Death of a Bachelor (COMPLETED)

#49 New Beginnings

October 1, 2024

10:00 o'clock-evening-Monaco

Simone slowly opened her eyes, wincing at the slight discomfort in her lower belly. It wasn’t sharp, just… different. A dull, aching pressure that made her shift in bed. She instinctively placed a hand on her round belly and glanced to her side.

Lewis was sound asleep, one arm draped over the blanket, his breathing deep and peaceful. She didn’t want to wake him. Whatever this was, it might pass. Probably just something she ate.

Carefully, Simone sat up, moving in slow motion so she wouldn’t disturb him. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, pressing one hand to her belly again and the other to the mattress for balance.

I probably just need to poop, she thought with a tired sigh.

But as she padded down the hallway toward the bathroom of their quiet Monaco penthouse, she suddenly froze.

A strange tightening sensation gripped her belly — stronger than before. Then came a warm gush between her legs, followed by a chilling realization.

Simone gasped, one hand flying to the wall for support, the other pressing to her stomach.

“O–Oh god…” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. Her eyes slowly dropped to the floor.

Water was pooling at her feet, glistening under the soft hallway light.

Her heart began to race. She knew what this meant. Her water had broken.

“It’s happening” she whispered, trying to keep herself calm as fear crept up her spine. Her fingers trembled as she braced herself, trying to breathe.

“L–Lewis…” she called out, her voice cracking from panic. “Lewis!”

She tried to take a step back toward the bedroom, but her legs felt like jelly. A sharp jolt of pain surged through her belly, making her wince and double over slightly.

“Lewis!” she called again, louder this time — more urgent.

A moment later, she heard the thud of something falling, followed by the rapid pounding of footsteps. Lewis appeared at the end of the hallway, shirtless, eyes wide with confusion and alarm.

“Simone?” he called as he hurried to her side. “What happened—” Then he looked down.

His breath caught. Her dress were soaked and the floor is wet. There was no mistaking it now.

“Oh my god…” he muttered, frozen for a second. “Your water broke?”

Simone nodded quickly, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “I think… I think it’s time. The baby’s coming, Lewis.”

He blinked, and then instantly sprang into action.

“Okay. Okay. It’s alright” he said quickly, wrapping his arms around her to keep her steady. “Don’t panic. We’ve trained for this. You’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna be okay.”

Simone nodded slowly, her lips trembling, unable to form any more words. A tear rolled down her cheek as another wave of pain washed over her body. Lewis gently wrapped an arm around her and carefully guided her toward the living room sofa.

“Just sit down for a second, love” he said softly. “I’ll grab the hospital bag and call Dr. Sharma. Just focus on breathing, alright? In and out. You’re doing great.”

Simone lowered herself onto the couch, her arms wrapped tightly around her belly. Her chest rose and fell with short, shaky breaths. She could barely think through the pain, only able to watch Lewis as he moved quickly — but not frantically — across the room.