Chapter 78 She Gave Birth to a Girl
The black Maybach was parked on the street.
The window was barely down, but it didn't block the view at all.
Alex sat in the back seat, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing together, eyes locked on the figure ahead.
Two months since they last met. Emily looked a bit plumper, her face rosy, eyes relaxed. She had a calm, gentle vibe all around her.
Compared to the old Mrs. Baker who always hovered around him and tiptoed on eggshells, she was living much freer now.
Next to her... was Matthew.
You could tell they got along easily.
Assistant Michael sat in the passenger seat, not daring to breathe.
The cooperation deal in Paris this time wasn't that big a deal.
Normally... Mr. Baker didn't need to fly over himself.
But he came anyway. After landing, he skipped the hotel and meetings, heading straight to this west district of Paris.
Waited here half the day, just to catch a glimpse of Miss Johnson.
Michael sneaked a peek at his boss in the rearview mirror.
Alex's face was calm, but his deep eyes were dead silent, colder than midwinter.
Michael spoke carefully: "Mr. Baker, Miss Johnson... she looks like she's doing great. Mr. Moore's been by her side, taking good care of her. You..."
Alex didn't say a word.
After a long pause.
He slowly looked away, voice flat: "Let's go."
Michael froze: "Huh? But the deal isn't..."
"Hand it to the branch."
Michael almost wanted to cry. They flew all this way just to see Miss Johnson once?
Ditching the deal entirely, while the other side was waiting eagerly!
"Okay, I'll book tickets now." Michael quickly bought two return tickets online.
The car slowly pulled away, and Alex leaned back in his seat without another word.
...
A few more months flew by.
Paris was deep into fall, the wind blowing cold.
Emily's belly was huge now. Movement was a bit tough, but she felt great.
Less than a year in Paris, she'd shone at HQ, landing four international projects in a row.
Her jewelry and gown designs made her a company star, salary jumped several times—no worries about supporting the baby.
That day.
She'd just wrapped up a set of custom jewelry drafts.
"Ms. Lee, I sent the final version to your email. After three reviews, it's ready for the client." Emily sat behind her desk, looking relaxed.
Her computer screen showed the design with fresh ideas blended in.
"Awesome, this one's perfect for center stage."
"Emily, your maternity leave is approved. You can start resting today."
"Our policy's generous. Take it easy, job's waiting for you."
"Company's giving birth benefits too... full package anyway."
Emily smiled lightly: "Thanks, Director Lee."
One reason she picked Paris.
Super women-friendly, with strong welfare perks.
Sophia teased: "Why thank me? You're the talent. New mom status unlocked, but you're still you. Can't wait for you back at work!"
"Okay."
After hanging up, she let out a long breath, hand gently on her big belly: "Baby, we'll meet soon. Mom's got stuff ready for you... uh!"
Suddenly, mid-sentence, a sharp pain hit her belly. Warm, clear fluid gushed out from below, no control.
Emily stayed calm fast.
Her water broke!
But hospital was a drive away...
"Breathe... it's okay baby, Mom'll keep you safe." She deep-breathed steadily, no panic.
Years on her own had made her cool under pressure.
She called Matthew first: "Matthew, my water broke. Might give birth any minute."
"What?! On my way!" Matthew bolted from the meeting room.
"Too late to come here—head straight to hospital. I'm good, ambulance should be coming." Emily breathed through the contractions.
If not for the project wrapping up these last days, she'd already be admitted. But now was fine, still plenty of time.
Emily hung up, stood with belly supported.
Hospital bag was packed ages ago.
She'd prepped a month back.
Deep breaths nonstop. Gave ambulance the address, then sat quiet on the sofa waiting.
Scared? Sure. But mostly excited.
"Hurry! Cervix at 5 cm—hospital now!"
Ambulance got there quick, rushed her to her checkup hospital.
Docs and nurses took over, checks done, wheeled straight to delivery.
Nurse saw her alone and looked surprised: "Miss Johnson, your family? Need a signature."
Emily lay on the bed, grabbed the form, signed it. "I got it."
Nurse didn't push—single moms were common.
Emily never knew birth hurt this bad before.
Sweat poured down her forehead, fingers gripped the sheets tight.
Outside delivery.
Matthew rushed up: "Doctor, I want to be in there! I'm..."
"Waa—"
Before he could barge in, a loud, clear baby cry rang out.
Matthew froze: "She had it?"
Inside.
Nurse brought the baby over: "Congrats, it's a girl! Born pretty, looks just like you."
The tiny baby was pink and smooth, not wrinkly like most newborns.
Emily weakly lifted a hand: "Baby..."
"Good, Mom got you here safe." She whispered.
Looking at that little face, her eyes welled up.
Her daughter.
Her closest family in the world.
"Okay, we'll do newborn checks first. Bring her back to your room soon."
Hospital service was top-notch, big on calming moms.
Emily felt totally at ease.
Exhausted, she passed out right away.
Right then.
Outside the room.
Doctor came out smiling: "Congrats, mom and baby girl are fine. Little princess is adorable."