Chapter 167
Chapter 167
Hannah's POV
I woke up with a start, feeling something warm and wet between my legs. Disoriented, I reached for the bedside lamp, my fingers fumbling in the darkness of our bedroom at Sterling Estate. When light flooded the room, I pulled back the covers and gasped.
"Oh my god," I whispered, seeing the small stain of blood on the sheets. My heart raced as I placed both hands on my swollen belly. This wasn't supposed to happen yet. I was still one week from my due date.
I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm as I reached for my phone and called Dr. Brown. She answered on the third ring, her voice thick with sleep.
"It's just some spotting, Hannah," she assured me after I described what was happening. "Very normal. From what you're telling me, it's likely just your body preparing. The actual labor probably won't begin for another day or two."
After hanging up, I remained sitting on the edge of the bed, my hands cradling my stomach. The baby shifted inside me, a rolling movement that still amazed me every time. I felt a complex mixture of emotions—excitement, nervousness, fear—all swirling together like watercolors bleeding into each other.
The door opened suddenly, and Finn appeared, his expression instantly alert despite the late hour. He must have been notified by security about my call to the doctor.
"What's happening?" His voice was steady, but I could see the tension in his shoulders.
"I'm bleeding a little. The doctor says it's normal—just my body getting ready. The baby's coming, Finn. Soon."
He nodded, his face serious as he processed this information. Without another word, he crossed the room and sat beside me, close but not touching. In the soft lamplight, his profile looked carved from stone.
"Are you in pain?" he asked quietly.
"No. Not yet, anyway."
His hand reached for mine, enveloping it with unexpected gentleness.
---
The following night, I woke to a sharp, cramping pain that took my breath away. This wasn't like the practice contractions I'd been having for weeks. This was different—stronger, more focused. I gripped the sheets, breathing through it as Dr. Brown had taught me.
"Finn," I gasped when it passed. He was beside me instantly, having barely slept since I'd started spotting.
Before I could say anything else, Amy burst through the door, her hair disheveled and eyes wide with panic.
"Oh my God, is it happening? Are you having contractions? Should we call Dr. Brown? Who do I need to notify?" Her words tumbled out in a frantic stream.
Finn rose from the bed, his posture straightening as he took control of the situation. "Amy, calm down. Jack," he called to the security guard hovering in the doorway, "prepare the car and make sure our route is clear."
Victoria had insisted on converting the east wing's sunroom into a fully equipped birthing suite midway through my pregnancy. The beautiful space now housed all necessary medical equipment, with a team of doctors and nurses already on standby. I'd be giving birth there rather than at the hospital—just a two-minute drive across the Sterling Estate grounds.
I felt a rush of warmth watching him. Despite his dark reputation and the dangerous edge that always seemed to linger beneath his surface, Finn's calm authority gave me a strange sense of security. He wouldn't let anything happen to me or our baby.
Another contraction hit, and I breathed through it, counting the seconds. When it passed, I nodded to Finn. "They're still far apart. We have time."
"Amy," Finn continued, "notify Victoria. She'll want to be present."
When the pain subsided, I decided to take a shower. "It might help me relax before we go to the hospital."
Finn nodded his approval. "That's a good idea. It will help you relax."
---
The birthing suite was everything you'd expect for the Sterling heir's child: spacious, elegant, with state-of-the-art medical equipment disguised as much as possible behind sleek design.
Dr. Brown finished her examination with a reassuring smile. "Everything looks perfect, Hannah. You're still in early labor—only three centimeters dilated. We have some time to wait."
Finn stood nearby, hands in his pockets, watching the doctor's every move with intense focus. When she turned to address him, explaining my progress and what to expect, he merely nodded, but I could see the concern in his eyes.
After the doctor left, I walked to the window, drawn to the bright full moon. Finn joined me, standing close behind me.
"It reminds me of that night in the garden," I said softly. "Do you remember? It was my first week at Sterling Estate, and we walked through the rose garden under a moon just like this."
Finn placed his hand lightly on my shoulder, a rare gesture of physical comfort. We stood in silence, the moonlight washing over us, creating a moment of peace before the storm of labor truly began.
Hours later, the contractions had intensified significantly. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I gripped the side of the hospital bed, trying to breathe through a particularly vicious wave of pain.
"God," I gasped, one arm wrapped protectively around my belly. The pain finally eased, leaving me panting and exhausted.
Finn was at my side immediately, his expression serious but his movements gentle as he steadied my arm. Amy hovered nearby, her face etched with concern.
"Hannah, are you okay? Should I call the doctor?" she asked anxiously.
Finn shook his head. "No need. This is normal labor progression." He looked at me. "Would you like to walk around? The doctor said movement might help."
I nodded gratefully. "Yes. I don't want to just lie here waiting."
With Finn's support, I stood up and began slowly pacing the room. His arm was firm around my waist, his steps perfectly matched to my labored ones. We circled the spacious suite several times, pausing whenever a contraction hit.
After completing a few laps, Finn suddenly stopped. He turned to face me, his expression unreadable. "I need to step out for a while. There's something I must handle."
Fear flashed through me. "Now? But the baby could—"
"I won't miss anything important," he said, his voice unexpectedly soft. He took my hand, his thumb brushing across my knuckles in a rare display of tenderness. "It will only be thirty minutes. Jack will be right outside—he'll notify me immediately if anything changes."
His eyes met mine, intense and determined. "Trust me. I'll be back soon."