
With that, Nathan bolted out of Sudvilla, with Cole following closely behind. Mila remained rooted in place, her fists clenching slowly as tears clouded her sight. She knew Nathan all too well. A man of his mettle would help even a stranger, let alone a friend and colleague in need. Yet, she couldn't approve of his actions as well as shaking off the unease gnawing at her. Phoebe, alerted by the commotion, dashed out of her room. She caught sight of Cole and Nathan hurriedly leaving. Rushing downstairs, she asked, "Mila, what's happening? Why are they in such a rush?" Mila stood motionless, offering no response. Phoebe approached her. Seeing the tear stains on her face, she grew alarmed and gently held her hand. "Mila, why are you crying? Are you not feeling well?" Mila closed her eyes, tears trickling down her cheeks. She shook her head, unable to articulate her feelings. It felt as if a heavy weight was pressed upon her chest. The night sky was shrouded in darkness, wi
With a forceful toss, Mila flung her coat outside. The muffled sound of suppressed gunfire echoed once more as the coat was hit. Simultaneously, Mila sprinted swiftly, ascending the steps and finding refuge within the large columns.Her breaths became strained, her heart raced, and her nerves stretched to their limit. Her stomach clenched with pain, but home was just a few steps away. She gently caressed her belly, murmuring, "Baby, don't be afraid, trust Mommy, we'll make it through."She took off her sweater, seizing the opportunity and tossing it outside. Bullets flew and sliced through the fabric, hitting the door with a menacing thud. With all her might, Mila risked her life to dash toward the door, but the bullets followed, ringing out in rapid succession. The three shots felt like they grazed past Mila, brushing her with a touch of death, as she raced inside at lightning speed. Overwhelmed with fear and tension, she ran too fast, causing her to collapse at the entrance
Beneath the cloak of night, where stars hid behind a shroud of darkness, everything seemed trapped in a nightmare. The wailing sirens of police cars and ambulances pierced the tranquil silence. Mila and Phoebe were ushered onto separate ambulances. Mila's abdomen was seized by relentless waves of agony, pushing her to the edge of despair. Yet, her physical pain paled in comparison to the anguish in her heart, an endless cycle of fear and disappointment. At this dire moment, with both her and her baby facing the gravest danger, Mila found herself utterly alone. Nathan, whom she depended on and loved deeply, now remained silent, tending to another woman's needs. It was a painful echo of the past, reminiscent of the time when she and the impostor Sally had fallen into the pool together, and Nathan had chosen to save the other woman. The sting of that betrayal pierced her soul. As Mila was ushered into the delivery room, she found herself surrounded by urgent conversations betwee
After all, rising expectations often resulted in greater disappointment, ultimately leading to self-inflicted suffering.Phoebe swiftly moved to Mila's side after completing the paperwork, clasping her hand tightly for reassurance. "Stay strong, Mila. You and the baby will make it through."With urgency, the doctor called out, "Get her to the operating room quickly. We need to perform the surgery to deliver the baby…"As the midwife began to move Mila's bed, another midwife exclaimed, "I can see the baby's head—it's coming out!"The doctors and nurses surrounded Mila in the delivery room, their faces glowing with hope and anticipation. With words of encouragement, they guided Mila to push. Phoebe remained by the edge of the delivery bed, her anguish evident as tears welled up in her eyes. "Mila, don't give up," she softly urged. "Both you and the baby will be fine. Hang in there…"Mila bit her lower lip, fighting against the excruciating pain coursing through her body. Sweat gli
Nathan's expression hardened as he said, "Avery visits this beauty salon every week, and it's where you were abducted from. Clearly, something is not right with that establishment.""What should we do now?" Fenna asked.Nathan remained silent, wheeling Fenna to the orthopedics department. He handed the report to the doctor and briefed him on the situation.As Fenna received treatment, Nathan exited the room and retrieved his phone from his coat, only to discover it was switched off.After powering it on, he was greeted with a barrage of missed calls and messages. A somber expression fell upon Nathan's face as he examined the notifications.He noticed numerous missed calls from Cole, a dozen from his parents, several from Taylor and Wendy, and one from Phoebe.In addition, there were two missed calls from Mila.At that moment, Nathan's heart felt like it exploded, and he promptly dialed Mila's number.With frustration bubbling inside him, Nathan stormed into the hospital room.
