Chapter 8 - Chapter Eight GoodNews

CHAPTER EIGHT — Good News Victorine was feeling worse than usual that morning, her stomach churning, her body burning. Juliana glanced at her as they stepped out of the mansion. "You really shouldn't have tried to get ready, Victorine ," Juliana said. "I… I felt like I had to," Victorine murmured, leaning slightly on Juliana 's arm. "Come on, let's just get you to the hospital. We'll sort this out," Juliana insisted. The car ride was quiet. Victorine shivered occasionally, the fever rising. When they arrived at the fertility clinic, Juliana helped her inside. "Right, let's get you checked," Juliana said to the receptionist. Victorine sat, trying to steady her breathing. Her phone buzzed. She picked it up. "It's the hospital… my brother's hospital." Juliana looked concerned. "What did they say?" "He… they said I should rush down. Something urgent." "Alright, finish here quickly, then we'll go," Juliana said. The fertility doctor entered. "Morning, Victorine . You're looking a bit pale." "Not great," Victorine admitted. "Fever, nausea." "Nothing to worry about, just part of the early pregnancy. Let's check your scans." Victorine watched as the screen lit up. The doctor smiled. "All good. Embryos implanted well. Strong. Healthy. And… you're expecting twins." Victorine gasped. "Twins?" "Yes," the doctor said casually. "Both fine. Nothing alarming." Juliana grinned. "That's wonderful." Victorine laughed softly. "I didn't expect this." The doctor nodded. "It's all looking very safe. Keep up your care, rest, and don't overthink it." "Thanks," Victorine said. They wrapped up and left the fertility clinic quickly. "Now… let's get to your brother," Juliana said. At the hospital, the doctor came out to meet them. "Miss Victorine ?" he asked. "Yes, sir," Victorine said. "Your brother's stable. We've found a donor. Operation scheduled soon." Victorine 's eyes lit up. "That's… that's amazing." "Yes, he'll be fine," the doctor assured her. "We just need to keep him comfortable until the transplant." "How long until the surgery?" Juliana asked. "Before the week ends. All things going smoothly, he'll have it done." Victorine nodded, relief flooding her. "Thank you, Doctor." They went into her brother's room. "Daniel!" Victorine said softly. He looked up, weak but smiling. "Liv… you're here." "Good news, Danny. Donor's found. You'll have your operation soon," she said. Daniel's face lit up. "Really? That's… that's brilliant!" Juliana smiled. "Everything's going to be okay." Victorine held his hand. "I'm right here. You're going to be fine." He chuckled weakly. "You always know how to calm me down." A nurse peeked in. "The team's ready when you're all set." The doctor joined them. "Everything is looking good. Your sister has been managing well, and Victorine here is keeping herself steady. Nothing to worry about. Twins, and your brother is stable. Quite a happy day, eh?" "Very happy," Juliana said. Victorine laughed softly, squeezing Daniel's hand. "Twins… and you'll be fine. Everything's… everything's turning out okay." The doctor smiled. "Indeed. Rest now, both of you. We'll start preparations soon." Victorine leaned back, relaxed finally. "I feel lighter already." Juliana chuckled. "See? That's the power of good news." Daniel smiled. "Couldn't have done it without you." "You did plenty," Victorine replied. "Now, you just need to get better." The doctor glanced at them. "Simple now, don't overthink. It's all under control." "Thank you, Doctor," Juliana said. "Thank you," Victorine added. "Alright, I'll leave you to it," the doctor said. "Try to rest, all of you. Everything is on track." Victorine and Juliana stayed a while longer, chatting lightly with Daniel. Nothing dramatic, nothing heavy, just simple conversation: "Remember the last time we played cards?" Victorine said, smiling. Daniel laughed softly. "I won. I won't let anyone forget it." Juliana shook her head, smiling. "That was years ago. You barely remember how to play now." Daniel grinned. "Doesn't matter. Good times, still funny." Victorine laughed. "I'm just glad you'll be okay." "Yes," Daniel said, squeezing her hand. "Really glad." They left the hospital after some more light chatter. Juliana turned to Victorine . "Feeling better?" "Yes, much. Everything… Everything's good. Twins… Danny's donor… all of it." "Good. Now let's get you home before you overdo it," Juliana said. Victorine smiled softly, holding her stomach. "I'm… I'm happy." "Good," Juliana said. "We'll keep it that way." And for the first time that day, Victorine felt like she could finally breathe. Twins growing safely inside her. Her brother's operation soon. Everything slowly falls into place. Victorine stepped into the Harrington mansion, still holding her stomach gently. Juliana