Rafael Vexley's shoulders shook, not with anger this time, but with a grief so deep it left him trembling.
James stepped closer, the harsh hospital light catching on the worry etched across his face, but he didn't speak. There were no words that could dull this kind of devastation. He placed a reassuring hand on Rafael's shoulder. "She'll come around, Rafael. Love like yours doesn't fade. Just hold on."
Three hours dragged by in agonizing slowness, the room filled with the rhythmic beep of machines and Rafael's quiet sobs. Then, Eliana stirred. Her honey eyes fluttered open, and immediately, her hand flew to her swollen belly. A sharp, explosive pain ripped through her abdomen, like fire twisting inside her. She gasped, curling inward as tears sprang to her eyes. "Ahh... it hurts... so much..."
Rafael jolted upright, his tears forgotten in an instant. He leaned over her, his voice urgent and soothing. "Eliana! Oh God, you're awake. Shh, my love, breathe. I'm here."