Wendy chuckled. "That's right, Chubs, no need for tears now. Crying too much might damage your eyes and could even contribute to postpartum depression."Pressing her lips together, Mila forced a smile. "Thank you, Wendy. I'll try not to cry."Wendy encouraged further, "That's the spirit! Premature babies aren't a cause for concern nowadays. With advanced medical technology, they just need a few months in the hospital, and then they'll be ready to come home."I have experience in childcare; I can lend a hand. I'll ensure your baby grows up chubby and healthy."Florence quickly chimed in, "I'll take care of him too. I've raised kids just as well as Wendy. Just consider Nathan, Taylor, and, of course, Daniel…"Patting Daniel on the back, Florence added, "He's as strong as a bull."Caught off guard by the sudden pat, Daniel instinctively covered his chest, looking bewildered.Mila couldn't resist stealing a glance at Daniel. She was moved by his gesture to visit her despite being bl
At this moment, Nathan realized that he hardly understood Mila's intricate and sensitive thoughts.After all, they had been apart for many years, and their time together had been scarce.Nathan let out a heavy sigh, feeling a weight in his chest as he remained uncertain of how to respond to Daniel's question.Just then, the doctor and nurse exited the ward.As Nathan turned to enter, the doctor intervened, explaining, "I'm sorry, but the patient needs ample rest. She requested that only the maternity nurse remain, while the other family members should return home."Nathan's expression darkened. "But I'm her husband. I should be allowed to stay and assist the maternity nurse in taking care of her."Florence promptly added, "Yes, yes, let my son stay too. It's safer for her to have family around."The doctor observed Nathan closely, examining him from head to toe. "She specifically asked you to handle your own affairs and avoid disturbing her rest."Everyone present was stunned,
Jasper became concerned as Imogen placed her hand over her heart. He asked, "Are you experiencing any chest pains? Have you consulted a doctor? I can take you for a check-up."Imogen reassured him, gently holding his arm. "Jasper, I'm fine. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance my future family and career."Jasper smiled knowingly, gently patting her head before pulling her into an embrace. He recognized her uniqueness—her drive to pursue her career and showcase her skills and talents. The thought of being a stay-at-home mother or merely a trophy wife held no appeal for her whatsoever.Holding her close, Jasper murmured, "Imogen, have you forgotten about your husband's financial prowess?"Imogen couldn't suppress a chuckle.Jasper reassured her of his commitment, "As long as you're on board, I can arrange a driver to drive you to work, an assistant to handle all your tasks, and you won't have to worry about anything. When you return home, there will be maids and me to ens
After returning from her journey across the globe, Imogen headed straight to the hospital. During her travels, she started noticing subtle changes in her body—nausea, fatigue, and a stronger need for rest. Her hunch was confirmed when tests revealed she was pregnant.She felt a blend of anticipation and apprehension. The idea of being pregnant raised thoughts of focusing on family life and raising children. Yet, she valued her career and was steadily demonstrating her skills. She wasn't ready to give it up just yet.When Imogen arrived home and stepped through the front door, she found Gregory and Carol were there. They had just returned from their trip as well, bringing back gifts. "Hi, Mom, Dad," Imogen greeted them.Still excited about their travels, Gregory and Carol eagerly recounted their adventures to Jasper.When Jasper heard Imogen's voice, he quickly stood and walked over to her, taking her hand. "Imogen, I woke up early and didn't see you around. Where did you go?"
Jasper thought the idea was brilliant and agreed, "Let's plan our route and leave next week."Imogen gently pushed him back, her hands on his chest. "Sure, but let me get up first. We'll map out our journey, set a schedule, and go on a trip for our wedding."Jasper took her wrists and lifted them above the pillow. "Let's discuss this tomorrow. I have some pressing matters to attend to at the moment."Imogen was about to respond when Jasper leaned in and kissed her deeply. Their lips intertwined with passion.…A week later, Imogen received another call from Yulia's lawyer, who conveyed Yulia's apologies and expressed her desire for Imogen's forgiveness. Yulia also requested Imogen to intervene with Nathan on her behalf.Imogen decided to ignore the request. She believed in the fairness of the law. It reminded her of Zoey, who had fraudulently claimed her degree and ended up in prison at Jasper's behest.As for Yulia, she had orchestrated attacks on Gregory, caused Carol to lose
Imogen's heart raced as she slowly hugged Jasper, her voice bashful yet resolute. "Jasper, you'll always have a place in my heart."Jasper tensed slightly, his senses on high alert. He met her eyes. A glint of anticipation sparked in his gaze as he eagerly murmured, "Say it one more time. Say it—""I love you, Jasper," Imogen said gently.Jasper's eyes immediately filled with tears as he held Imogen tightly, his body shaking. Overwhelmed by emotion, he could only whisper her name into her ear. "Imogen… Imogen…""Do you love me?" Imogen asked, her voice tinged with shyness.Jasper frowned. "I do love you. Haven't you always known?""I still want to hear it," Imogen said."I love you. I love you with all my heart," Jasper declared, gazing at her with intense passion and unwavering resolve.Feeling a bit stiff from his tight hug, Imogen gently pushed him away. "I love you, too, but I must get up and go to work.""Not today," Jasper responded, scooping and carrying her back to bed
