LOGINNot long after Daniel left, three people entered the hospital lobby with quick steps.Richard Hayes looked pale and exhausted—eyes red from lack of sleep and worry that had lasted a long time.Emma Carter walked beside him with a tense but determined face.And Adrian Lawson led them with upright posture and professional expression—though there was something more personal in his eyes.At the reception desk, Adrian spoke with the nurse on duty."We're here to visit Mrs. Alina Blackwood," he said in a firm voice. "I'm Adrian Lawson, the attorney handling her case. And this is Richard Hayes, her father."The nurse typed something on the computer."Mrs. Blackwood is in the maternity unit, fourth floor," she said while looking at the screen. "But I need to confirm first whether—""I've already spoken with Ms. Claire Fontaine and Dr. Ingrid Halvorsen about this visit," Adrian interrupted calmly but firmly. "They've already approved it."The nurse nodded slowly."Alright. Please go up to the
The ambulance drove at a steady speed through the busy city streets.Inside, Alina still lay on the stretcher. Her eyes were closed—her breathing, which had been gasping, slowly began to stabilize.Dr. Halvorsen sat with her hand still gently holding Alina's hand.The female paramedic continued to check the vital signs monitor with trained eyes."Blood pressure still low but stable," she said in a professional voice. "Heart rate ninety-two per minute. Oxygen saturation ninety-five percent."Dr. Halvorsen nodded while taking notes on her small tablet."How much longer until the hospital?" she asked."Fifteen minutes," the paramedic answered. "We've already confirmed with St. Catherine's. The maternity unit is ready to receive the patient."Alina opened her eyes slowly—staring at the ambulance ceiling with an expression still filled with mixed emotions."Dr. Halvorsen," Alina whispered in a hoarse voice. "What will happen when I arrive at the hospital?"Dr. Halvorsen looked at Alina wit
On the second floor, Clarissa stood at her bedroom window, watching the procession with narrowed eyes. She saw the thin and fragile Alina being guided to the ambulance with the help of Mrs. Helen and the paramedics. She saw Ms. Fontaine and Dr. Halvorsen escorting protectively. And she saw Daniel standing at the doorway with tense posture and clenched fists. "Hospital," Clarissa thought with calculation. "She's going to the hospital." Her mind worked quickly. Hospital meant out of her reach. Hospital meant Alina would be watched by people she didn't control. And that would make it difficult for her to administer the abortifacient she possessed. Clarissa couldn't let Alina actually give birth to Daniel's child. She wouldn't let that baby strengthen Alina's position in this family. "I must act quickly," Clarissa thought again. "Before it's too late." But how could she administer it if Alina was in the hospital? Clarissa stared at the ambulance with calculating eyes.
Ms. Fontaine and Dr. Halvorsen returned to Alina's room.Mrs. Helen was still standing in the corridor—her face full of hope and fear mixed together."What happened?" she whispered in a voice barely audible."We will be taking Mrs. Blackwood to the hospital today," Ms. Fontaine answered calmly. "In one hour. Mr. Blackwood has already given his permission."Mrs. Helen's eyes immediately filled with tears of immense relief."Thank you," she whispered with a broken voice. "Thank God.""We will inform Mrs. Blackwood of this," Ms. Fontaine said.Mrs. Helen nodded happily.Ms. Fontaine knocked gently on Alina's door before opening it.Alina was still sitting in the same chair in the same position since they had left her.But her eyes immediately lifted when Ms. Fontaine and Dr. Halvorsen entered. Staring with fear and hope mixed in equal proportion."Alina," Dr. Halvorsen said gently while sitting in the chair across from her. "We've spoken with your husband about your condition."Alina swa
Ms. Fontaine and Dr. Halvorsen exited Alina's room. Their faces showed controlled professionalism but there was tension behind those expressions.They had finished the examination and made their decision.Now they had to face the hardest part—telling Daniel Blackwood that his wife needed immediate medical intervention.Mr. Harris waited at the foot of the stairs in a formal posture."Mr. Blackwood is in his study," he said in a neutral voice. "He asked that you meet him there after you finish.""Thank you," Ms. Fontaine answered professionally.They followed Mr. Harris down the long corridor to the study in the east wing of the house.A large wooden door with intricate carvings.Mr. Harris knocked gently."Come in," Daniel's voice came from inside—calm and controlled.Mr. Harris opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Ms. Fontaine and Dr. Halvorsen to enter.The study was spacious and impressive—floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a large mahogany desk, tall windows overlooking the back
The silence after Daniel left felt heavier than before. Alina sat in the chair with her body still rigid—every muscle tense with the fear that had just been triggered by Daniel's brief presence. Her hands trembled more violently now. Her breathing was short and rapid—almost like someone on the verge of a panic attack. Ms. Fontaine sat back down slowly, but her eyes never left Alina. She had seen that reaction countless times in her career. The way domestic violence victims responded when the perpetrator entered the room. Instant tension. Visceral fear. The inability to breathe normally. This wasn't a reaction to a "caring husband." This was a reaction to a threat. "Alina," Dr. Halvorsen said gently while sitting back down beside the chair. "Are you alright?" Alina nodded automatically—a trained reflex movement. But her hands still trembled. Her breathing was still too fast. Dr. Halvorsen took Alina's hand gently. "Take a deep breath for me," she said in a calming voice. "
Mrs. Helen stared at Alina for a long time with an expression full of internal conflict.Twenty years.Twenty years Mrs. Helen had worked for the Blackwood family. Twenty years of keeping secrets, following orders, not interfering in family matters that weren't her business.Twenty years she had en
CHAPTER 52Morning came too quickly.Or perhaps not quickly enough. Alina wasn't sure anymore. Time had felt strange since she'd been confined to her room—too slow and too fast simultaneously, like a broken clock.At exactly eight o'clock, the sound of a large engine woke her from restless sleep.A
Mr. Harris hesitated briefly, then nodded and stepped away, clearing the path for Clarissa.Clarissa knocked on the door—twice, sharp—then entered without waiting for an answer.Alina stood at the window—still in the same position since the photoshoot began.Mrs. Helen sat on a chair in the corner
Day five since Alina was allowed to see Junior.Five days with the same routine. Measured. Controlled.In the morning—Alina went to Junior’s room when he woke up. Helped him get ready. Straightened his uniform. Walked him to the dining table where Clarissa already waited with a smile that was far t







