Keep it Secret - COMPLETED

Chapter 26

Aftermath in the Hospital

The chaos in the hospital room slowly settles as the medical team works tirelessly to save Stella. Elijiah is left in a state of disbelief, his heart shattered as he watches the frantic efforts around him.

Eventually, the doctor steps out of the room, his expression somber. Elijiah rushes to meet him, anxiety clawing at his chest.

"Is she okay? Where's Stella?" His voice is trembling

The doctor takes a deep breath, preparing to deliver the devastating news.

"I'm sorry, but we lost her. Despite our best efforts,  Stella didn't make it through the complications." The doctor explained gravely.

Time seems to freeze for Elijiah as the words sink in, the reality crashing down like a wave. He stumbles back, tears streaming down his face.

Shaking his head and whispering "No... no, this can't be happening."

The doctor places a hand on Elijiah's shoulder, trying to offer comfort, but it feels futile.

"I know this is incredibly difficult. She fought valiantly, but the trauma and stress were too much." The doctor said softly.

Elijiah feels a deep, hollow pain in his chest, as if the air has been knocked out of him. Memories of Stella flood his mind—her laughter, their dreams, the love they shared. The thought of a life without her is unbearable.

Elijiah grapples with his grief, he recalls the nurse mentioning their baby. With a sense of urgency, he turns and heads toward the nursery, desperate to see the last piece of Stella he has left.

Upon entering, Elijiah finds the nursery bright and serene, filled with the soft sounds of cooing babies. He spots the small crib where his daughter lies, her tiny form swaddled in a pink blanket. His heart aches as he approaches, gazing down at her delicate features.

"Hey there, little one... I'm your daddy." whispering to himself..

The baby stirs slightly, and Elijiah's heart swells with love and loss. He reaches out a trembling hand to touch her tiny fingers, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection.

His voice cracking "I.. I promise to take care of you, Stella. I'll make sure you know how much your mommy loved you.""

With tears in his eyes, Elijiah lifts the baby carefully from the crib, cradling her against his chest. The warmth of her body provides a sense of solace amidst the grief.

As Elijiah holds their baby, he makes his way back to Stella's hospital room. He sits beside her bed, the emptiness palpable. He places the baby gently in Stella's arms, wishing desperately she could hold her daughter.

Elijiah was sobbing softly "You should be here,  Stella. You would've loved her so much."

He strokes Stella's hair, his heart breaking with each passing moment. Time feels meaningless without her presence.

DAYS later, the world feels heavy with sorrow as family and friends gather to pay their respects at Stella's funeral. The atmosphere is thick with grief, a stark contrast to the joy Stella once brought into their lives. Elijiah stands at the front, holding the baby in his arms, wrapped in a soft blanket with a small pink hat on her head.

Helen and Fernando stand nearby, their faces pale with grief and guilt. They had lost their daughter and had no chance to reconcile or mend their mistakes. As they approach Elijiah, Helen's eyes are filled with tears.

She said brokenly "I'm so sorry, Elijiah. We should have supported her... should have accepted her love for Stella."

Elijiah looks at them, anger mixing with sorrow.