Chapter 30: 29.

Ashantii's POV:

The Planned Future Centre was pristine, its exterior a sleek, modern design that gleamed under the soft glow of the streetlights. The lobby was quiet, save for the faint hum of a ventilation system and the rhythmic tap of Nadia’s nails on the reception desk.

She glanced up as I carried Tiana into the room, her eyes widening slightly before softening into a polite smile. “Mrs. Campbell, welcome back. Is everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine,” I said smoothly, my voice calm and reassuring as I adjusted Tiana in my arms. She looked so peaceful, her head resting against my shoulder. “She wanted to begin the process tonight.”

Nadia’s brows furrowed. “But… she’s unconscious.”

I gave her a warm smile, leaning in slightly to speak softly. “Tiana was at the hospital earlier today. We had a full check-up, and after discussing the procedure with the doctor, she specifically requested to be sedated throughout the process. She’s been very anxious about it, and we both agreed it would be easier for her to stay sedated until everything is complete. She didn’t want to see or feel anything during the procedure.”

Nadia’s lips parted in surprise, but she quickly recovered, nodding. “That’s… unconventional, but if it’s her wish, we’ll accommodate.”

“Thank you,” I said, my tone laced with gratitude and authority. “She was very clear about wanting this. And I’ll make sure everyone is compensated appropriately for the extra care.”

Nadia glanced at Tiana, her expression softening. “Of course, Mrs. Campbell. We’re here to help.”

She gestured for a nurse, who appeared almost immediately, her uniform crisp and professional. “Please take them to Room 3. The doctors are already on standby.”

---

The room was sterile yet inviting, with soft lighting and modern equipment arranged meticulously. I placed Tiana gently onto the reclining chair, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She didn’t stir, the drugs still working their magic.

“Mrs. Campbell, we’ll need her signature to proceed with the procedure,” one of the nurses said, glancing at me nervously.

“She’s already signed everything,” I said firmly, pulling out a neatly forged document from my bag. “She made all the decisions in advance. I just want to make sure her wishes are respected.”

The nurse hesitated but nodded, taking the papers. I could see the doubt in her eyes, but the wad of cash I discreetly handed her seemed to ease her concerns.

Moments later, the doctor entered, his demeanor professional but curious. “Good evening, Mrs. Campbell. I understand your wife wanted to proceed unconsciously?”

“Yes,” I said with a confident smile. “She wants this more than anything, but she’s always been uneasy with the details. She asked me to be here to support her.”

The doctor nodded thoughtfully. “It’s uncommon, but not unheard of. We’ll ensure she’s comfortable and that everything proceeds smoothly.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice soft but commanding. “I trust you’ll take excellent care of her.”

---

**The Procedure Begins**

The nurses moved efficiently, placing monitors on Tiana to track her vitals. Her heart rate was steady, her breathing even. I stayed by her side, my hand resting on hers as they began.

The doctor explained each step, but his words were for my benefit alone. Tiana, lost in her drugged sleep, couldn’t hear a thing.

“First, we’ll retrieve the eggs,” he said, motioning for the nurse to prepare the ultrasound-guided aspiration equipment.

A fine needle was inserted with precision, guided by the ultrasound. The eggs were carefully collected, each one placed into a waiting petri dish.

“She’s responding perfectly,” the doctor said with a nod.

“Of course she is,” I murmured, brushing my thumb over the back of Tiana’s hand. “She’s perfect.”

Once the eggs were collected, the next step began. The doctor introduced the sperm sample I had provided weeks ago, fertilizing the eggs under a microscope.

The room was silent, save for the soft hum of the equipment and the occasional murmured instructions between the medical staff. I watched every moment with an intensity that surprised even me.

“We’ll incubate these overnight,” the doctor explained. “The embryos will be monitored closely, and the strongest will be transferred tomorrow.”

“Good,” I said, my tone firm. “Make sure everything is flawless.”

The nurses cleaned up the equipment, and Tiana was gently repositioned to rest more comfortably.

---

**Securing the Future**

Once the staff had finished, I turned to Nadia, who had come to check on the progress.

“Mrs. Campbell, everything went smoothly,” she said, her voice tentative.

“Thank you, Nadia,” I said, handing her another envelope of cash. “One more thing—I’d like her to remain sedated through the transfer tomorrow. It’s important to her that she doesn’t wake up until everything is complete.”

Nadia hesitated, glancing at Tiana’s sleeping form. “Are you sure that’s what she wants?”

“I’m absolutely sure,” I said, my voice leaving no room for argument. “She trusts me to make these decisions for her. And I trust all of you to respect her wishes.”

She nodded slowly. “We’ll ensure she remains comfortable.”

I smiled, leaning down to press a kiss to Tiana’s forehead. “You hear that, my love? Everything’s going perfectly. Soon, we’ll have our little family. Just like I promised.”

As the staff filed out, leaving us alone, I sat beside her, stroking her hair.

“You’ll thank me one day,” I whispered, my voice soft and full of emotion. “You’ll wake up, and everything will be perfect. Because I love you, Tiana. I love you more than anything.”

Her steady breathing was my only response, but it was enough.

I leaned back, my heart swelling with satisfaction. Everything was falling into place.

And I wouldn’t let anything ruin it.