Chapter 69

Chapter 69
"You just need to rest now, Sir Ivan. You're stable now. What happened to you was a miracle," the doctor said. He had checked on me earlier, but only spoke after I’d finished eating and drinking.

I didn’t say anything. My eyes were focused on Rigella, who was sitting with her head bowed—still holding my hand tightly, listening intently to the doctor. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling. She still looked gorgeous, even if she’d gained some weight because of her pregnancy. Actually, that made her even more beautiful in my eyes—seeing her carrying my child.

"When can he go home, Doc?" she asked, glancing at me before turning back to the doctor.

He smiled. "He can go home once he regains more strength. For now, he needs to stay here so we can monitor him and make sure no complications arise. But overall, Mr. De Leon is doing fine."

Rigella closed her eyes tightly. "Thank God..." I heard her whisper. She looked back at me and smiled. "Did you hear that, Ivan? You're okay." She let out a soft laugh and kissed my forehead. She looked so happy.

"I’ll leave you two for now, Mr. and Mrs. De Leon. Just call me if anything happens—I'm only a phone call away." Rigella and I turned to the doctor as he spoke. He looked familiar—maybe one of Creed’s cousins?

Rigella nodded and smiled widely. "Thank you so much, Doc. I don’t even know how to thank you enough. You’re the reason Ivan woke up. You did everything to save him," she said, her voice full of gratitude.

The doctor waved one hand casually. "Don’t mention it, Mrs. De Leon. It’s my job to save my patients. But honestly, Mr. De Leon is a fighter. He helped himself wake up. While I believe it’s a miracle, I also believe your husband is incredibly strong."

He turned to me and nodded. I gave him a small smile before looking back at Rigella.

"Thank you so much, Doc. I hope I can return the favor someday," my wife added sincerely.

"No need, Mrs. De Leon. Really, no need."

The doctor checked his watch. "Anyway, I still have a patient to supervise. I have to go. I'm hoping for your full recovery, Mr. De Leon." He gave us one last nod before stepping out of the room.

I let out a long breath and wrapped my arms around Rigella's waist.

She looked at me curiously but quickly smiled. Her hand reached for my hair and gently stroked it.

Damn, I love it when she does that. Her soft, slender fingers running through my hair feel like heaven.

I moved my hand to her stomach.

Finally. I can touch it now. It’s the first time in months. I was in a coma for five months.

Thirteen months… That’s how long it’s been since I last held her like this.

It was painful to be away from her. But I did it to protect her. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. I love her so much I was willing to sacrifice our happiness. I never wanted things to turn out the way they did. I just got trapped in a situation I couldn’t have predicted.

"You were comatose for five months..." she said out of nowhere. "How are you feeling? Are you okay? Are you still hungry or thirsty?" she asked, her smile faltering.

I smiled and shook my head. She doesn’t know the effect she has on me. Despite everything that happened, I feel like the happiest man in the world. We’re still together. I never thought this day would come—that I could freely show how much I love her.

Damn, it’s cheesy, but I want to cry. I want to jump for joy because I’ll never hurt her again. I’ll never let anything or anyone hurt her again. Because, shit, when she hurts, I hurt twice as much.

I swear to God, I’ll never make her cry from pain again—only from happiness.

"Cat got your tongue, huh?" she said, laughing softly before giving me a playful slap. "You’ve been quiet ever since. You’re making me nervous..." she pouted.

A smirk tugged at my lips. I leaned in and kissed her. Just a soft peck. But she kissed me back. Damn, I missed those soft, pink lips.

We both caught our breath as we pulled away. She smiled and lightly pinched my nose. I chuckled. I used to be the one who did that to her. Now...

"Looks like I don’t need to worry anymore. You kissed me..." she shook her head, amused.

I lifted our clasped hands and kissed the back of hers. I saw her struggling not to smile.

Oh, babe, don’t hold that smile back.

"You were the one who kissed me, Rigella. Mine was just a peck. You? You kissed me for real," I teased, finally able to speak properly despite the lump in my throat.

Her nose wrinkled. "A peck is still a kiss, you perv," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

I burst out laughing. She always calls me a perv!

"Why do you always call me a perv?" I asked, amused.

She raised a brow and pointed at her round belly. "This is proof, Ivan. So don’t ask why I call you that," she said with a frown, trying to pull her hand away from mine—but I held on.

I couldn’t help but laugh again. She really hasn’t changed. She’s still the Rigella I met when I was a kid. So different from any other girl I’ve known. There’s no one like her.

"And now you're laughing? God, Ivan!" Her mood shifted. I immediately stopped laughing.

Shit. I forgot about the pregnancy mood swings!

"Do you even know how painful childbirth is? I felt like I was dying! But I pushed through because I had to bring your kids into this world! And you—you're laughing at a pregnant woman?!" Tears welled up in her eyes.

What the hell did I do, Ivan?!

I sobered up instantly. The soreness in my body vanished as adrenaline kicked in. She stood up, still crying.

"Don’t cry! That’s not what I meant, Rigella..." I said, panicking. If I could just get up, I would. But I was still hooked to IVs and monitors.

"No!" she snapped, wiping her tears. "You’re laughing at my pregnancy! Damn you! You just woke up and you're already teasing me! I wish—"

I cut her off, my mouth tightening. "Wish what?" My voice turned flat. "You wish I hadn’t woken up? That I’d stayed dead?" I gave her a bitter smile.

She looked stunned. I hated hearing her raise her voice at me. I couldn’t take it when she was angry. All I wanted was her love—not her pain.

"That’s not what I meant..." she cried and rushed to sit beside me again. "I'm sorry. I can’t control myself. You know how sensitive I get because of the pregnancy."

I looked away, taking a deep breath. "It’s okay. I understand." My voice came out colder than I intended. Maybe I’m just not used to her being this way. I wasn’t there when she was pregnant before. And now I regret every moment I missed.

"No, it’s not okay." She cupped my face and gently turned it toward hers. "I love you, okay? And I’m sorry. I promise it won’t happen again. I just… can’t always control my emotions." She looked into my eyes.

I smiled, finally. "Your I love you is enough, hon. Don’t say sorry. I’m just not used to this side of you. But don’t worry—I’ll be ready next time." I softened my voice. "And I love you too, Rigella. Always."

"Wait, did I hear that right?" she raised an eyebrow. "Next time? Are you planning to get me pregnant again?" she asked, eyes wide.

I laughed. "Wow, you caught that fast..." I bit my lower lip playfully.

"Holy—" she shook her head. "I don’t even know if you were really in a coma based on what you’re saying."

I just smiled and wrapped my arms around her waist again. I rested my chin on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "I love you so much. Nothing will change that, okay?" Then I kissed her cheek.

"I already know that, Ivan..." she smiled. "And I love you so much, too." She leaned in and gave me a deep, lingering kiss.