Chapter 5

The pain came suddenly.

Natalie was still sitting on the marble floor when her abdomen twisted sharply, as if being squeezed from the inside. The pain was dull at first, then turned into sharp cramps that radiated to her lower back. She held her breath, trying not to show anything.

Not now. Please, not now.

Natalie slowly stood up, leaning against the wall for support. Her hand reflexively brushed over her stomach, then she quickly pulled it back as if afraid someone might see.

Hold on, she said silently to herself. Please hold on, my child.

Cristian did not notice her at all. Instead, he gently stroked Jennifer’s hair—something Natalie had never received.

“I already told you,” Cristian said coldly as he looked at Natalie. “Don’t touch my woman.”

Jennifer leaned against Cristian’s chest, her face looking delicate. “She hurt me.”

Cristian nodded. “I’ll teach her a lesson.”

Natalie let out a small laugh. It was not loud, just a faint sound that escaped without her realizing it.

Cristian turned sharply. “What are you laughing at?”

Natalie lifted her face. Her eyes were slightly glassy, but her smile tilted to the side. “Nothing,” she said softly. “I’m just laughing at myself.”

Clara stood up from the sofa. “That’s enough. Take your things and leave this house.”

Natalie nodded. “That was my intention.”

She walked away, every step feeling heavy. The pain in her abdomen grew stronger, as if being pulled from both sides. She bit her lip, holding back the groan that nearly escaped.

Cristian wrapped his arms around Jennifer again. “I warn you one more time,” he said firmly toward Natalie, “never touch my woman who saved me from the fire five years ago.”

Those words struck Natalie harder than any slap.

Her steps stopped for a moment.

Five years ago.

The fire.

Natalie let out another faint laugh, bitter this time. “I see,” she murmured almost inaudibly.

Jennifer looked up. “What do you mean?”

Natalie did not answer. She simply walked away faster. She no longer cared about their gazes. There was only one thing on her mind.

She had to leave now.

As soon as the main door closed behind her, Natalie immediately stopped. Her hands gripped the iron gate. The cramps intensified, making her knees go weak.

“Ah…” she exhaled softly.

She lowered her head, pressing both hands to her stomach. “Hold on,” she whispered. “Just a little longer… Mama will save you.”

Natalie forced herself to walk toward the gate. Her vision began to blur slightly. Cold sweat soaked her temples.

As soon as she stepped out of the mansion grounds, her body suddenly collided with someone.

“I’m sorry—” the man’s voice stopped abruptly.

Natalie stumbled backward. Her small suitcase fell to the ground. She slowly lifted her face and met a pair of familiar dark eyes.

“You?” she said softly.

Athan Alexander Styles was startled. “Miss—”

Natalie did not give him a chance to finish. With the last of her strength, she grabbed the sleeve of Athan’s suit.

“Please,” she said weakly. “Save… my baby.”

Athan stiffened immediately. “What happened?”

But Natalie could no longer answer. The pain in her abdomen peaked, stabbing over and over. Her vision went dark.

“Miss!” Athan quickly caught Natalie’s body before she collapsed onto the asphalt.

He looked at Natalie’s pale face, her breathing uneven. His hand reflexively pressed lightly against her abdomen, feeling her body tense from the pain.

“Damn it,” he muttered.

Without hesitation, Athan lifted Natalie into his arms, carrying her carefully. He moved quickly toward his car parked not far away.

“Jemy!” he shouted as soon as he opened the car door.

His assistant ran over. “Sir!”

“The hospital, now,” Athan ordered firmly.

He gently laid Natalie down on the back seat, making sure her head was properly supported. Athan sat beside her, holding Natalie’s cold hand.

“Hold on,” he said softly, more to himself. “You saved me. Now it’s my turn.”