Chapter 5 - The Labor of Love
Two weeks passed. For the first time in my life, I was treated like royalty. Victoria’s entire world revolved around me and the baby. We spent our days designing the nursery, walking through the private gardens, and preparing for the future.
But the trauma of the past year had taken a physical toll.
One evening, while Victoria and I were looking at old photo albums, a sharp, agonizing pain ripped through my abdomen. I gasped, dropping the heavy book.
“Maya?!” Victoria rushed to my side.
“It’s too early,” I cried out, clutching my stomach. “I’m only thirty-four weeks. It’s too early!”
Victoria didn't panic. She was a woman of action. Within three minutes, the estate’s private medical helicopter was airborne, rushing us to the best VIP maternity ward in the state.
The hours that followed were a blur of pain, bright lights, and the steady, grounding presence of my mother holding my hand. She never let go. She whispered words of strength, telling me the women in our family were unbreakable.
At 4:12 AM, the delivery room filled with the sound of a sharp, healthy cry.
May you like
The nurse placed a tiny, perfect baby boy on my chest. He had a full head of dark hair and, when he opened his eyes, they were the exact same vivid, striking emerald green as mine and Victoria’s.
“He’s perfect,” Victoria wept, kissing my forehead. “Welcome to the world, Leo.”
