Unchosen Crown

DAYLIGHT

Oliver's heart pounded against his ribs as he waited in the St. Mary's Hospital waiting room.

The immaculate walls seemed to close in around him, intensifying the apprehension that snaked through his veins. Only the incessant ticking of the clock on the wall broke the silence, each second marking the approach of the moment that would change his life forever.

If anyone had told him, even a million years ago, that he would be here waiting for his wife to give birth to his daughter, he would have laughed at the improbability of the idea. After all, he could never have imagined such a twist of fate. Yet there he was, sunk into the uncomfortable chair, nerves frayed, mind wandering to dark scenarios where everything went terribly wrong.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remember that Sofia was perfectly healthy, as was little Lily. This thought brought a moment of relief, temporarily calming the apprehension that tormented him.

As he waited, his mind traveled back in time, transporting him to seven months earlier. It was as if he could relive every detail of that fateful day when Lily's existence was revealed, turning his world upside down.

He remembered vividly Sofia, with her peculiarly irritable mood, going to the clinic for routine exams. Little did they know that those results would bring news that would forever change the course of their lives. When the doctor announced the hormonal changes consistent with pregnancy, the shock was overwhelming.

"You're young and blessed. Life has found a way," the doctor said with a serene smile. Sofia laughed, genuinely amused, while Oliver struggled to muster a smile, his mind still trying to process the new reality.

In the days that followed, he found himself in a state of denial.

Even with all the evidence before him — ultrasounds, exams, tests — fatherhood seemed distant and unreal. They say mothers embrace the role the moment they discover it, but for Oliver, a first-time father, the process would be more gradual and challenging.

The months passed in a blur, each day bringing new challenges and responsibilities. Amid unavoidable commitments — Sofia's pregnancy, preparatory meetings for the government, and, above all, the declining health of the Queen — Oliver barely had time to breathe. However, over time, he and Sofia grew closer, united by this unexpected but undeniably powerful bond.

The responsibility of fatherhood awakened in Oliver a fierce determination to ensure Sofia and his daughter's happiness.

As he adjusted to the new reality, Oliver couldn't help his thoughts from drifting to Ian. Part of him was still stuck in that moment in Spain, when they said their final goodbyes, with declarations of love that dissipated like sand in the wind.

News of Ian's life reached Oliver in fragments brought by Laura during their conversations: Ian had moved to Singapore, where his competence made him a rising star. The city's power circles idolized him, and rumors suggested he was in a relationship with the daughter of a prominent parliamentarian.

Laura mentioned that they talked on Facetime every day, an intimacy Oliver no longer shared with Ian.

Oliver never asked Laura how Ian reacted to the news of his fatherhood. The fear of the answer paralyzed him. He was afraid that knowing Ian was aware of his new reality could trigger a wave of emotions he struggled to keep under control.

Lost in thought, a familiar voice brought Oliver back to the present. Looking up, he saw Laura approaching, a cup of tea in her outstretched hands.

"I thought you might need this," she said softly.

"Laura, you're an angel," Oliver sighed, gratitude evident in his trembling voice.

The warmth of the cup against his palms was comforting, almost soothing.