That name Jay fell into the heavy silence like a tiny spark.
Liv's brows twitched.
Briella saw it and seized the moment. She clasped Liv's hand tightly, squeezing as if to pour her own life into her.
"Liv," she said, her voice breaking, "don't you dare leave now. Do you hear me? You are a mother. You are his wife. You have to endure."
The doctor tapped Liv's cheek, gentle yet firm. "Liv! Stay with us! Take a breath now!"
The silence that followed felt like eternity.
Then Liv's breath hitched.
Her chest rose sharply, her lips trembled, and a small sound escaped her throat weak, barely audible.
"I… I…"
Briella sobbed. "Yes. Here. Stay here."
Liv's eyes slowly opened, unfocused, filled with tears and pain beyond words. Her body tensed again as the next wave of contractions crashed over her stronger, more merciless.
"Aaaah—!"
That scream was not just pain.
It was defiance.
The doctor nodded quickly. "Good. Stay conscious. Look at me. Follow my instructions."
