AFRO TO HIS BEATS

CHAPTER 25

MICHAEL'S POV

The stillness of the night was abruptly shattered. I bolted upright, the remnants of sleep evaporating as I registered the soft cry that escaped Nkechi's lips. "MICHAEL!" she called, her voice a mix of surprise and urgency.

I glanced over at her, and my heart dropped. There she was, sitting on the edge of our bed, her expression caught between shock and discomfort. "My water just broke!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

In an instant, adrenaline surged through my veins. "Okay, okay! Just breathe. Toria!" I shouted, rushing to the side of the bed. My sister, Victoria, had been staying with us, helping Nkechi while I was away on tour with Rema. She came darting into the room, her face a mask of sleepiness that quickly morphed into alarm.

"What? What's happening?" she asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Nkechi's water broke. We need to get her to the hospital!" I replied, already pulling on some clothes, my mind racing through the details of what needed to be done.

Toria sprang into action, helping Nkechi stand. "Let's get you into something more comfortable," she said, guiding her to the bathroom. I could hear Nkechi's breath quicken, and every second felt like an eternity. I paced in the small space, anxiety clawing at me.

"I'm scared, Michael," Nkechi called from the bathroom, her voice shaky.

"I know, baby. Just focus on my voice," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "You're doing so well. You've got this. I'm right here."

After a few minutes that felt like hours, Toria helped Nkechi out of the bathroom, now wearing a loose, soft dress that allowed for more movement. "Let's go," I said, wrapping an arm around her waist. She leaned against me, her breaths coming in quick bursts.

"I need to get the bag?" Toria asked, glancing at me.

"No time! Let's just get her to the car," I replied, ushering them both down the hall. My heart raced as we made our way down the grand staircase of our mansion, the elegant chandeliers casting shadows that danced eerily along the walls.

The night was dark, the air thick with tension as we rushed outside to my car. "Get in, get in!" I urged, gently helping Nkechi into the passenger seat before sliding in beside her. Toria took the back, ready with the emergency bag I had hastily thrown together.

As I sped towards the hospital, I kept glancing at Nkechi. She was pale, her forehead slick with sweat. "Breathe, baby. Just keep breathing," I encouraged, gripping her hand tightly.

"Michael... it hurts," she gasped, squeezing my hand so tightly I thought it might break.

"I know it does. Just think about holding our babies. You're so strong, Nkechi," I said, my voice steadying despite the chaos inside me.

The hospital came into view, the bright lights flooding the area. I parked haphazardly, not caring about the rules, and rushed around to open the door for Nkechi. "Toria, help me get her out!"

With Toria on one side and me on the other, we helped Nkechi slowly rise from the seat. "Let's go, babe. You're almost there," I urged as we made our way to the entrance, the hospital staff quickly taking note of our urgency.

Once inside, the world faded away, the sterile scent of antiseptic and the bustle of the emergency room enveloping us. A nurse approached, her demeanor calm but focused. "We need to get her settled," she instructed, guiding us towards a private room.

ONLY THE BEST FOR MY LOVE.

Once in the room, the nurses began their routine. I held Nkechi's hand tightly, my heart racing as they assessed her condition. "You're already dilated to three centimeters. You're doing great!" a nurse reassured her.