Hospital.


    The hurried p of footsteps echoed through the hushed corridors, slicing through the oppressive stillness.


    Nte and Finley looked up at the sound, and there, finally, was Victor-the man they''d been searching for all this time.


    Victor looked frantic. Veins stood out at his temples, his dress shirt and cks rumpled and sweat-stained, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. "Where''s Isadora?" he demanded, voice raw. "Where is she?"


    Nte sprang to her feet the moment she saw him, her emotions boiling over. "Victor, what took you so long? If anything happens to Isadora, I swear, you''ll answer to me first!"


    Finley gently held Nte back. "Enough. Don''t," he said quietly.


    He turned to Victor. "Isadora''s still in the delivery room. She hasn''te out yet."


    Victor''s gaze shot to the closed door down the hall, its red warning light ring like an usation.


    Every muscle in his body tensed. He forced out the words, his voice tight. "I''m going in. She shouldn''t be alone."


    After a few quick words with the doctor, Finley nodded.


    Victor wasted no time he pulled on a sterile gown, scrubbed his hands, and strode inside.


    The delivery room was thick with tension, the air heavy with anxiety.


    A sharp, agonized cry cut through the silence.


    Isadoray on the bed, clutching the rails with white-knuckled hands. Sweat beaded on her brow, soaking the hair at her temples, her teeth clenched as she fought through the pain.


    Beside her, the obstetrician encouraged her gently, "Mrs. Fitzgerald, just a little more. You''re doing great-onest push!"


    Victor''s eyes stung at the sight. His chest ached with helplessness and guilt, and he rushed to her side, gripping her hand tightly in his own.


    In that moment, fear and desperation threatened to swallow him whole. He clung to her hand as if it were the only thing keeping him grounded, needing to feel her -to know she was still there.


    His lips trembled as he choked out her name. "Isadora! Isadora, I''m here. I''m with you."


    Isadora seemed to hear his voice through the haze of pain, his grip grounding her as she forced her eyes open. There he was-the man she''d longed for.


    Her vision blurred with tears.


    Victor felt his heart tear in two, the pain sharp and overwhelming. His voice cracked. "We''re never doing this again. Never."


    The doctor''s voice broke in, urgent. "Mrs. Fitzgerald, almost there! One more time push!"


    Isadora''s face was paper white, her breath ragged, but she summoned thest of her strength.


    And then-


    A piercing, newborn wail filled the room, clear and bright, like the first light of dawn after the longest night.


    The doctor beamed and announced loudly, "Congrattions, Mr. Fitzgerald. It''s a girl!"


    *


    The private hospital suite was hushed, as peaceful as a world apart.


    Isadoray sleeping, hershes long and dark like the sweep of a paintbrush, her features delicate and serene, her pale cheeks touched with the faintest flush. She looked like the subject of a master''s painting-utterly still, heartbreakingly beautiful.


    Victor sat at her side, silent, her hand


    wrapped tightly in his own, presse to his check as if he could absorb her warmth.


    He stared at the letter she had written her handwriting neat, elegant, full of life.


    "Victor,


    I''ve been wanting to talk to youtely, but I keep drifting off.


    It must be because the baby''s busy storing up energy, eager to meet us.


    You''re always so busy during the day.


    By the time you get home at night, I''m already asleep.


    So when I can''t sleep, I write you these letters.


    Every day, the doctores by to check up on me.


    Today, he said the baby could arrive at any moment now.


    I felt nervous when I heard that, but even more excited and hopeful.


    So I''ve been extra careful with everything I do.


    Earlier in the pregnancy, I didn''t feel much different.


    But now, with the baby almost here, I


    keep wondering what she''ll look like-will she have big eyes or small, look more like you or like me?? Catch myself smiling just thinking about it.