Chapter 0694 While events, both expected and unexpected, were beginning to unfold in Valentia, life in the Maldives remained peaceful. One thing was clear: Laura's pregnancy was nearing its end. Despite having medical services on the island, any complications would require leaving for better care, which could pose challenges.
At 36 weeks, Laura struggled daily to get out of bed. Her swollen belly prevented her from even seeing her feet. Paul and Maurice were always attentive to their sister, who was visibly more exhausted each day.
Emma couldn't help but see traces of Mary in Laura. Mary had been so young when she gave birth to Serenity. Now, Serenity was no longer a child, and Emma prayed she was taking care of herself—especially since a pregnancy at this twould be difficult.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOne day, while Serenity and Laura went for a walk, Emma approached Alden with a worried expression.
"Son... Can we talk for a moment?" "Of course, Emma. What's going on?" "Alden, dear... I'm not blind. I know what's going on between you and Serenity. I don't have a problem with it, and I don't think I should, but... have you thought about what's going to happen when we go back to Valentia?" "Every single day." "Really?" "Yes, Emma. Not a day goes by that I don't worry about how Valerie and Marcus will react, or my father. But the one I'm most concerned about is Maximus, my uncle. I know we're not blood-related, but..." "Yes, Alden, that's exactly what worries me. You know you can count on me, but you need to prepare yourself. The people back in Valentia aren't going to take kindly to what's happened here.” "I love Serenity, and that's all that matters to me." "I just want you to know that I support you both. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together. You know, the past may not have been kind to your father and Serenity's mother, but now fate has brought you two together. To make it all the way here and begin something new... it's clear this is what destiny intended." "Thank you, Emma. Thank you for understanding.” "You don't need to thank me, son. Just be clear-eyed about the fact that the challenges ahead won't be small. But if you're both willing to face them, I'll be by your side." "Emma... I proposed to Serenity, and she said yes." Emma went pale. That confession caught her completely off guard-she hadn't imagined that part yet. "Alden, but-" "Emma! Alden!" Maurice suddenly burst in, shouting.
"What's wrong, Maurice? Why are you yelling?" Alden asked, turning to face the boy.
"Dad! Dad!" Ethan cried out.
"Uncle Alden! Aunt Laura! The baby's coming, and she can make it home!" John added, clearly terrified.
"Oh no! Where are they? I'm on my way!" Alden shouted as he ran toward the beach.
He hadn't expected this to happen now-Laura still had two weeks to go. As he approached, he saw Laura leaning 1/2 Chapter 0694 heavily on Paul and Serenity, barely able to walk. The sand made every step harder.
"What happened, Serenity? Laura?" Alden asked, scooping Laura into his arms and rushing as fast as he could. "We were just walking, and then Laura bent down to pick up a seashell. Suddenly, there was a gush of water..." "Oh no! Her water broke... We have stime, but we need to alert the island's medical service. Serenity, run and call them!" "Alden..." "Go, my love! She'll be okay..." "Finally, you two speak clearly... Oh, God, this hurts!" Laura groaned, laughing through the pain.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"What?" "God, it really hurts... Everyone already knows what's going on between you two!" "Laura, I-" "Alden! Not now. Could you just getto the house, please?" Laura managed, grimacing.
Her fear was understandable-this was her first tgiving birth. Emma rushed over to meet them as Alden carried Laura to her room, gently Επ laying her down to make her as comfortable as possible. It had already been decided that the baby would likely be born there. "What did they say, Serenity? Are the medical services on their way?" "No, Alden," Serenity replied, pale with fright. "They toldthey're on the other side of the island handling a fracture. They'll take a while to get here." Seeing Serenity so shaken, Alden stepped closer, wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her head against . his chest.
"Calm down, love. Everything's going to be okay. We still have time. Labor can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours after the water breaks. But we need to be ready for anything" >> "Remember, I've been through this before. I've already been a father, and I've handled this. Whatever happens, we'll help Laura together.' "Us?"
"Of course! I prepared for something like this when Ethan was about to be born. Don't worry! noon't The importan thing now is to find sclean towels, have hot water nearby, and disinfected scissors.” "Alden! Are you thinking what I think you are?" "We have to be ready for anything! Now go to your room and get what I asked for," Alden said, kissing her forehead.
Serenity didn't waste time. She ran to fetch the items Alden had requested, silently praying to God and every saint she could think of that emergency services would arrive soon. She couldn't imagine helping deliver a baby without any professional help.