Chapter 67 ~ Cry in the room?

ATHENA

I don't know how we get to the hospital or how I find myself in the VIP room. But all I know is I'm suddenly on the bed with an IV on my hand.

Those G****e searches I did about how labor occurs didn't prepare me enough for this.

I groan as the world spins while the contractions come in waves, slow at first, like an approaching storm.

I grip the bedsheets, my breathing uneven as the dull ache in my lower back sharpens. The nurse moves around the room, checking the monitors, speaking in a calm voice, but her words blur into the background.

"You're only three centimeters dilated," she says, offering me an encouraging smile. "We still have a long way to go."

How encouraging. I grimace.

Three.

I exhale sharply, frustration mixing with the discomfort. Every second feels like an eternity.

Alex stands by the bed, watching me, his arms crossed. The usual arrogance in his expression is gone, replaced by something unreadable. Concern? Guilt? I don't care. I don't want him here.

I feel a different kind of rage inside me. I love this baby, but I can't help feeling like he is the one causing this pain.

"Get out," I mutter, squeezing my eyes shut as another contraction rolls through me, the pressure intensifying.

He frowns. "Athena -"

"Out," I snap, my voice hoarse but loud enough, despite the pain twisting in my belly. "I don't want you here, Alex."

His jaw clenches, his green eyes darkening, but after a moment, he nods.

"I'll be outside."

Without another word, he turns and strides out of the room, closing the door behind him.

The second he's gone, I release a shaky breath, my body slumping against the pillows.

Time moves strangely slow.

stretch into hours, and yet everything feels rushed. The contractions are still far apart, manageable but persistent, each one lasting about thirty to forty seconds.

like the nurse suggests, but it's exhausting. My legs feel restless, my body hot and

lying down, and even pacing

you want to try the birthing ball?" the nurse

head. I just want this to

I'm only

going to take

the time I'm being told it's 7

brutal force. I clutch the sheets, panting

stronger than the last. My body tenses instinctively, fighting against it, but

she says gently. "Tensing up makes

I supposed to relax when it feels

damp at the nape of my neck. The pressure in my pelvis grows unbearable, like something heavy is

contraction, gripping

much longer?"

"You're eight

Eight.

holding my precious

feel like I've been in labor for a lifetime, yet I still

Athena," the nurse soothes,

feel like I'm

like my bones are being pried open, my pelvis stretching beyond its limit. A raw scream ips from my throat as another contraction

arching off the bed.

do this," I sob,

nurse says firmly, gripping my hand.

Almost.

centimeters," the doctor

"One more to go."

nurse brushes damp hair from my face. "Breathe, Athena. You're stronger

Am I?

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255