For Three Days, She Refused to Leave Her Bed. Her Billionaire Husband Tore Away the Covers in a Jealous Rage, Looking for a Lover—Only to Uncover a Horrifying Secret His Own Family Had Kept Hidden.

The chaos of the Metropolitan Museum faded into a blur of flashing lights and sirens as Marcus rushed Julian and Elena into the armored SUV. They bypassed the standard hospitals and headed straight for the private clinic where Dr. Vance had arranged a secure suite.

Elena was in agonizing pain. The stress of the confrontation, combined with her weakened state from the residual poison, was making the labor incredibly difficult.

"Stay with me, El," Julian pleaded, sitting beside her in the back of the SUV, wiping the sweat from her brow. "You are the strongest person I have ever known. You can do this."

"I’m scared, Julian," she cried, gripping his hand so hard her knuckles turned white. "What if the poison... what if it hurt him?"

"It didn't," Julian promised, though tears pricked his own eyes. "He’s a fighter, just like his mother."

They arrived at the clinic, and Elena was immediately wheeled into the delivery room.

For four agonizing hours, Julian stood by her side. Every scream tore at his soul. He cursed his family, his wealth, and his own ignorance for ever putting her in this position.

But as the clock struck 3:00 AM, a new sound pierced the sterile room.

A sharp, healthy, furious cry.

"It's a boy," Dr. Vance announced with a weary but triumphant smile. He quickly examined the infant under the warming lights. "Ten fingers, ten toes, and strong lungs. He’s completely healthy, Mr. Sterling."

They cleaned the baby and laid him on Elena’s chest.

Elena sobbed, her tears mixing with the sweat on her face as she looked down at her son. He had Julian’s dark hair and her delicate features. He was perfect.

Julian leaned down, wrapping his arms around both of his world’s most precious treasures. He pressed a kiss to Elena’s forehead, and then to the baby’s cheek.

"We did it," Elena whispered, exhausted but radiant.

"We did," Julian agreed. "What should we name him?"