By now she felt exhausted.
And the tiredness threatened to overwhelm her.
But this persistent voice kept calling and calling.
She thought how nagging.
But the persistent nagging seemed to be reviving her, little by littleâ¦
Inside the hospital, the harsh glare of the overhead ceiling lamp illuminated the bustling activity of doctors and nurses.
Amidst the urgency, a doctor approached the waiting area with a grave expression.
âWhere is the patientâs family? We need someone to sign the operation agreement.
â
âIâm her brother.
Let me handle it.
â Erick stepped forward, his voice tense with worry.
The doctor explained Raegan was in urgent need of a cesarean-section.
âIs it⦠Is it dangerous?â Erick hesitated, still clutching the pen.
With grave seriousness, the doctor delivered the stark reality.
âHer water broke some time ago, and thereâs no amniotic fluid left.
Every moment counts now, or the baby could suffocate.
And sheâs about to give birth.
Why isnât anyone by her side?â
Erick remained silent.
The doctor, without further words, disappeared behind the door, clutching the signed operation agreement.
Outside, only Mitchel and Erick lingered in the tense silence.
Mitchelâs gaze bore into Erick, sharp as a dagger.
âWhereâs Stefan? Is this how he acts as a husband?â
Erickâs eyelids fluttered, a nervous tic betraying his unease.
How could he admit to Mitchel that Raeganâs wedding with Stefan was a facade, a sham they maintained for appearances?
Just as Erick was about to conjure up an excuse, Stefan rushed in, his expression fraught with worry.
âWhereâs Raegan?â
Before Erick could respond, Mitchelâs fist connected with Stefanâs jaw with a resounding thud.
Stefan staggered back, heavy shock etched on his face.
âExplain to me why you, as a husband, left your pregnant wife alone at home,â Mitchel demanded with fury blazing in his eyes.
âYou better give me a damn good reason, a reason that might just save your sorry life!â
Stefan could only stand there, speechless, consumed by self-blame.
It was his fault entirely.
His negligence led Raegan to eat improperly, and it hastened her labor by at least ten days.
If only he had been more vigilant, perhaps this crisis could have been averted, postponed at the very least.
Stefan wanted to lash out at himself, to punish himself for his incompetence, far more than Mitchel ever could.
But as Stefan remained silent, Mitchelâs patience wore thin, and blows rained down upon Stefanâs face and body, one after another.
Unable to stand idly by, Erick stepped forward to desperately plead with Mitchel, âMitchel, please, calm down!â
Admitting the truth about their fabricated marriage was out of the question.
Stefan hadnât spent a single night alone with Raegan.
But Mitchel brushed Erick off with a cold glare.
âWhat? Are you going to defend this man who clearly doesnât give a damn about your sister?â
âNo, itâs not like thatâ¦â Erick stuttered.
He struggled to find the right words.
He wanted to explain that Stefan wasnât to blame.
Stefan wasnât truly Raeganâs husband and had no obligation to be by her side.