Chapter 4 Giving Birth Before the Due Date

Kaitlyn POV

Sharp contractions ripped through my stomach, and I struggled to hold back my tears as the pain grew unbearable. Something wasn't right. I was going into labor before my scheduled C-section. This unexpected situation terrified me, knowing it could cause serious complications during delivery.

I clutched my belly as another wave of pain swept over me. It was too late for an epidural, so I had no choice but to wait, hoping my obstetrician would arrive in time.

In prison, I didn't have the luxury of choosing my doctor or having a C-section. But Douglas, with all his power, had provided everything for me. During the previous months, he arranged an air-conditioned room with every necessity. I didn't know how he managed it, but he was that strong.

"I can't do this," I muttered over and over, tears streaming down my skin. Martin didn't know about his children or my pregnancy.

I was utterly alone. No family. No friends. The only thing I had achieved was my degree, thanks to Martin. At least that was something good that came out of that relationship. But now, in this chaos, my emotions were spiraling toward collapse.

Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed my side, and I screamed. My vision blurred from the endless tears, whether from pain or heartbreak.

The door opened, and my obstetrician entered with her assistant and the nurse. They had been monitoring me since my arrival a few hours ago. Aside from the routine checks, nothing significant had been said.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, noticing the stern look on her face.

"Unfortunately, no." She moved toward my bed and adjusted the heart monitor on my belly. The steady rhythm of the heartbeat echoed off the walls as we all listened.

"I'm only picking up two heartbeats, and it's been like this since you arrived. I didn't say anything at first, fearing it might just be the monitor acting up.. it does that sometimes. But an hour ago, I had Marlene do an ultrasound, and it confirmed my fears."

I vaguely remembered the ultrasound. I had been half-asleep as the pain had calmed enough for a brief period. I shook my head, my mind spinning with thoughts. "It's fine, right? Two heartbeats.

" The doctor bit her lower lip, clutching her folder to her chest. "There should be three heartbeats.. yours and your baby's."

My chest tightened at her revelation. Had I lost one of my babies? I closed my eyes, my body trembling as sobs tore through me. I had chosen their names, everything. This couldn't be happening to me.

***********

I had no choice but to give birth naturally, despite the risks. It was too late for an emergency C-section, and they had to remove the deceased baby.

"You have to stay strong. Your baby is about to come out." I nodded, drenched in sweat, trying to gather myself. The doctor hurriedly prepared everything for the delivery.

I spread my legs wide as she guided me. "Calm down, inhale and exhale, then try to push slowly."

She gave me instructions, her hand ready near my body, waiting for the baby's head to appear. I took a deep breath and pushed. Soon, the head emerged, and we heard a baby's cry. The doctor encouraged me to keep going, and I pushed again. The baby was born, and in that moment, I fainted.

After the pain and pressure, a wave of relief washed over me.. at least physically. As they took my little baby to clean and feed him, he now lay asleep in the tiny bed prepared for him.

"It's a boy, a beautiful boy." The doctor handed him to me as I woke. Tears of joy ran down my cheeks as I held him. He was the only reason I hadn't ended my life, the reason I could endure the pain I had felt for so long.

My heart still ached for the second baby I had been carrying. I feared I would always be trapped in this pain, forced to carry it forever. Why couldn't I have a break? Despite the desire to claw my own eyes out, sleep crept in and embraced me.

The next day, I woke to Jake's cries, my son. My whole body ached as I sat up. I gazed at the wailing child, his arms flailing in frustration. Slowly, I swung my legs off the bed and stood. Blood surged immediately in my head, rushing down to my belly, already heavy with worry.

I approached him and finally reached his bed. He was so tiny, yet full of life. My eyes burned from all the crying yesterday. As I stared at my little bundle of joy, doubts crept into my mind. How could I care for a child when I could barely care for myself?

I was in a fragile state, and now I had to grieve the loss of my other son. I started changing Jake's diaper before lifting him into my arms and returning to bed. He squirmed the entire way, but I loved the feeling of holding him, despite everything. He was small, delicate. He looked exactly like his father. A stray tear slipped down my cheek as memories resurfaced.

My heart felt heavy in my chest, and I forced the tears out. I clasped my hands together, trying to gather my courage and strength. My son was still here, and I had to be strong for him. I sat on the hospital bed.

A fresh tear slid down my cheek. I thought about raising a child in prison. And then I remembered Douglas and his marriage proposal. I would accept. I would marry Douglas.