Chapter 8 - The Birth
The penthouse floor turned into complete chaos within minutes.
Two massive security guards arrived and physically dragged Ethan away from the door.
Ethan fought them, screaming Amelia’s name, but they easily overpowered him.
They held him against the wall in the hallway just as the elevator pinged open.
A team of paramedics rushed out, carrying a portable stretcher.
And leading the team, moving faster than anyone else, was Noah Reed.
He had picked up an overtime shift with the ambulance dispatch, and he had recognized the address instantly.
Noah burst through Amelia’s unlocked door, his eyes scanning the room quickly.
He found her sitting on the floor, breathing heavily through a massive contraction.
"I've got you, Amelia," Noah said softly, his strong hands gently helping her onto the stretcher.
"Noah?" Amelia whispered, feeling a sudden wave of immense relief wash over her.
"I promise you are going to be okay, just keep looking at me," Noah reassured her warmly.
They wheeled her out of the apartment and directly past Ethan, who was still pinned to the wall.
"Amelia, please!" Ethan begged, tears streaming down his face as he reached out for her.
Amelia turned her head, locking eyes with the man who had broken her heart.
Her expression was completely cold, devoid of any love or forgiveness.
"Do not follow me," Amelia ordered, her voice terrifyingly calm despite the pain.
She looked at the security guards.
"Keep him here until I am gone."
Noah pushed the stretcher into the elevator, the doors sliding shut and cutting Ethan off completely.
The ride to the hospital was a blur of agonizing pain and bright lights.
Four hours later, in a sterile delivery room, Amelia pushed with all the strength she had left.
Sarah was holding her left hand, whispering words of fierce encouragement.
With one final, screaming push, the room filled with the beautiful sound of a baby crying.
"It is a boy, Amelia," the doctor smiled, placing the tiny, screaming infant onto her chest.
Amelia burst into exhausted, joyful tears, wrapping her arms around her son.
He had a full head of dark hair and perfect, tiny fingers.
"Welcome to the world, Leo," Amelia whispered, kissing his incredibly soft forehead.
She looked up and saw Noah standing quietly near the door, a gentle smile on his face.
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He had waited the entire time to make sure she was safe.
She had never felt more protected in her entire life.
