Chapter 12

"You've been through so much, but don't give up. You can do it," my mind reassured me.

"I won't give up, son. I love you," I whispered, gently caressing my stomach.

During the tough times when Ransom's mistreatment weighed me down, my son was my pillar of strength. He's the reason I keep going, to ensure he grows up in a loving family.

After a while, Vecky knocked on my door, inviting me to join them for dinner. I quickly got ready and made my way downstairs. As I descended the stairs, I saw his parents waiting at the dining table.

"Good evening, Mom, Dad," I greeted them.

"How was your day, ?" Vecky's father inquired.

"We waited a while for you. What took you so long?" his mother asked.

"I was just fixing the bed, Mom," I replied.

"Why didn't you let Lydia do it?" Vecky interjected.

"That's not what I said... Come on, my dear wife," he insisted.

I noticed his forced smile, knowing he was upset that I had shared our issues with his parents.

"You should keep an eye on her, son," his father advised sternly.

"Of course, Dad. Every day, right, ?" Vecky asked, trying to lighten the mood.

I simply nodded, choosing not to engage further. I found myself complying with everything Diego demanded, unable to voice my true feelings.

He spoke with a frown, telling me to stop acting like that. But I couldn't understand how he could say that when he could clearly see my condition. My body felt weak and I was struggling to breathe.

Before I could respond, everything went black and I lost consciousness. I have no idea what happened next.

When I finally woke up, I found myself in a warm and cozy room. The doctor who had been taking my blood stood before me.

I noticed my mother and Ransom sitting by my side. Ransom had a serious expression on his face. As I tried to move, a sharp pain shot through my stomach. My mother quickly stopped me and offered her support.

"Don't move, my dear," she said gently.

"What happened, mom? Is my baby okay?" I asked, tears streaming down my face.

"Shhhh, don't worry. Your baby is safe. Our little girl is safe," my mother replied, smiling through her tears.

"I gave birth?" I asked, unable to believe it.

"Yes, through a Cesarean. Just like the doctor said, it was necessary because of the baby's condition. Her heartbeat was weak, so they're taking good care of her," my mother explained sadly.

My world shattered upon hearing this news. I pleaded to see my daughter, but my mother spoke firmly.

"You're not well yet. This time, think about yourself first. Your baby needs you to get stronger and rest," she said calmly.

He scolded me with a frown, telling me to stop behaving like that. It was hard to comprehend how he could say such things when he clearly saw my condition. My body felt weak and every breath was a struggle.

Before I could utter a word, darkness enveloped me and I lost consciousness. I have no recollection of what happened next.

When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself in a cozy room. The doctor who had been drawing my blood stood in front of me.

I noticed my mother and Ransom sitting beside me. Ransom had a grave expression on his face. As I tried to move, a sharp pain shot through my body. My mother quickly intervened, supporting me and urging me not to move.

"Stay still, my dear," she said gently.

"What happened, mom? Is my baby alright?" I asked, tears streaming down my face.

"Hush now, don't worry. Your baby is safe. Our little girl is safe," my mother reassured me, though her

Diego was engrossed in the newspaper, seemingly indifferent to my presence. Despite this, I hold onto hope that he will treat me better now that we have a child. When he caught my gaze, he approached me, our eyes locking in a brief moment.

"How are you feeling, Love?" he inquired.

His sudden display of affection doesn't surprise me. I know it's all an act for our mothers.

"I'm fine," I replied.

"The doctor said we can take the baby home tomorrow," he informed me with a smile.

"I've decided to name her Yumi," I shared, returning the smile.

"Beautiful. Congratulations to us both, Love," he congratulated me with a smile.

He's a master at putting on a show. Our mothers bought into his facade, unaware of the truth behind our relationship. Despite everything, I find solace in the safety of our child.

Shortly after, the doctor entered the room and my heart sank when he mentioned that Yumi would need to stay for observation due to her weak heartbeat.

"Let's pray for a speedy recovery," the doctor suggested with a smile.

Calm down, Mrs. Crosby. I can assure you that we will do our best to save your baby," he comforted me.

"We are willing to pay any amount, Doc," Ransom's mother stated seriously.

I felt a mix of worry and fear at that moment. I was uneasy, thinking about my baby's condition.

Shortly after, Ransom's mother bid goodbye, and a few minutes later, he did the same. My mother frowned and was surprised when Ransom left me at the hospital.

"How could Ransom leave you here?!" she asked firmly.

"You are here, mom," I replied.

"What if I'm not here? You're alone?" she inquired with a frown.

I held my breath at her words and searched for an excuse to defend Ransom. I looked for reasons that I could present to her because I didn't want her to have a negative opinion of Ransom.

"Mom, he has to go to work early tomorrow," I explained.

"You know that's not a valid reason, daughter. His father owns the company, and he can take leave if he wants to. It's an emergency case, and you're his wife," my mother insisted.

"Mom, let it go. His work is more important to us because our livelihood depends on it. He is the one who will provide for us, so he should focus on his work," I responded.

"You're missing the point, Mila. But anyway, rest first. You really need to take a break," she advised.

I just held my breath at my mother's words. I know I'm foolish to defend Ransom in her eyes. I know it's wrong to lie to my own mother. But I have no choice because it will be more challenging for me if my mother discovers the truth. I don't want to ruin my relationship with my stubborn husband. Despite his actions towards me, I still can't break up our family. Our daughter needs him, so I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep our family together.