1. Pain

“Doctor please save my baby.” Annabelle cried in pain. Her lower abdomen hurt, and the excruciating pain was tearing her apart.

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Presley, we can't carry on with the operation without the blood transfusion,” the doctor politely explained for the umpteenth time.

“Just start with the operation. Richard will be here very soon. He can't leave his child to die,” Annabelle whispered in pain. She felt as if her whole body was on fire. She just wants this pain to go away. She knew that Richard didn't love her nor care about her, but he couldn't be heartless enough to leave his child to die. He promised to give his blood to her in order to save their child. She has known Richard for three years, and he always keeps to his promise. He can't change now, not in this crucial moment.

“The operation was scheduled around 7am. It is past eight already. We tried contacting Mr. Presley, but we couldn't reach him, I'm afraid he might not come,” the doctor said.

“No, he will come. He will definitely come.” Annabelle wasn't even sure with her words. If Richard wanted to come, he would have been here. Though he hasn't been home for the past three days despite knowing her health condition, she never thought he could also be so heartless to his child.

Annabelle has a health condition, so she won't be able to give birth through the normal process. The doctor had already told her a month ago that she would give birth through surgery. He also told Richard that he would be needed that day for blood transfusion. He has tried contacting him since last night but couldn't reach him, so he sent him a message to be in the hospital before 7 am. Annabelle didn't mind the pain of her husband not being by her side throughout last night when she was in labor. But for him not to show up today and save their child, tears her heart apart.

“Mrs. Presley, we need to take another option. If we waste any more time, it could mean risking yours and your baby's life. The hospital doesn't have your blood type, but don't worry, I had already placed an order,” the doctor said and turned to the nurse. “Keep an eye on her, I will be back.”

The doctor was about to leave, but Annabelle's broken voice stopped him. “Please doctor, save my child's life. Do the operation without the blood. I don't mind losing my life. It's worth nothing anyway.”

“I'm sorry, Mrs. Presley, your baby's life is also at risk here. Let's wait for the blood. It will be here very soon.” The doctor replied and walked away.

Annabelle pressed her lips in pain as tears had already wet her pale cheeks. She never thought that Richard could be this heartless. He promised to come but never did. He doesn't care about his child. But it is somehow hard to believe because during the period of her pregnancy, Richard cared. She noticed the change in his attitude. He was always there for her. He even stood up for her against his family and stopped them from making her do hard work. She knew he started caring about her because of the baby. Why then would he leave the baby to die?

Their marriage was arranged. Richard married her to appease his grandfather. He never loved her. But that wasn't the case for her. She loved him. For three years, she gave her all into their marriage, and she tried to make it work. She tried to make him fall in love with her, but everything she did was futile. Richard shut his heart from her. She still didn't lose hope.

She's just realizing how much of a fool she was. She's just realizing that Richard hates her to the extent that he doesn't care if she lives or dies. Unfortunately, her realization came too late.

That was her last thought as everything became blurry and her hearing started fading. Well, this is the only way she can be relieved of this pain.

“Her vitals are dropping so fast. She's dying, doctor….” That was the last faint voice she heard before darkness clouded her.

......

Note, the name Natalie is the same as Natasha in this book