CHAPTER 16

HOLDING UP TO HER

The weeks leading up to the birth were an emotional whirlwind, a fragile dance between hope and despair. Grace's body grew frailer by the day, but her determination to bring her baby into the world never wavered. Every movement of her daughter inside her womb reminded her why she was enduring this unimaginable pain.

But the toll on her body was undeniable. Grace's skin had become pale and sallow, her energy was fleeting, and the once-vibrant glow in her eyes had dimmed. Ethan watched helplessly as the woman he loved grew weaker with each passing day, his heart breaking at the reality he couldn't escape.

The night before her final check-up, Grace woke Ethan in the middle of the night, clutching her stomach.

"It's happening," she whispered, her voice weak but tinged with panic.

Ethan sat up immediately, his heart racing. "Are you in labor?"

She shook her head. "No, but something's wrong. The pain—it's sharper, deeper."

He quickly got dressed and helped her into the car, driving to the hospital with one hand gripping the steering wheel and the other holding hers tightly.

At the hospital, the doctor performed a series of tests, his face growing more serious with each result. Finally, he sat down beside them, his expression heavy.

"Grace, the cancer is advancing rapidly," he said gently. "Your body is struggling to support both you and the baby. We need to deliver her as soon as possible, or…" He hesitated, glancing at Ethan.

"Or what?" Grace pressed, her voice trembling.

"Or you might not make it to full term," he said quietly. "You're already in critical condition, Grace. Every day we wait puts you at greater risk."

Grace exchanged a glance with Ethan. She could see the fear in his eyes, the silent plea for her to reconsider. But she shook her head firmly.

"She's not ready yet," Grace said. "She needs more time."

"Grace," Ethan began, his voice breaking.

"No," she said, her tone resolute. "I've come this far for her. I won't give up now."

The doctor nodded solemnly, respecting her decision. "We'll do everything we can to monitor you both closely, but Grace…you need to prepare for the possibility that your body might not hold out much longer."