Until now, Mariely still dreamt about that night. The memory would return again and again.
"No, no," she whispered weakly in her sleep. "P–Please, not my baby."
She only snapped out of it when she felt a light tap on her cheek. Slowly opening her eyes, she was met with the worried face of her fiancé.
"You're having another nightmare," Zean said, his voice filled with concern.
She sat up quickly, and Zean immediately helped her. Cold sweat drenched her skin. Her gaze wandered anxiously around the room, her stomach twisting until she rushed to the bathroom, gagging.
Even though she had undergone treatment to move past what happened, that night still haunted her—especially the trauma of almost being violated. Once again, she retched violently.
I'm disgusting, she thought bitterly. Anxiety gripped her, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face again.
Then she felt his arms—warm, steady, wordless—wrapping her in comfort.
"You'll be okay, hon. I won't leave you," Zean whispered.
"Z–Zean…" She clung to him, trembling, her tears soaking his shirt. Fear still lingered in every corner of her mind, refusing to let go.
"It's okay. Let's breathe in… and out. Calm your nerves. Just follow me." He met her eyes, steady and grounding.
She nodded faintly, obeying his rhythm. Slowly, her body calmed. Zean kissed her forehead.
"You need to sleep, love. No stress—you're so close to giving birth." His voice carried both worry and tenderness.
Mariely stroked her round belly. She was grateful, more than anything, that her baby had survived. With a sigh, she let Zean guide her back to bed.
He cupped her cheek and kissed her lips softly. She embraced him, her heart always at ease in his presence.
She whispered her gratitude for his constant support.
"Hon, will you stay beside me until I fall asleep? Please?"
He smiled. "Okay, but you have to promise me—you'll really sleep."
She nodded. Her movements were limited now, her belly heavy and full. She rubbed it gently, smiling faintly when she noticed Zean's hand joining hers, resting protectively over their child.
The engagement ring on her finger shimmered faintly, bringing warmth to her heart.
"Someday, that nightmare will fade on its own," Zean told her softly. "I know you're brave. And I'll always be here." He kissed her forehead again.
"Thank you, Zean. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'm scared… scared you might be taken away from me too soon."
"Shh. Sleep now, okay?" he soothed.
She nodded, closing her eyes. At last, sleep found her—without the torment of her trauma. She was always thankful for Zean, even when she didn't fully understand herself—when her anxiety struck, followed by panic, all heightened by the raw sensitivity of her pregnancy.
But she knew she must stay strong—for the life growing inside her, for the courage to face the world again.
*****
The next morning, elsewhere—
"Hon, are we visiting the hospital today?" Nadia asked her husband.
"Yes. It's been three days since Faith gave birth," Nathan replied.
She chuckled. "Veron gave birth to a baby girl just weeks ago, too."
Nathan laughed along with her.
"Mom, are we really going to visit them?" Their daughter Kaye asked eagerly.
"Yes," Nadia smiled. "We'll visit your Auntie Faith. She has a baby now—you all have a new cousin." She teased them playfully.
Her daughter frowned at the joke, making Nadia laugh even more.
"Come on, get ready now. We need to go." Nathan said to them.
As a mother, she dressed her three children before they left. Despite everything Mariely had gone through, she had delivered a healthy baby safely. Joy filled Nadia's heart. Just two weeks earlier, Veron had welcomed her own child.
They're all starting families, she thought warmly as she ushered the kids into the car.
At the hospital, they were greeted by a familiar nurse who led them to Faith's room. They knocked gently.
It was Frank who opened the door. "Come in," he said with a smile.
They stepped inside quietly.
"Mariely is still asleep," Frank whispered.
Nathan nodded, his eyes falling on Faith, fast asleep, and beside her—their tiny baby, the one who had nearly been lost.
"Xy, Kaye," Nadia reminded gently, "keep your voices down. Auntie Faith is still sleeping."
Excitement lit up their faces.
"Tito, can we see the baby?" Kaye asked Frank, barely containing her curiosity.
Frank chuckled softly. "Of course, but you must be very quiet. Baby's sleeping."
Kaye nodded eagerly, and Frank lifted her in his arms so she could peek at the newborn.
"Mommy, he's so cute," she whispered.
Nadia couldn't help but laugh quietly at her daughter's awe.
"Tito, can I touch him?" Kaye asked shyly.
Frank nodded. She gently touched the baby's tiny hand, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Tito, what's his name?" Xavier asked, gazing seriously at the infant.
"Liam Tristan," Frank answered proudly.
"What should I call him?" Xyrel wondered aloud.
Nadia shook her head, amused by their curiosity.
"I bet he'll take after you," she teased Frank.
He laughed.
"When will Faith and the baby be discharged?" Nathan asked.
"Maybe next week, once we're sure there are no complications," Frank replied.
"That's good. I'm glad they're both fine. You're a father now, Frank," Nadia said warmly.
Frank grinned. "Yes, I really am a dad now."
Nathan carefully lifted the baby into his arms. "He looks just like you. I just hope he doesn't inherit your crazy side."
Nadia burst into laughter at her husband's remark.
"Dad, can I hold Liam too?" Xyrel asked hopefully.
"No, not now. He's sleeping," Nathan said firmly.
"By the way, Frank, have you visited Veron yet?" Nadia asked.
"Not yet. Maybe when Faith is better, we'll go. I heard she had a baby girl."
"Yes, a girl," Nadia chuckled.
"Then maybe they'll be friends with our eldest," Frank said thoughtfully.
"Oh? Why—are you planning another so soon?" Nadia teased.
Frank hesitated. "We'll get married first," he said with a smile.
Just then, Faith's voice called out, "Nadia, Brother Nathan—you're here."
"Did we wake you?" Nadia asked.
Faith shook her head gently. "No, it's okay." She tried to sit up, and Frank quickly helped her.
"Tita Faith!" the children chorused excitedly.
"Oh, my little rascals are here," Faith laughed softly.
"They couldn't wait to see your baby," Nadia said, glancing at her husband, who still cradled Liam.
Faith giggled. "I can see that."
"Brother, time for another one," Mariely teased again.
"Hey, stop that," Nathan retorted, making everyone laugh harder.
"Faith, your baby looks just like his dad," Nathan added.
"That's what Mom Becca said too," Faith chuckled.
"Hopefully he won't inherit the attitude though." Nadia teased them.
"Hey! I'm not that bad," Frank protested.
The room filled with laughter. And in that moment, Nadia's heart swelled with happiness—because Faith had found joy with Frank, and together, they had been blessed with a child.