Chapter 17 - THE BIRTH
The hospital became a fortress.
Security officers guarded every entrance.
Daniel never left Amelia's side.
The labor progressed quickly.
Amelia gripped his hand.
“I'm scared.”
Daniel kissed her forehead.
“I know.”
“What if something happens?”
“It won't.”
“You can't promise that.”
Daniel looked into her eyes.
“I can promise I'll be here.”
She smiled weakly.
Hours later, the baby's cry filled the delivery room.
Daniel closed his eyes.
A son.
Their son.
The nurse placed the newborn carefully in Amelia's arms.
She began crying quietly.
Not from fear.
From relief.
Daniel touched the baby's tiny hand.
“Hello.”
Amelia smiled.
“He's beautiful.”
Daniel looked at his wife.
“So are you.”
For the first time in months, they were truly happy.
Then the hospital lights flickered.
Daniel immediately looked toward the door.
Security entered.
“Everything is secure.”
Daniel nodded.
But something felt wrong.
A nurse approached.
“Mr. Carter?”
“Yes?”
“There is a woman asking to see you.”
“Who?”
The nurse hesitated.
“She says her name is Eleanor.”
Daniel's heart stopped.
He immediately stood.
“Where?”
“Lobby.”
Daniel left the room.
Security surrounded him.
Eleanor stood at the far end of the corridor.
She looked exhausted.
But strangely calm.
“You can't run forever,” Daniel said.
She smiled.
“I don't need to.”
Police officers surrounded her.
Eleanor looked toward Amelia's room.
“Your son will grow up knowing his father destroyed his family.”
Daniel shook his head.
“No.”
He stepped forward.
“He'll grow up knowing his father protected it.”
Eleanor's expression changed.
For the first time, she looked defeated.
The officers arrested her.
As she was led away, Daniel returned to Amelia.
She looked at him.
“Is it over?”
Daniel looked at their son.
May you like
“Yes.”
This time, he believed it.
