145 Reality
Mara
We lingered quietly on the cliffside, the gentle breeze offering minimal comfort as I held Lucian, feeling the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat gradually returning to normal.
None of us had expected this tragedy-but the signs had been there. Dr. Green had warned us months ago about potential complications from Tina’s reckless use of medications to mimic pregnancy symptoms.
Despite my dislike for Tina, seeing her collapse under the crushing reality of her actions had moved something deep within me. Motherhood could fundamentally change a person-and it seemed to have done so instantly for Tina.
In mere moments, her obsession with Lucian vanished, replaced by raw remorse and profound regret. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder how she ever thought she’d get away with such a dangerous gamble.
I’d secretly hoped the baby wouldn’t be Lucian’s, but Tina wasn’t foolish. She knew precisely what she was doing, and that made the situation even more tragic.
As Lucian and I sat silently at the cliff, words escaped me. I had no comforting phrases, no hopeful platitudes. I wasn’t sure how to ease his pain-I wasn’t even sure how to ease my own. We simply stayed there, letting the quiet wrap around us, each moment heavy with grief.
After a while, sensing that it was time, I stood slowly, extending my hand toward Lucian. He took it without protest, rising wordlessly beside me. The drive home was silent, the weight of unspoken sadness hanging heavily between us.
When we stepped inside, Darian and Tiffany were sitting in the living room, but our silence communicated clearly that something was very wrong. We moved past them without speaking, heading straight for the bedroom.
“Is everything alright?” Darian’s voice linked gently into my mind, cautious and concerned.
For a moment, I hesitated. It wasn’t fair to leave him guessing, especially when the tension was so obviously thick.
Finally, I replied quietly through the link. “The baby is Lucian’s, but he was born with a severe diaphragmatic hernia. It was caused by the medications Tina took to fake pregnancy symptoms. He’s in critical condition right now. No one is sure if he’ll survive.”
A heavy silence followed, and I knew Darian was processing the news.
Eventually, he asked carefully, “Is it okay if I come see Lucian?”
I exhaled deeply, sensing the fragile state Lucian was in. “Not yet, Darian. Lucian needs a bit of space to process all this first. Just give him some time.”
Darian paused again, considering. “Alright. Tiffany and I will take Emma out to the park for a while. Call me if you need anything.”
I appreciated the gesture, though they’d been quiet and unobtrusive, not disturbing us at all. But perhaps they sensed that giving us the house to ourselves would be best for now.
“Thank you,” I linked back softly, grateful for his thoughtfulness.
Turning my attention back to Lucian, who sat on the edge of our bed with an expression of quiet devastation, I realized all we could do now was wait-and pray the child would somehow pull through. We needed a miracle, and I hoped desperately the goddess was listening.
Lucian slowly removed his clothes and stretched out on our bed, lying quietly in only his shorts. For a moment, I stood
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awkwardly, unsure of what to say or do. The tension in the air was thick, unspoken pain still lingering.
He glanced at me and motioned gently. “Come lie down, Mara.”
+8 Points >
I moved toward him, still clothed, and he shook his head softly. “Not with all that on,” he murmured with faint tenderness.
Without further hesitation, I stripped down to my underwear and slid into bed beside him. Immediately, he reached out, placing his warm palm gently against my lower belly, fingers brushing lightly against my skin. His eyes held mine, serious and full of meaning, as he leaned in and kissed me tenderly.
“Please promise me you’ll take good care of yourself and our baby,” Lucian pleaded softly, his voice filled with urgency and quiet desperation.
“I promise,” I whispered, nodding. His arms encircled me tightly, pulling me close. We lay still for a long moment, wrapped in the comforting silence. Eventually, he released me slightly, and we shifted into a comfortable spooning position.
Lucian sighed deeply, his voice gentle but determined. “I’m ready to move forward, Mara. Whatever happens, I’ll face it. I’m
over it now.”
I knew he meant it, and I trusted the strength behind those words. Together, we drifted into an uneasy but comforting sleep.
I awoke suddenly to the relentless vibration of my phone. Lucian had wrapped himself around me so securely that slipping away felt nearly impossible. My movement woke him instantly, and I silently wished I’d ignored the call and stayed nestled safely in his arms.
Checking my screen, my heart sank. Seven missed calls from my father. A surge of worry flooded me-he worked at the
hospital and knew firsthand about the baby’s condition. I felt dread gnawing at my stomach as I sat up, giving Lucian a faint, reassuring smile even though panic rose in my chest.
It would look suspicious if I stepped away, so I took a deep breath, summoned my courage, and dialed back my father
immediately.
He answered before the first ring finished. “Thank goddess, Mara-I’ve been trying to reach you.”
I remained silent, anxiety gripping me.
“How is Lucian taking it?” my father asked cautiously, concern evident in his tone.
“As well as can be expected,” I responded quietly, glancing at Lucian, who was now sitting up and watching me carefully.
My father sighed, then hesitated briefly. “Listen, Mara. I need to speak to Lucian directly about something urgent.”
“This isn’t the right time, Father,” I tried to warn softly, shaking my head even though he couldn’t see.
“It’s important, Mar,” my father pressed firmly, using my childhood nickname. “I know I shouldn’t interfere, but there’s
something you both need to know. I can’t stand by quietly when I might know of another way-a specialist, an option-
that could save that child’s life.”
I didn’t even have to think about it. Hope surged inside me, fierce and sudden. “We’re at home-come quickly.”
Ending the call abruptly, I met Lucian’s questioning gaze. My heart raced with anticipation and fear, but I held onto hope desperately. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance.
