Chapter 122 Forever isn't Promised

Chapter 122 Forever isn't Promised
Mia's pregnancy continued to progress. She and Claus decided to hold a gender reveal party to celebrate this joyous moment in their lives. They sent out invitations to their one-time and only friends, Jack and his family. 

On the day of the party, the backyard was adorned with colorful decorations, and a large box stood in the center, filled with helium-filled balloons. Mia was glowing in her radiant pregnancy, her excitement palpable. 

Nick, their mischievous friend, couldn't resist teasing Mia about her pregnancy. 

"Mia, are you sure you're not carrying twins in there? You're positively enormous!"

Mia rolled her eyes, used to Nick's playful banter. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Nick."

Claus stepped in. "Leave Mia alone, Nick. She's beautiful, and the baby is healthy."

"I didn't say the opposite," Nick said before he vanished. Mia and Claus shared a weird glance and they burst into laughter

Mia and Claus, surrounded by their friends and Carol, stood by the large box of balloons. Together, they pulled the string, releasing a flurry of balloons into the sky.

As the balloons soared higher, they revealed their true colors, and the crowd collectively gasped in delight. It was a breathtaking sight as the balloons spelled out the word "BOY" in bright blue.

Mia's eyes welled up with tears of joy as she looked at Claus. "We're having a boy," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Samantha couldn't contain her excitement and hugged Mia tightly. "A little boy, how wonderful!"

Nick, always one to share his thoughts, couldn't resist chiming in. "Well, Claus, looks like you'll have your hands full with a son. Boys are a handful, you know."

Everyone laughed at Nick's comment. Samantha added, "Yeah, boys are like wild tornadoes!"

Taylor leaned down to the young girl's level. "You're absolutely right, Sam. They're like mini-tornadoes of energy and mischief."

Claus chuckled, nodding in agreement. "I suppose I'll have to start preparing for the adventures of raising a son."

Mia grinned at Claus. "We'll figure it out together, just like we always do."

He was quiet. Mia read his expression. 

“What? What’s wrong?”  

He sighed. “You know…” He paused. “Mia, with the kind of past I have…the people I’ve caused harm, either intentionally or not…you know I can’t be happy forever. I don’t deserve that. Sooner or later, the consequence will catch up with me.”

Mia cupped his face. She understood what he was trying to say quite well. 

“Then let’s make every moment count…until it doesn’t anymore.” 

After the joyous gender reveal party, Mia and Claus retreated to their cozy home for a romantic evening together. The soft glow of candles illuminated the room as they savored the happiness of the day.

As they cuddled on the couch, basking in the warmth of their love, their attention was drawn to the television. The breaking news showed a familiar face—the Beast, the man responsible for their harrowing ordeal.

Mia's mood shifted instantly as she remembered the horrors they had endured at the hands of that criminal mastermind. Her face paled, and her grip on Claus's hand tightened.

The Beast had been sentenced to death by electrocution. They have also caught some of his men that fled. 

Claus noticed the change in her demeanor and gently asked, "Mia, what's wrong?"

She turned to him, her eyes filled with unease. "Seeing him on TV just brought back all those memories, Claus. What we went through... I can't believe he's still making headlines even now."

Claus nodded in understanding, his arm wrapped protectively around her. "I know, Mia. It's hard to forget what happened. But he's behind bars now, and justice is being served."

Mia hesitated for a moment and then spoke softly, "Claus, do you think we could visit Rick's grave? It's been a while since I've been there."

Claus looked into her eyes, his expression filled with compassion. "Of course, Mia. We can visit his grave whenever you're ready."

She smiled weakly, her mood beginning to lift. "Thank you, Claus. It would mean a lot to me."

Claus leaned in and gently kissed her forehead. "We'll go together, and when you're ready. But for now, let's focus on our evening together."

He reached for a guitar nearby and started to play a sweet melody, something he knew always brought a smile to Mia's face. The soothing music filled the room, and Mia gradually relaxed in Claus's embrace.

Two weeks later. Mia and Claus were in the living room. Carol was in the kitchen. Mia says she wants to do a sexy dance. Claus refused, but she persuaded him until he agreed. 

She took her position at the center of the room. Mia began to feel a series of sharp pains in her lower abdomen. At first, she dismissed them as discomfort from the pregnancy, but the pain soon intensified, and she couldn't ignore it any longer.

Mia winced and held her belly, her face contorted in pain. Claus immediately noticed her distress and rushed to her side, his concern evident.

"Mia, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Claus asked, his voice filled with worry.

Mia took deep breaths, trying to manage the pain. "I... I think it's... it's labor, Claus."

Claus's eyes widened in realization. "Labour? Are you sure?"

Mia nodded, her voice shaky. "Yes, Claus. It's time." Carol rushed to the living room. 

Panic and excitement coursed through Claus as he helped Mia to her feet. Carol grabbed her hospital bag, which they had packed weeks ago in preparation for this moment, and made sure they had everything they needed.

With great care, Claus guided Mia to the car, helping her into the passenger seat. He started the engine and drove to the hospital, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, his heart racing with anticipation.

As they arrived at the hospital, Claus rushed Mia inside, where the medical staff quickly attended to her. Mia was guided to a labor room, and Claus was by her side every step of the way, holding her hand and offering words of encouragement.

Hours passed, and the labor progressed steadily. Mia's pain was intense, but Claus's unwavering support helped her through each contraction. They counted down the minutes, waiting for the moment when they would finally meet their baby.

The room was filled with the sounds of Mia's labored breathing and the reassuring voices of the medical team. Claus wiped sweat from Mia's brow, his own excitement mixed with nervousness