Chapter 88: Little Ones.

Dua lay unconscious on the hospital bed, the sound of machines breaking the room's stillness, a constant reminder of her fragile state. A blood transfusion was in progress, and Steven’s heart ached as he cradled her hand in his. “Why do you love me so selflessly… even to death? Why?” he muttered. “You did everything to save me, yet I could do nothing to save you.”

“I have failed you a lot,” he whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek. Tenderly, he touched Dua’s stomach with one hand, a slight smile gracing his lips. “Thank you for sticking with Mom and Dad... Stay healthy and grow well in Mommy's tummy... Daddy can't wait to meet you both,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

The door swung open, interrupting Steven's silent moment with his little family. Denise and Desmond rushed in, Denise's eyes sunken from worry while Desmond's were heavy with unshed tears. “What happened to my sister?” Her voice cracked, barely a whisper.

Silence swept through the room as Steven cast his gaze downward, unable to meet her eyes. Shane, leaning against the door, exhaled deeply.

“Someone say something, please! Des and I came home from school and couldn’t find Dua. We called her number, but there was no response until we met Shane, who told us she’s in the hospital,” Denise urged.

“Why isn’t anyone saying anything?” she pressed, the tension mounting in her voice.

“Bro,” Desmond turned to Steven, searching for answers. When Steven remained silent, he glanced at Shane, who simply heaved a heavy sigh.

“Why are you all quiet?!” Denise yelled, frustration and fear blending in her tone.

“How dare you yell at my husband?” A faint voice broke through the tension. Their heads whipped around as Dua’s eyelids fluttered open, hazy and unfocused at first. She shut them again, gathering her strength.

“I asked you a question... why did you raise your voice at your elders, especially my husband? How dare you yell at him?” Despite her weakened state, her words were sharp and clear.

Hearing her voice, Steven chuckled softly, warmth flooding back into his chest. “I deserved it, don’t scold her,” he said, the relief evident in his tone.

"I'm sorry, sis. Their silence pushed me to yell at them," Denise sulked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dua opened her eyes and shot Denise a weak glare, prompting her to swallow her words. "Sis," Denise pouted, and received a playful scoff from Dua.

"Thank goodness you're safe, sis," Desmond said, his expression a mix of relief and worry. "We were so afraid."

"Don't worry, I won't die now," Dua teased, her smirk bringing a burst of laughter that lightened the atmosphere.

"But seriously, sis, what happened to you?" Denise pressed, her concern palpable.

"Nothing that you and Des should know about," Dua replied, her tone firm yet gentle.

"Sis!" Desmond sulked, disappointment written all over his face.

Feeling drained, Dua closed her eyes again, needing to regain her strength. "That's enough talking for now. You need rest," Steven urged softly.

Dua stubbornly opened her eyes. "Des and Denise, can you give us some space, please?" she requested, and without another word, her siblings stepped out of the room.

"Thank you, Dua, for saving us," Shane said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Though that was reckless of you."

"No, thank you for saving us all," Dua replied earnestly. "I only offered myself as a solution, but you figured everything out and brought us all back." Shane returned her sentiment with a warm smile.

"Good to have you back," he said, his voice genuine as he turned to leave.

Now alone, Dua and Steven exchanged wordless glances that spoke volumes, an intimate communication of fears, hopes, and unspoken love. Eventually, Steven broke the gaze, unable to hold back the tears that fell.

Dua reached out, wiping away his tears with a gentle touch. "Don’t cry; you’re making the room ugly," she teased, a small smile creeping onto her face.

Steven laughed, the sound warm and comforting, aa he turned his gaze to her. Remembering that it was the same comment he makes whenever she cries. "But you also look so handsome; that on a contrary note I want you to keep crying," she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief, making mention of another comment of his.

"Seeing you smile again means it worked," Dua said, her eyes shimmering with warmth.

"But you shouldn’t have gone through with it... What if you had died?" Steven replied, his voice thick with concern.

"I wouldn't have died," she assured him. "As long as you returned, I knew I would, too."

"But what if I hadn't come back? Would you have really thrown your life away?" he pressed gently, worry etched on his features.

"Thankfully, you did," she smiled, a radiant light breaking through the tension.

Dua's smile radiated warmth and comfort, wrapping around Steven like a protective cocoon. He marveled at her resilience; her unwavering spirit shone brightly even amidst chaos. Yet, the weight of his earlier fears lingered ominously in the air between them.

"You should have at least thought of our little ones before doing something so dangerous," he said, his voice laced with a blend of concern and love.

"Little ones?" Dua creased her brows in confusion.

"Yeah, we're having twins," Steven revealed, his heart racing at the mixture of anticipation and surprise on her face.

For a moment, her expression was void of words as she processed the joy swirling in her heart.

"Can you scream for me?" she suddenly asked, her tone earnest.

"Scream for you? Why?" he raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"I want to scream, but I can't; I’m too weak to do so," she explained, a hint of desperation in her voice.

Steven chuckled lightly, "You can keep the scream until you're strong enough."

"No, it must be now," she insisted, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Please... can you scream for me?" she pouted, blinking her eyes cutely at him.

"Okay, fine. It's impossible to say no to you," he laughed, letting out a playful scream.

"That's not it," she said, her tone teasing.

"But I screamed!" he protested, a smile creeping onto his lips.

"It’s not enough," she replied, her laughter echoing through the room.

Without warning, Dua pierced the stillness with a loud, joyful scream that danced like music in the air.

"Darling, but I thought you said you didn’t have the strength to scream," Steven frowned at her.

"I just did. The news gave me some strength," she smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Just as Steven was about to speak, the door burst open, and Shane, Denise, and Desmond rushed in, their faces etched with concern. "We heard you scream! Are you alright?" Desmond asked, his brows furrowing in worry.

"I'm more than alright!" Dua beamed, her excitement infectious. "I can hardly contain my happiness, I’m going to have twins!"

"It's twins?" Denise echoed, her eyes widening in delight. When Dua nodded enthusiastically, Denise squealed, clapping her hands in sheer joy.

"Congratulations, sis!" Desmond exclaimed, stepping forward to envelop Dua in a warm embrace. He then turned to Steven, a grin spreading across his face. "And you too, bro." Steven offered a modest smile, grateful for the support.

Gently caressing Dua's knuckles with his thumb, Steven locked his gaze onto hers, the affection palpable in the air. "Thank you for everything... I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you," he said, his voice tender, before planting a gentle kiss on her hand.

"You'll always have me," Dua replied, her smile radiating warmth. She tilted her head up, and Steven placed a soft kiss on her forehead. The sweet moment earned varied reactions from the others, ranging from smiles to teasing nudges.

"Just a friendly reminder, there are singles in this room too!" Desmond interjected, clearing his throat dramatically, a playful smirk on his face.

"That's why you all need to fuck off and give me and my darling wife some space," Steven shot back playfully, earning a chorus of laughter that filled the room with an unmistakable warmth.