The hospital room was quiet, save for the soft hum of medical equipment and the occasional murmur of voices outside.
Stefania lay in the bed, her hand resting protectively over her belly as she processed everything she'd just been told. Her eyes, still heavy with exhaustion, flickered with a mix of anger and relief. She was furious at Lucy for stooping so low, but she was also grateful that her baby was still safe.
The thought of losing the child she hadn't even known she wanted until now was too much to bear.
"I won't forgive any of them," Mara said, her voice trembling but firm. Her fingers tightened slightly over her stomach, as if reassuring herself that her baby was still there, still safe.
"Not Lucy, not Ethan... none of them."
Steve, standing by her bedside, gave her a gentle smile. He could see the fire in her eyes, the determination that had always made her so strong. But he also saw the vulnerability, the fear that came with almost losing something so precious.
