NOT JUST A GIFT

Chapter 13

Choosing Paris was one of the best decisions Vera had made for her honeymoon.

As they strolled, hand in hand on the streets of Paris, Vera couldn't help but feel like she was living a dream. The Eiffel Tower rose majestically in the distance, its iron latticework glinting in the sunlight. Charles smiled down at her, his eyes shining with happiness, while Ariel skipped ahead, her little feet pattering on the pavement.

Their honeymoon suite at the luxurious hotel Ritz was a Haven of opulence, with velvet drapes crystal chandeliers, and a stunning view of the city. They spent their days exploring the Louvre, holding hands on the Seine River Cruise, and indulging in croissants and champagne at a quaint sidewalk cafe.

One evening, as they watched the sunset from the Eiffel Towers observation deck, Charles romantically whispered sweet nothings in Vera's ears, making her blush Ariel, sensing the romance, giggled and wrapped her hands around their necks, forming a family hug

They strolled along the Champs-Elysees, as the night falls, taking in the twinkling light and street performers. Vera couldn't ignore the feeling of a queen Walking alongside her King and her princess as she smiled non-stop, they danced under the stars, their love shining brighter than the brightest Parisian lights.

As they settled in their plush bed that night, Vera couldn't hold herself from smiling as she reminisced on all that had happened during their honeymoon it's been more like a dream than reality. Ariel snuggled between them.

Vera couldn't believe how hard it was for her to get out of bed the next morning, her body felt like it was engulfed in flames, her skin burning with an intense fever. She tried to lift her head, but it felt like a load of weight, impossible to move her mind was foggy, her thoughts disjointed. She whispered her husband's name, but her voice was barely audible.

Charles's eyes widened in terror as he gazed at Vera's limp form. He shook her gently, pleading, "Vera, please wake up, don't do this to me, Vera." But she didn't respond.

Panic set in as he felt her scorching skin he leaped out of bed, confused and frustrated with his heart racing like a jackhammer. He grabbed his phone, frantically searching for the nearest hospital. His hands trembled as he dialed the number, his voice shaking as he explained the situation to the operator.

"Ariel, stay here, Daddy will be right back!" He exclaimed, dashing out of the room to check if the taxi had arrived his mind reeling with fears of hospitalization, illnesses, and unknown dangers.

Vera's consciousness flickered, her body wrenched with pain. She felt herself drifting away, her vision blurring. She whispered Charles's name again. Her voice was weak and faint.

"I'm here, my love, I've got you," Charles whispered as he scooped up her limp form, cradled in his arms. His eyes Falling onto her face. "We'll get through this together, I promise.

The Parisian streets blurred together as they sped towards the hospital, their lives hanging in the balance.

Charles rushed through the doors of the hospital, carrying Vera in his arms, Ariel railing behind, her eyes wide with worry. The cool antiseptic air enveloped them, a stark contrast to the warmth of their hotel room.

"Help! Please, someone should help us!" Charles called out, more like a cry

A nurse hurried towards them, her expression concerned. "What's happening? What's wrong with her?"

"She's burning up, and she won't wake up!" Charles exclaimed, his fear palpable.

The nurse quickly ushered them into a nearby examination room. Charles gently laid her on the bed, his hands trembling as he stroked her hair.

Ariel clung to Charles's leg, her small voice whispering, "Mommy....... Mommy......"

The nurses quickly took Vera's vital signs, her brows furrowed in concern. "We need to get her temperature down. I'll get the doctor." another nurse stood close to Charles with a file "Who's she to you please, sir? Her name age and location." She nodded as Charles answered her "Please sir you'll have to come with me."

As they waited, Charles held Vera's hand, his eyes fixed on his pale face. "Come on, my love, fight this. Vera, come back to me."

The doctor burst in, a stethoscope around his neck. " Let's get an IV in her, we'll run some tests. We'll do everything within our power to make sure she's okay"

The medical team swirled around Vera, their movements swift and precise. Charles watched them as they worked to save his very own Vera, his strong wife, but couldn't do anything other than pray.

Ariel's small voice pierced the chaos. "Daddy, is Mommy going to be fine?"

Charles scooped her up, holding her close. "We're doing everything we can, sweetie. We'll get through this together" he walked out with Ariel.

Charles's face lit up with joy as he turned to Vera, his eyes shining with tears. "Vera, oh Vera, we're going to be parents again? Ariel is going to have a baby brother or sister!"

Vera's eyes fluttered open, a faint smile on her lips. "our little family is growing," she whispered, her voice weak but full of wonder.

Just then, Ariel burst into the room, her eyes sparkling with excitement, she paused. "Mommy! Daddy!" She smiled and ran to hug them.

Charles scooped her up in his arms twirling her around. "Sweetie, you're going to be a big sister! Mommy's having a baby!"

Ariel's eyes widened in delight. "Baby sister? Or brother?"

Vera smiled, her voice still weak. "We don't know yet, sweetie. But you'll get to find out soon."

Ariel squealed with excitement, hugging Charles and Vera tightly.

Charles and Vera laughed, their hearts full of joy,

As they settled back into their home after the honeymoon.

Charles couldn't help but want to pamper Vera, ensuring her comfort and rest.  He insisted on having a house help, to assist with household chores and care for Ariel, so Vera could focus on her well-being and that of the baby.

Vera protested initially, "Charles, I'm perfectly fine and I'm capable of taking care of our home and family

But Charles was adamant, "My love, you're at work already, it's high time you take a chill pill, let's take care of you. Maria will be of great help, please, my love.

Vera's resistance eventually gave way to gratitude as Maria took over the household tasks, allowing Vera to relax and enjoy her pregnancy. Ariel was thrilled to have Maria's attention and help with her homework sometimes when Mr Charles was busy.

As the days went by, Vera's belly grew, and their little family flourished. Charles doted on Vera, to make sure she got all her cravings met, and Maria ensured the house remained spotless.

Vera was happy that Maria was there. She had so much time to Bond with her family and experienced pregnancy in a better way.

As the four of them hugged, Vera's eyes met Charles's and they shared a moment of pure love and gratitude.