Amanda's heart raced as she abruptly shot up from the hospital bed, her wide eyes reflecting a turbulent mix of fear and confusion.
The tremors coursing through her body were unmistakable signs of the shock she was experiencing.
"No! No! No!" she shouted, her voice ringing out in desperation, echoing through the sterile hospital room.
Just in that moment, Stella, along with the others, burst through the door, concern etched on their faces.
"Gosh, Amanda!" I exclaimed, rushing toward her side.
With urgency, I enveloped her in my arms, wrapping her in a tight embrace, hoping to offer her some sense of safety and comfort.
"No! Let go of me!" she protested, struggling against my hold, her instincts fighting the very warmth I intended to provide.
"Amanda, it's me, it's Killian," I murmured soothingly, keeping my voice calm as I felt her body gradually begin to relax inside my hug.
"Killian?" she echoed, her voice now softer, laced with confusion.
"Yes, honey, it's me," I affirmed, leaning down to gently kiss her temple, hoping to reassure her as my arms remained protectively around her.
Her breaths were uneven and labored, each inhale a shaky attempt to reclaim her composure as she battled the remnants of her nightmare.
"I'm so sorry," she sobbed, "it's just... nightmares."
"It's okay, I understand," I whispered, doing my best to convey my understanding and support during her moment of vulnerability.
Suddenly, her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, her palm soothing the area as if trying to calm both herself and the life growing within her.
I couldn't help but follow the movement with my gaze, an overwhelming wave of joy washing over me.
At that moment, I felt the unmistakable urge to protect not just Amanda, but the little one she carried, a fierce desire to love and nurture them unconditionally.
Gently, I interlaced my fingers with hers, feeling the warmth of our connection intensify as her eyes met mine, a mixture of fear and amazement swirling within their depths.
"We're becoming parents soon. Are you prepared for that?" I asked, my voice low and steady, hoping to ground her in this moment of revelation.
"How'd you find out?" she questioned, a spark of excitement flickering in her eyes, quickly overshadowed by a wave of concern.
"Really? That's fantastic news!" Yvette exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine joy as she quickly wiped away the lingering tears that threatened to fall down her cheeks.
"I can't believe this! I'm going to have a niece or nephew!" CJ chimed in, his enthusiasm palpable and infectious, bringing a momentary smile back to Amanda's face.
Her expression radiated warmth, and for a brief instant, all seemed right in our world. But then, her gaze flickered to Stella, and the brightness swiftly dimmed.
"What are you doing here?" Amanda's voice grew hoarse, tinged with a mix of anger and disbelief.
"I'm so sorry, Amanda. For everything," Stella began, her voice trembling, as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"I haven't been the best mother to you all this time, and for that, I apologize. I hope you can find a place in your heart to forgive me."
"I don't want to see you! You and Dad were nothing but gold diggers, pushing me to marry Killian only for his money and fame. You never truly loved me, and you were never there for me," Amanda retorted, her own tears flowing freely.
Watching the confrontation unfold, I could feel a frown form across my face.
This exchange could only worsen Amanda's current state, and I was not in the mood to risk her health any further.
"Leave, Stella. Take CJ with you. I'll let Herbert stay because he's my in-law, but I swear any further schemes against Amanda and me will cost you dearly," I warned, my tone stern as I tried to assert control over the situation.
As Stella and CJ exited the room, leaving just Amanda, Yvette, and me, a heavy silence descended.
"I have to go see my parents; I need them to know that I'm alive," Yvette announced, her voice resolute yet tinged with a hint of apprehension.
"I haven't met them before. The only parents I've known were the impostors," I replied, my voice steady, though I found myself curious despite the chaos around us.
"It's alright, my boy. I promise I'll introduce you to them soon," she assured me before she quietly left the room, leaving just Amanda and me in the comforting bubble we had created together.
Amanda looked up at me, her expression softening as she offered me a gentle smile.
I could feel the affection radiating from her, and I could not help but feel elated at the sight.
"Why did you do that? You scared the hell out of me," I admitted, my seriousness piercing through the air like a distant thunderclap.
"I love you, Killian. I can't bear the thought of losing you," she confessed, her eyes glistening with tears that threatened to spill over.
I reached up, my thumb brushing away the tears that had begun to cascade down her cheeks.
At that moment, I felt like the happiest man alive.
The one girl I had been trying to win over since childhood was here, with her heart laid bare before me, confessing her deepest feelings.
The tumultuous journey we had taken to arrive at this moment made it all the more poignant, and I knew I would do anything to protect her and the family we were about to create together.