It felt like everything was moving in slow motion, just waiting for an outcome. Suddenly, a baby's cry shattered the tense silence. The nurse, who had been trying to get a response from the newborn, finally let out a relieved sigh, tears welling up in her eyes. The baby's

cries were strong and clear, and with each one, his skin gradually shifted from a worrying bluish-purple to a healthier shade of pink.

Linda was in a dire state; the bleeding from her wound was relentless. Her oxygen levels and heart monitor were dangerously close to flatlining. They needed more help, fast. The nurse expertly swaddled the baby in a towel and handed him to Chloe. "Ms. Chloe, take him to the neonatal unit on the 10th floor for a full check-up. He's been through a lot." Chloe stepped out of the room, cradling the tiny baby, his skin still tinged with blue. Despite his earlier cries, he was now quiet, as if he had drifted into sleep. Being premature, he was much smaller than most newborns, all wrinkled and tucked up like a little old man. As Chloe emerged, Connor and Lucas rushed over. They immediately noticed the baby in her arms. Lucas hung back, hesitant. The sight of the baby's bluish skin and purple lips, marked with lingering spots, was hard to process. He stammered, "Is he... really alive?" Chloe was a bit lost herself. She hadn't a clue how to hold a baby properly. The nurse had placed him in her arms, and she hadn't dared to adjust her grip since. Her arms were stiff and numb. "He's alive," she replied automatically, "a boy. He was struggling to breathe at first, but we're taking him for a check-up now."

She tried to pass the baby to Lucas. "Lucas, here, you hold him." But Lucas instinctively backed away. "No, I can't."

was overwhelmed, his

17.

he knew. When Linda had used the baby as leverage in their negotiations, it had felt utterly surreal. He couldn't fathom how he had ended up in such a bizarre and intense situation. Yet, despite it all, he couldn't help but feel attached

here, Lucas felt an unexplainable fear. It was as if the dark parts of his heart had taken on a physical form. This child, born from his own desires was real and here in the What consequences would this bring? Would it be a blessing or

take him," he said, his voice steady. Chloe, feeling utterly adrift, handed the baby over As Connor walked away, Chloe. leaned against the wall, sliding down to sit on the floor, not caring about appearances. Her mind was consumed by the image

out of his daze a little. With a dry voice, he asked,

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