The doctor shook her head. “She’s not at full term. The baby suffered a significant impact, and an epidural could affect the baby.”
While I was gritting my teeth, I forced myself to say, “Doctor, I can do this.”
Ashton’s eyes bore into mine, filled with unspoken emotions. After two excruciating hours, the sound of a baby’s cries filled the room.
The doctor cleaned the baby and placed him on my chest, smiling as she said, “Mom and Dad, take a look–he’s a strong little boy!”
Ashton’s eyes were red with emotion as he kissed my forehead. Exhausted, I glanced briefly at the baby before slipping into unconsciousness.
When I woke up again, the room was dim. I craned my neck, searching for the baby and Ashton, but neither were there.
After what felt like an eternity, the door opened quietly, and Ashton stepped in. Seeing me awake, his face lit up with relief. “Pip! How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”
I shook my head. “Where’s the baby?”
Ashton sat beside me and ran a hand through my hair. “He was born a little premature, so they put him in the incubator. He’ll be out in a week.”
My lips quivered. “I want to see him.”
He gently patted my hand. “Tomorrow, I’ll take you to see him. Tonight, you need to rest.”
At this point, it seemed we both tacitly avoided mentioning Mallory.
The next morning, Leighton arrived after hearing the news. When she saw the baby in the incubator, her face lit up with joy.
1/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 12
I, however, could not help but silently critique the baby’s scrunched–up face. How could he be this ugly?
Ashton, who was supporting me, seemed to read my mind,
“All newborns look like this,” he said softly. “He’ll get much cuter after the first month.”
Feeling reassured by his words, I nodded hesitantly.
That evening, Ashton stood by the window on the phone, speaking in a low voice.
I shuffled closer curiously, just in time to hear him say, “Keep a close eye on her. If necessary, proceed with mandatory treatment.” He paused. “But make sure she isn’t hurt.”
My steps faltered.
Ashton turned when he heard a sound and saw me standing there. Quickly finishing the call, he hung up and approached me.
I stood silently for a moment before asking, “Is she locked up now?”
Ashton hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Pip, you know she’s unwell. So, that day…”
“I understand,” I said, looking up at him. “I understand everything. I don’t blame her for what happened.”
Only then did Ashton’s expression soften.
Even so, I knew that not everything could be resolved just because I chose to let it go. Some things lingered and were far beyond my forgiveness.