followed behind, smiling softly. "How are you feeling now?" Juliana asked. "Much better," Victorine said. "All the good news… it just… it's overwhelming in a good way." "You've earned it," Juliana replied. "Twins and your brother's donor — can't ask for more today." Just then, Alex entered the hall, looking slightly tired but curious. "Hello, ladies," he said. "How's everyone?" Victorine smiled nervously. "I'm… okay, sir. Everything's fine." Alex noticed her pale cheeks but also the spark of relief in her eyes. "You look like you've been through a storm." "Just a bit of morning sickness," she said lightly, trying to sound casual. Juliana laughed softly. "And a lot of excitement. Both good news and little scares today." Alex raised an eyebrow. "Good news?" "Yes," Victorine said, gathering courage. "The doctor confirmed everything… the implant is safe, the embryos are healthy, and… I'm carrying twins." Alex blinked, stunned for a moment, then a slow smile spread across his face. "Twins, really?" "Yes, sir," Victorine said, a little shyly. Juliana reached out and held Victorine 's hand. "Both strong and healthy." Alex took a deep breath and shook his head in amazement. "I… I can't believe it. That's incredible. You've done so well." Victorine blushed slightly. "Thank you, sir. I'm just… glad everything's okay." "And your brother?" Alex asked, glancing at Juliana. Juliana nodded. "The donor has been found. The operation will be this week, and he'll be fine." Alex let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness. That's a huge weight off your shoulders." Victorine smiled softly. "Yes… it is. I can finally breathe a little." Alex looked at her, admiration in his eyes. "You've been incredible through all of this, Victorine . Honestly, I don't know how you've stayed so strong." She shook her head. "It wasn't just me. Juliana has been… amazing. And knowing my brother is going to be okay… it helps." Juliana smiled warmly. "You'll need rest now, darling. The twins are growing, and you need to take care of yourself." Victorine nodded. "I will. I promise." Alex moved closer. "Well, I'd say we celebrate this good news. How about something light? Tea? Maybe some sandwiches?" Victorine laughed softly. "Tea sounds perfect." Juliana grinned. "I'll make it. Victorine , you sit. No standing for you today." Alex chuckled. "Good plan. You've earned it. You both have." Victorine felt a warmth spread through her chest. For the first time in days, she could relax, even if just a little. "And twins," Alex added, glancing at her with a gentle smile. "That's… amazing. Truly amazing." "Yes," Juliana agreed. "Life has a way of giving unexpected surprises, doesn't it?" Victorine nodded. "I just… I feel lucky. And I'm grateful. For everything." "Good," Alex said. "We'll take care of you. All of us. That's a promise." They moved into the sitting room together, light chatter filling the air — nothing heavy, nothing dramatic, just simple conversation: "So," Alex said, "do we know the genders yet?" Victorine shook her head. "Not yet. The doctor said it's too early. But twins… It's exciting enough already." Juliana laughed softly. "Indeed. You two will have your hands full in a few months." "Hopefully not too full," Alex replied, grinning. "But it'll be wonderful." Victorine smiled, her hand still resting on her belly. "I just hope they're healthy. That's all I want." "They will be," Juliana said firmly. "And we'll make sure of it. All of us together." Alex nodded. "Agreed. Nothing can shake this family now. Not after today." Victorine leaned back, finally feeling at ease. The twins inside her, her brother's future secured, and Juliana and Alex by her side — it felt like the world had finally tilted in her favour, even just a little. "Thank you," she said softly. "For what?" Alex asked. "For everything," Victorine replied. "For believing in me. For… well, just… being here." "You've done all the hard work," Juliana said. "We're just here to make sure you stay safe and comfortable." Alex smiled warmly. "Exactly. And I'll make sure no one causes trouble either. Starting now." Victorine laughed softly. "I hope that includes Alex's mother." Juliana chuckled. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, just enjoy this moment." "Yes," Victorine agreed. "This… this is enough for today." And for the first time in a long while, the mansion felt peaceful. Twins safely growing. Her brother is ready for treatment. A family — small but strong — ready to face the days ahead. "Tea's ready," Juliana announced. "Come sit, relax, and let's enjoy this calm while it lasts." Victorine smiled, settling into the chair. Alex and Juliana flanked her, light chatter continuing, laughter mixing softly with the clinking of cups. For now, that was all that mattered.