Chapter 4

Connor shook her off like she was something filthy, sweating from anxiety. "Ivy, what the hell are you doing? We're just colleagues. There's nothing between us. Don't you dare slander me."

Seeing me gasping for breath, he quickly tried to soothe me. "Babe, don't be upset. We're just co-workers."

Ivy thrust out her slightly pregnant belly. "Honey, you might not want me, but you can't deny your own child."

Connor's eyes were red as he slapped her across the face. "You're lying! Everyone at the office can back me up."

"Oh, now you're hitting me?" Ivy screamed and started hitting and clawing at Connor.

My mom rushed to support me. "Jenna, see what a great man you chose? He's completely unreliable. The only person you can rely on is me."

In the chaos, a sharp, intense contraction hit my lower abdomen. A warm gush of fluid ran down my legs.

Connor rushed to my side in an instant. "Babe, what's wrong? Doctor! Someone help!"

I was in premature labor.

The anesthetic shot went in, and I could barely find the strength to push.

Then I heard Connor's voice. He was gripping my hand tightly. "Babe, don't sleep. You promised me we'd grow old together. You can't break your promise..."

My consciousness returned a little, and I started pushing. But the doctor said I was hemorrhaging and needed a coagulant shot.

"Give it to her! Save the mother! Save the mother first!" Connor pleaded, his burning tears giving me a small sense of peace.

"Damn it, the chief just took all the coagulant shots!" The doctor's frantic voice came through. "The patient also has a clotting disorder. If this continues, she won't make it."

Connor immediately stood up. "Who's the chief? I'll go beg her."

"Lena." I heard it faintly. Connor was shocked, but he steadied himself, threw the door open, and ran out.

My mom's name was Lena.

Connor ran to her office and knelt down, begging.

"Mom, Jenna's in premature labor and hemorrhaging. If she doesn't get a coagulant shot, she's going to die. Please, save her. I know you can't stand me. Tell me what you want me to do. I'll do anything."

My mom quickly ordered someone to send the medicine. Then, she looked at Connor with displeasure. "I want you to divorce Jenna."

It felt like a piece of Connor's heart had been carved out. "Fine. As long as Jenna is okay, I'll divorce her." He scrambled to his feet and ran back to the delivery room.

I gave birth to a son. His little face was all wrinkled, looking just like Connor.

My mom was beaming with joy. She gently picked up the baby. "Jenna, his eyes and brows look just like you. I'm a grandmother now."

Warily, I tried to take the baby back. "Mom, he's still so little. Let me hold him."

My mom looked hurt.

"Jenna, before, I was just afraid Connor wouldn't treat you right. But these past few days, I've seen it. You're all he thinks about. You have a child together now. I'll accept it. You two just live a happy life from now on."

I relaxed my guard, just a little. Then I suddenly realized the baby in the blanket had gone silent.

I shot up and yelled, "Mom! What are you doing?"

My mom jumped, startled, and quickly shoved the baby into my arms. "What a precious little thing. You won't even let me hold him."

Anxiously, I lifted a corner of the blanket. The baby wasn't moving. His lips were blue.

My hand trembling, I reached out to feel for his breath. The baby in my arms... was no longer breathing.