"If it's a gift, why not accept it?" Mila whispered.Gregory quickly took the check, looking unsure of his next move.Once his money was accepted, Oakley assumed the issue was settled. He took Yulia's hand and began to leave the ward, saying, "Well, I'll leave with Yulia for now."Still feeling resentful, Yulia glanced back and shot Imogen a glare as they departed.The ward fell silent. Feeling uneasy, Gregory and Carol exchanged anxious glances."Nate, we can't go easy on them," Mila whispered.Nathan smiled knowingly. He took Mila's hand, gently caressed it, and said quietly, "Don't worry. I'll ensure our in-laws get the justice they deserve."Mila nodded, feeling reassured. Gregory and Carol, who were listening nearby, felt deeply moved and grateful.Since Gregory was injured and confined to bed, the meeting between Jasper's and Imogen's parents ended earlier than expected. After saying goodbye to their parents, Jasper and Imogen headed home. On their way home, Jasper felt
Yulia was renowned for her boldness and strong-willed nature. Aware of Oakley's wealth, influence, and dual reputation in legal and illicit circles, she feared no one and held a contemptuous attitude toward others, including senior military figures."You need to apologize to Ms. Imogen immediately," Oakley whispered urgently.Pointing at Imogen, Yulia muttered irritably, "Her? Oh, please! If anyone owes an apology, it's her to me."Oakley wiped his forehead nervously, trembling with anxiety. Everyone's expressions around them darkened visibly. Jasper suppressed his anger; his hands clenched into fists.Before he could speak, Yulia grumbled, "Jay, you blocked me before understanding everything, and then you terminated our contract. That's just too much."Mila couldn't shake her worry for Jasper. If he couldn't manage his relationship with Yulia appropriately, it could severely impact his marriage. Concerned that he might not handle it well, Mila intervened. "Ms. Gibson, please resp
Carol no longer believed the portrayal of wealthy women on television.Jasper took Imogen's hand, and they sat down on the couch together, feeling anxious. It was their parents' first meeting, and the hospital setting added to the tension. If things went wrong and their relationship soured, their future would look bleak.Imogen was particularly anxious. Her palms were growing clammy. Jasper pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her palms before reassuringly saying, "There's no need to be nervous. My parents are easygoing."Offering an awkward smile, Imogen teased him, whispering, "You seem more nervous than I am, don't you think?"Jasper chuckled but offered no reply. Dealing with Gregory and Carol was sure to be a bit daunting.Typically reserved around strangers, Nathan found it difficult to start a conversation at that moment. Meanwhile, Gregory and Carol felt apprehensive and cautious, worried that any misstep could upset the Morrisons and cause problems for Imogen.Sensing th
Mila approached them with a bouquet, smiling. "Yes, we're in the right place. We've come to visit you, our in-laws."The term "in-laws" caught Gregory off guard as he lay in the bed. Despite his injuries, he quickly propped himself up, struggling to sit upright. Carol, equally surprised, cautiously accepted the gift from Nathan's outstretched hands.Jasper and Imogen took the next elevator, so they hadn't reached the ward yet.Nathan quickly set his things down and hurried over, gently placing a reassuring hand on Gregory's shoulder. "You're injured. Don't get up. Just lie down and rest.""General Morrison, I…" Gregory's voice faltered in distress.Carol's hands trembled uncontrollably as she glanced nervously at Mila, worried that Mila and Nathan had overheard her argument with Gregory.Nathan spoke in a gentle tone, "Please, don't call me General Morrison. It sounds too formal. You both are older than me. Just call me Nathan, and I'll call you two by name in return."Mila came
In the hospital ward, Gregory had been asleep for over an hour when the nurse woke him to change his medication.After the change, Carol peeled an orange for him to eat. They shared the segments, chatting idly."Imogen really picked a good husband. Even these oranges he bought are unusually sweet," Carol said, marveling at the oranges. Gregory glanced at the orange and said, "They must be expensive.""Yes, they're sold by the piece in big supermarkets. Also, they're more expensive than beef and lamb," Carol said before eating another sweet segment.Gregory pondered for a moment. Then he curiously asked, "Someone ruined our house's floor. Do you think Jasper would help us repair it?"Carol shot him a look and replied, "Listen, don't burden Imogen with this. Don't even bring it up.""Why would it burden Imogen? With Jasper's wealth, this is nothing.""Enough," Carol snapped. "That's his business. No matter how poor we are, we shouldn't ask for what isn't ours." "You're too stu