Empress Of Wrath, Blood And Desire

Chapter 27: Sentiments

Aurora Velasco POV

"It looks like you're about four to five weeks pregnant, Sabrina. Congratulations on becoming a mother soon," the doctor announces with a bright, almost overly cheerful smile.

"It's nothing to be happy about..." I mutter, rolling my eyes as I keep my gaze fixed on the ceiling. The sterile lights of the hospital room are almost blinding, yet I'd rather stare into them than acknowledge the reality I'm now forced to face.

After I told Marcellous I was pregnant and cursed him out for a good few minutes, he didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled that damn smile of his stood up, and hugged me like it was the happiest moment of his life. I hated every second of it.

"I'm going to be a father. Thank you," he'd said, his voice full of warmth and sincerity, as he rubbed my stomach like I was the one who'd made him feel this way. I had to fight the urge to push him off.

And now here I am, sprawled on this uncomfortable hospital bed, a cold gel smeared across my stomach, while this Jessica Alba lookalike glides a scanner over me, broadcasting whatever's inside onto a screen.

A rapid, rhythmic sound fills the room with its heartbeat. Somehow, it's louder than anything else, drowning out even my own thoughts.

Ignoring my reaction, Marcellous speaks up, his voice edged with excitement. "So, it's healthy?"

I sigh, closing my eyes and willing this to end. How long can one exam possibly take?

The doctor glances at him, nodding. "By all appearances, everything looks good so far. And it'll stay that way if you take proper care of yourself, Sabrina." Her tone is gentle but firm as she meets my hard gaze.

My eyes shift to the screen. I can't tear them away. It's so... tiny. Unbelievably tiny. I have no idea how this life ended up inside me, growing without my permission. It feels surreal, like some strange, absurd twist of fate I never asked for.

"You hear that, Sabrina?" Marcellous' voice interrupts, and I nod without looking at him.

"If I didn't, I'd be asking you to get me a hearing aid," I snap, unable to resist.

He chuckles, unbothered by my sarcasm. "The mood swings are already kicking in. That's a good sign."

"Or a terrible one," I retort, letting a hint of warning slip into my tone. He doesn't seem to notice, or he's choosing not to.

The doctor gives a patient smile. "Don't worry, Sabrina. Soon enough, you'll adapt, and... you'll love this child more than you ever thought possible. It's only a matter of time."

I scoff under my breath, but I can't fully bring myself to look away from the screen.

The faint flicker of its heartbeat fills the air around me, a small, undeniable proof of life. I don't hate it, but I don't love it, either. I never been one to love, not after my family, I don't know if I'm even capable of it anymore. The truth is, I don't even love myself. So how could I ever love something I never wanted?

Something that's tied to me, depending on me.

The thought pulls at something buried deep, and it terrifies me.

All the people I've ever loved, are gone. They've vanished from my life, and I have nothing left to give. My sister, my beautiful sister... she did the loving for me. She took that weight off my shoulders, loving me so I didn't have to. But this... this child... I don't know if I have it in me to feel that kind of bond. There's a part of me that feels... something, a strange connection, but it's faint. Will it grow? Or will it stay as hollow as I feel now?