Chapter 66

Chapter 66
“I hope you’ve made up your mind, Drea,” Laren said as we stepped out of the police station.

I sighed deeply and turned my head to meet his gaze.
“You know I haven’t, Laren. I still don’t have the answers I need. And please... I’m exhausted today. I just want to rest. Come with me to the hospital.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. It hurt a little—but pain has a reason.

“I told you, you shouldn’t have gone in there. And with Lara... All this stress might affect your baby. You could get hurt,” he added.

My knees buckled slightly, and I almost stumbled. I was completely drained. I didn’t even feel like speaking.
“I know my body too well, Ren. Besides, you know I’d never do anything to hurt our baby. Just... come on. I want to sleep and eat some carbonara. I’m sure Mommy cooked it.”

He closed his eyes tightly and took a long breath.
“Fine. Get in the car. And promise me—once we get there, you’ll go straight to bed.” He gently pulled my arm, and I simply held onto him. I was too tired to answer.

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~ • ~

It was already past midnight when I forced myself to wake up. I found myself lying in a soft bed inside a private VIP room at De Leon Medical Center. I’m an investor here, but I never take a share of the profits. I donate everything to the children at the orphanage.

I pulled the blanket off and sat up. As I slipped on my slippers, I reached to turn off the light—only to realize it was still on. I paused.
Why is the light still on at this hour?

I spotted Mommy Jane standing near the door, speaking with someone—I was sure it was a doctor. I also noticed the soft sound of her crying. My lips parted.
What’s happening...?

“Please, do everything you can. My son hasn’t given up yet. He can still fight. Doctor Cruz, please...” Mommy’s voice cracked with desperation.

I froze in my tracks and listened.

“But Mrs. De Leon,” the doctor replied gently, “Sir Ivan’s condition has worsened. He experiences daily seizures. It’s been five months, and only the life support machine is keeping him alive. Don’t you want your son to finally rest, ma’am? I believe... it’s his time—”

“No, Doc!” I interrupted him, my voice sharp and rising. Mommy rushed to my side and clung to me, sobbing into my shoulder.
“Is that what you’re trying to say? That we should unplug the life support machine?” My voice broke into tears.

Doctor Cruz lowered his head.
“I’m sorry, Madam Steinfields. But yes. Ivan’s condition is deteriorating. And... I believe it’s time to let go.”

“Watch me, Doctor Cruz,” I pointed at him, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. “I’m going to wake him up. And when I do, I suggest you resign—for not believing in your boss.”

I rushed to Ivan’s bedside.

Even after five months in a coma, his body remained clean—I made sure of it. Every day, I cleaned him, cared for him, stayed by his side. I prayed he’d wake up. That he’d smile at me again.

I took his hand and placed it on my belly. Mommy Jane and the doctor stood behind me, watching silently.

“Feel that, Ivan? That’s our baby. You got me pregnant five months ago, and you still haven’t woken up. Are you seriously going to leave us like this?” My voice shook as tears welled up again.
“We already have four kids. I could raise them alone... but I need you. I’ll always need you. I realized—no matter how strong I think I am—I still need my greatest strength. And that’s you.”

I spoke to him, even though he couldn’t respond.

“Don’t act like you can’t hear me, Ivan. I know you can. Please, open your eyes. They’re trying to make me kill you—unplug you. I don’t want to lose my husband. Please...” I whispered in his ear, my tears soaking his chest as I hugged him tightly.

“Aren’t you tired of sleeping? Don’t you want to do something? Please, wake up. Your company is waiting for you. We are all waiting for you. We love you. Please... wake up.”

I stepped back, covering my face with my hands. I was so tired of crying—but I couldn’t stop.

“Mr. De Leon also agreed with us, Madam. He said he didn’t want Ivan to suffer.” the doctor added.

“But my husband hasn’t given up yet!” I cried, taking Ivan’s hand again and pressing it to my belly.
“They’re going to kill you, Ivan! I don’t want to lose you—please, please!” My voice trembled with emotion.

“Rigella... maybe the doctor is right,” Mommy Jane said cautiously. “Maybe it’s time to unplug—”

“No, Mommy!” I cut her off. “Please, trust Ivan! Don’t do this! Don’t let them kill him!” I shook my head again and again.
“Wake up, Ivan! Please! I still need you!”

I took his limp hand and moved it gently.
“I love you so much! Wake up!” I cried out.

Suddenly, I felt a strong kick from the baby. I gasped, but didn’t think much of it—until I felt something else.

Ivan’s hand moved. On its own.

My eyes widened.

"Was that...?" I looked over at Mommy Jane. She was frozen too, just as shocked.

And then, slowly... his eyes began to open.

His eyelids fluttered until I could see those familiar gray eyes.

"Ri..." he said weakly, his voice raspy.

Tears gushed from my eyes.
"Rigella..." he whispered again, and my heart felt like it might burst.

"S-Stop crying, Ri... Rigella. You know I hate it when... when you cry..." he continued, struggling with each word but still speaking gently—just for me.

I broke down into sobs, overwhelmed by joy. He was looking at me. Smiling. Alive.

"Y-You're awake..." I whispered in disbelief.

He nodded slowly, eyes fixed on my belly.
"Yes... I woke up... because of you... and our ba—baby..."

I gasped and wrapped my arms around him tightly.
"I love you. I love you. Thank you for waking up. Thank you for coming back to me..." I whispered, kissing his forehead.

“Oh my God! Doctor Cruz, call the other doctors! My son is awake!” I heard Mommy Jane scream behind me.

“I... I love you too, Ri... Rigella. I promise—I won’t leave you again,” Ivan whispered, his voice steadier now.
“You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved. You’re my greatest love. I love you... to the moon and back...”

I smiled, even as tears continued to fall.

He smiled weakly, his eyelids slowly drifting. I leaned my head against his chest, listening to the irregular beat of his heart.

Damn.
Just damn.

My husband was alive. After five long months, he woke up. And he spoke the words I’d longed to hear.

It was a miracle.
Ivan was awake.
That... was truly a miracle.