A Few Months Later "It hurts too much!" Helen cried out, feeling her hips begin to give way under the force of her contractions. The time had come—her daughter, Luciana, was ready to be born. With every minute, the pain grew more intense. "Hold on, honey! We're almost at the hospital. I still don’t understand that absurd idea of waiting until the very last minute to give birth," Fernando said, speeding through the crowded streets, his hands trembling and beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Just drive! Please!" Helen screamed, her voice growing louder and more desperate. A few blocks ahead, Fernando parked his car in front of the hospital where their daughter was meant to be born. Helen got out of the passenger seat as best she could, while Fernando ran out to bring a wheelchair. He helped her sit down and led her inside. A group of doctors was already waiting—everything was prepared to welcome the new member of the family. "Fernando, I can't take it anymore! I need to push!
Santiago remained unconscious. There was no sign of improvement. The days went by, and although the situation was unbearably sad for Helen and Fernando, they still held on to the hope of seeing their little boy’s eyes one last time. But time wasn’t standing still. Inside Helen’s womb, a new life was growing—and with each passing day, it became more noticeable. At the very least, that brought some comfort to her aching soul. "Today we have the ultrasound to find out our baby’s sex," Helen said, pulling her hair back into a ponytail as she looked in the mirror. Fernando hugged her from behind, caressed her belly, gave her a sweet kiss on the neck, and looked at her reflection. "Yes, my love. I’m so excited to know if it’s a boy or girl. Do you have any feeling?" he asked, still watching her through the mirror. Helen placed her hands over his, and together they gently massaged her belly. "You look beautifully pregnant. Your eyes are brighter, and your cheeks are glowing." He turne
After everything that happened at the airport and giving his official statement, Fernando rushed to the hospital. His son had been admitted to the emergency room, and his presence was crucial. Although Helen was already with Santiago, she wasn’t strong enough to handle the situation on her own. When he arrived, their son had already been moved to intensive care. Although the kidnapping hadn’t lasted long, the trauma he had suffered, compounded by his already fragile health, had seriously complicated his condition. To such an extent that he had to be placed in an induced coma. Helen sat hugging the edge of the bed, consumed by a deep sadness. She knew the moment to say goodbye to one of her children was approaching, and it was tearing her apart. It was a feeling too difficult to explain, and she had no idea how to deal with it. Fernando approached silently, but she sensed his presence and lifted her head. When she saw him, as if needing to breathe again, she threw herself into his a
Fernando did everything Virginia had ordered him to do. He created access to the accounts and was ready to make her believe he would leave with her. He would do whatever it took to get his son back. Meanwhile, the police were preparing the largest operation to capture her. In her naïveté, she believed that simply having Santiago kidnapped meant she had complete control. “Fernando, my love, it’s too risky to be alone with that woman. I’m really nervous.” Helen sat beside him, watching him try to stay calm. “Helen, I need you now more than ever, my love. This is a decisive moment. As soon as Virginia calls and tells me how she’s going to hand over our son, you have to be on top of the medical team. While he’s been away from home, he hasn’t taken his medication. He needs urgent care.” Helen nodded, pale with nerves. “I’m terrified. I know our son is in the terminal stage and that he’s going to die anyway... but I don’t want that to happen in her arms. I wouldn’t be able to live with
It was the tenth call Helen had made to Fernando. It wasn’t normal for him to be taking so long with their little one—especially considering his medical condition. The less time he spent away from home, the better. “Fernando, answer!” Helen kept repeating to herself. She grabbed her bag and was ready to leave when, finally, he picked up. “My love, finally! What happened? Why weren’t you answering me?” On the other end of the line, Fernando was a mess. His nerves were shattered, and he was overwhelmed with anguish. “Honey,” he said softly, “we have a problem.” “What problem?” Helen felt like she might faint. “Santiago is gone. I left him with a nurse for a moment, and when I came back, he wasn’t there anymore.” Fernando’s voice cracked as tears began to fall. The moment Helen heard those words, a terrible pain took over her chest. She couldn’t even manage a whisper. “Helen, my love, please stay calm. The police are on their way.” “Fernando, I’m going there.” Helen hung up and r
Fernando hurried down the stairs of the mansion. In less than an hour, his son had an important appointment with a specialist—and they were running late. Chapter 67: Why Does Everything Have to Be This Way "Santiago, honey, are you ready yet?" he asked his little boy, who barely nodded. "Yes..." "Well, my love, then say goodbye to your mother, and we’ll leave." "Can she come with us? As always, Daddy?" the boy asked in a thin voice. "No, my love. She has to go to school today—it’s Jonathan’s report card day. She needs to be there. I’ll go alone with you." "Yes," Santiago replied again, his voice weak. Fernando hurried to the kitchen. Helen was preparing breakfast—she loved serving them. "My love, wait. Eat something before you go," Helen suggested. "No, honey, it’s completely impossible. We have just one hour to get to the hospital, but thank you. By the way, today you look more beautiful than ever." He pulled her by the waist and kissed her passionately. Then, lowering hims