THE FORGOTTEN DAD

Chapter 6: Truths Unveiled

Jasmine walked through the bustling corridors of the Seoul hospital, her steps slow and deliberate as she approached the final check-up before her baby's delivery. Her pregnancy had been a challenging journey, filled with emotional and physical trials, but she was determined to face this last step with courage.

As she turned a corner, she almost collided with a familiar face. Dae Ho Kim stood before her, looking surprised and concerned. His eyes widened as he took in Jasmine's pregnant form, a mix of astonishment and worry evident in his expression.

"Jasmine?" Dae Ho's voice was a blend of disbelief and genuine concern. "Is that really you? What are you doing here, pregnant?"

Jasmine forced a small smile, her emotions a whirlwind. "Hello, Dae Ho. Yes, it's me. I'm here for a final check-up before I deliver."

Dae Ho's face softened with empathy. "I heard about the breakup between you and Emil. I tried to reach out, but I couldn't find you. I was worried and angry at Emil—how could he just replace you like that after everything?"

Jasmine's heart ached at his words, but she kept her composure. "I'm trying to let go of the past and start fresh for the sake of my child. I don't want to dwell on what happened with Emil."

Dae Ho nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I understand. I'm just glad you're here and that you're okay."

Dae Ho then looked at Jasmine with curiosity. "So, what's the gender of the baby?"

"It's a girl," Jasmine replied, her eyes lighting up with a tender glow as she spoke about her daughter.

Dae Ho smiled. "That's wonderful. Have you picked out a name yet?"

Jasmine's face softened further. "I've always wanted to name her Lily."

Dae Ho chuckled lightly. "Both your names are flower names—Lily and Jasmine. I suppose there's a theme going on."

Jasmine laughed, appreciating the light-hearted moment. "Yes, there is. Lily means purity and renewal. It seemed fitting for this new chapter in my life."

Dae Ho's expression grew thoughtful. "That's a beautiful meaning. I'm sure she'll live up to it."

Their conversation lingered on for a few more moments, filled with shared memories and quiet understanding. Dae Ho's presence was a comforting one, a reminder that not everyone had turned their back on her.

Eventually, Jasmine said her goodbyes, thanking Dae Ho for his kindness. As she walked back to her house, she felt a sense of peace from their encounter, a small comfort amidst the chaos of her life.

But her tranquility was short-lived. As she approached her home, her heart skipped a beat when she saw a figure standing in front of her house. Emil Lyle Langston was there, looking disheveled and worn. His suit was crumpled, his usually sharp appearance now marred by exhaustion and distress.

Jasmine froze, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn't believe her eyes. What was Emil doing here? And why did he look like he had been through so much?

Her mind raced with questions, but she couldn't find the words. Emil seemed to sense her presence and turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers with a mixture of desperation and regret.

"Jasmine," Emil's voice was hoarse, his face etched with pain. "I need to talk to you."

Jasmine's heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to confront him, to ask him what he was doing here, but the sight of his anguish made her hesitate. She had built a life away from him, had tried to find some semblance of peace, but now Emil's unexpected appearance threatened to bring everything crashing back.

"What are you doing here, Emil?" Jasmine managed to ask, her voice trembling slightly. "Why did you come back?"

Emil took a step toward her, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of her pronounced belly. His expression shifted from one of shock to deep concern. "Jasmine... you're really pregnant. Is... is this my child?"

Jasmine's face flushed with a mix of anger and hurt. "We're done, Emil. This is my life now. I don't owe you anything. I'm moving on, and I suggest you do the same."

Emil's face fell, his eyes reflecting the weight of her words. "But Jasmine, I need to know. If this is my child, I—"

Jasmine's anger flared. "Where were you all this time, Emil? You walked out on me when I needed you the most. The baby doesn't need a father who abandoned her and never will."

Just then, Jasmine's mother appeared at the door, her eyes wide with curiosity and concern. "Is it true? Is Emil really the father of your baby?"

Jasmine stuttered, her face paling as she struggled to find a way out of the uncomfortable situation. "Mom, I—"

Before she could come up with a plausible lie, Emil stepped forward, his face set with resolve. "Yes, it's true. I am the father of Jasmine's baby."

Jasmine's eyes shot to Emil, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a surge of frustration and helplessness as Emil's admission left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. Her mother's gaze moved between them, her expression a mix of shock and confusion.

Jasmine's shoulders sagged, the weight of the moment crashing down on her. She had hoped to keep her past with Emil buried, to build a new life without the shadows of her former relationship. But now, with Emil's confession and her mother's presence, everything was unraveling before her eyes.

As the tension hung heavy in the air, Jasmine took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. But suddenly, an intense pain gripped her lower abdomen. She gasped, clutching her belly as a contraction hit her unexpectedly. Her vision blurred slightly as she bent over, trying to breathe through the pain.

Emil's eyes widened in alarm as he saw Jasmine's distress. "Jasmine! What's happening? Are you okay?"

Jasmine's mother rushed to her side, her face filled with worry. "Jasmine, what's wrong? Is the baby coming?"

Jasmine, her breath coming in ragged gasps, managed to nod weakly. "I think... it's starting."

Emil's expression turned to one of panic as he took a step toward Jasmine, his previous resolve momentarily forgotten in the face of her suffering. "We need to get you to the hospital. Now."

Jasmine's mother, seeing the urgency in Emil's voice, nodded and quickly moved to help. The confrontation was forgotten as the immediate concern for Jasmine and her baby took over. Emil's presence, once a source of emotional turmoil, now became a crucial part of the effort to ensure Jasmine's safety.

As they hurried towards the car, the reality of the situation began to settle in. The past, the pain, and the unresolved feelings all converged in this single, pivotal moment. Jasmine could only focus on the immediate needs of her body and her child, while Emil's presence was a stark reminder of the complicated history they shared.

With a deep breath, Jasmine braced herself for what was to come, knowing that this was just the beginning of a new and uncertain chapter in her life.