Chapter 3

"Damon, is Julian's reprimand really so wrong? You're quick to accuse me, but have you considered the truth?"

"Seraphina and I are close, it's true. But with both of us so close to giving birth, Seraphina kept asking me what I'd do if my baby wasn't healthy."

I sighed, then continued, "I'm a pregnant woman too. And I'm even further along than your wife. I'm scared too, you know."

Then, I too feigned a sniffle.

"Besides, would our friendship truly suffer just because Seraphina and I are in different delivery rooms?"

"Or is Seraphina somehow certain my baby won't be healthy, and that's why she keeps bringing up my child?"

I spoke each word slowly and deliberately, my gaze fixed on Seraphina and Damon.

They stiffened, looking like they'd been caught red-handed, a flicker of guilt flashing in their eyes.

Especially Damon, who shot Seraphina a furious, covert glare.

It was exactly as I'd suspected.

Damon was in on the baby-swapping plan.

I couldn't stand another second in that room.

Seraphina and Damon tried to argue, but I cut them off with my final word. "Seraphina, even if you're just nervous, I can’t stay here with you."

"I believe you're just anxious, but I'm still moving to a private delivery room. It’s also for the Sterling name."

That last sentence finally silenced the couple.

For a family like the Sterlings, reputation was the only currency that mattered.

Sisters-in-law forced to share a delivery room? he tabloids would spin it into a saga of neglect and family discord. Appearances had to be maintained, even here.

Kim walked in. "Mrs. Sterling, the new delivery room is ready."

I nodded, and Julian followed, carrying my things.

Once settled, I noticed Damon had followed us.

A sense of urgency pursued me.

It also told me they hadn't given up on their plan to swap the babies.

Seraphina and my delivery rooms were on the same floor, separated by three rooms, making a baby swap still quite feasible.

But no medical staff would dare to swap babies for a wealthy family's delivery.

Therefore, the only ones who could swap the babies were Seraphina and Damon.

Seraphina swapping babies after delivery was unlikely, so the one to act would be Damon.

I felt like I'd uncovered the truth, and my hand, hidden beneath the blanket, clenched into a tight fist.

"Rory, both you and Seraphina are about to give birth. Seraphina is just overly nervous, so please don't be angry."

"Our Sterling family is vast and prosperous. It's probably better for you and Seraphina to be in separate delivery rooms anyway. I'll go keep Seraphina company now."

I offered him a faint smile. "Alright, go on. Be with her."

As soon as he left, Julian sat beside me. "Rory, did something happen?"

"Julian, you have to watch over our baby carefully," I said seriously, tears welling in my eyes.

Julian didn't quite understand but smiled. "Of course, darling. He's our child. I'll protect him with my life."

I was anxious but couldn't tell him about my rebirth.

Not only was it unbelievable, but our tragic past was something I alone should bear. He deserved to remain optimistic and carefree.

Before my water broke, I quickly told him about several news stories about babies being stolen or swapped in hospitals.

Julian found it unbelievable but didn't argue.

As I was telling him the stories, my water broke.

Seraphina also went into labor.

We were wheeled into separate delivery rooms.

After six grueling hours, our baby was born.

I was exhausted, but I dared not sleep.

I watched the medical staff clean my baby.

I watched as they placed the hospital's special newborn bracelet on his wrist.

I watched as they brought him to me.

The baby was fair, plump, and perfectly healthy, his tiny hands actively swatting at the air.

This was my child.