Hearts On The Highrise

Bonus Chapter : The Fight for Love

I sat on the cold hospital floor, my back pressed against the wall, knees pulled tightly to my chest, my face buried in my hands. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. The weight of everything crashed over me in waves, drowning me in helplessness. My heart ached, every breath felt like a struggle, and all I could think about was Charlotte. The woman I loved, the mother of our child, the one who made me believe in forever. And now, forever felt like it was slipping through my fingers.

My thoughts were a jumble of memories—Charlotte's laughter, the way she'd crinkle her nose when she smiled, the warmth of her touch. How had we ended up here? How had it come to this? I could barely breathe as the minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity.

I heard footsteps approaching, but I didn't look up. I couldn't. The thought of facing anyone right now felt impossible. My whole world was crumbling, and all I could do was sit there, broken.

Then, a voice—soft but steady—broke through the haze. "Mrs. Waraha?"

It took me a moment to realize the doctor was speaking to me. Slowly, I lifted my head, my eyes red and swollen, my vision blurred from the tears. The doctor knelt down in front of me, his expression gentle but serious. Behind him, two nurses stood quietly, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"Mrs. Waraha," he said softly, his voice a beacon of calm amidst the storm. "Charlotte made it through the surgery. She's still very weak and recovering, but... she's going to be okay."

My heart lurched in my chest, and for a moment, all I could do was stare at him, my mind struggling to catch up.

"She... she's okay?" I choked out, my voice trembling.

The doctor smiled gently and nodded. "Yes, she's okay. It was close, but she's strong. She's resting now, but you'll be able to see her soon."

A sob tore from my throat, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face again—this time, tears of relief. I looked over at Nudee, Chompu, and the rest of the girls, who had been there with me through it all. Their faces lit up with joy, and Nudee rushed over, pulling me into a tight hug.

"She's okay, Engfa," she whispered, her own voice thick with emotion. "She's okay."

I could barely breathe through the sobs of relief, but somehow, I managed to pull myself together. Wiping my tears with the back of my hand, I turned back to the doctor, my heart still pounding in my chest.

The doctor's expression softened. "Would you like to meet your daughter?"

The words hit me like a gentle breeze, and for a moment, I was frozen. Our daughter. I could hardly believe it. Nodding slowly, I rose to my feet, my legs shaky as I followed the doctor and nurses down the corridor. My friends stayed behind, giving me space as I prepared to meet the newest part of our family.

We reached the neonatal ward, and one of the nurses led me to a small bassinet, where a tiny figure lay swaddled in soft blankets. My heart stopped as I peered over the edge, my breath catching in my throat. There she was—our daughter.

She was perfect. A small tuft of dark hair curled on her head, and her little face was so serene, so innocent. I felt my chest tighten with overwhelming love as I gazed down at her. Her tiny features reminded me so much of Charlotte—her delicate nose, the shape of her lips. I could already see it.

The nurse carefully lifted the baby and handed her to me, and I cradled her against my chest, my heart swelling in ways I never thought possible. I looked down at her, tears falling freely again as I whispered, "Hi, baby girl."

She stirred slightly in my arms, her tiny fingers curling into a fist, and I couldn't help but smile through the tears. She was here. She was ours.

"Do you have a name for her?" the nurse asked softly.