My SWEETHEART

Doctor Peters nodded and said "And I'm afraid she might not live for too long." She said and tears finally fell from Samuel face.

"During her pregnancy she hadn't been eating well which is one of the reasons why this poor baby was born premature." Doctor Peters said as she glanced at Samuel who was still in tears before she continued.

"Vera went through a lot. She is an orphan. Even with her heart condition, she worked multiple jobs so she could get enough money to keep up with her medications. That was until she became pregnant. It was hard for her. She was always falling sick that she even was giving a sack letter to quit from two of her jobs, which were the cleaning job, and bar job. She was able to manage the waiter job which was during the day but the pay she got there was very low. She had to forgo buying her medicine to pay her house bill.

She could not afford to buy healthy food or prenatal medicines or even go for check up. She also said she called you one time to ask for help but you shunned her. She told me all these few hours after she woke up from the delivery and decided I should call you if there will be any luck. She does not have much time to live and want her baby boy to be in safe arms. Her other option was that if you refuse to come, I should help her find a caring family who will adopt the baby." Dr Peter said. She whispered the last part as she wiped a tear off her face.

As soon as the she finished her statement, the baby in the incubator moved his left hand and opened his eyes, which made Samuel cry the more. His got an answer to his question. All his doubt disappeared. He did not need any DNA test to prove anything. He could see that the baby was his. His eyes had the same colour as his, his dad and younger brother. No doubt, he is the father to the little one in the incubator.

Samuel could not control himself as his tears started getting louder.

"It's time for him to be fed." Doctor Peters said and she called a nurse over and gave her some instructions after which she dragged Samuel who was reluctant to go, out of the room.

Immediately they got out of the children's ward, Samuel plopped down on a chair and cried his heart out.

Doctor Peters took a seat beside him as she squeezed his shoulder, assuring him that everything will be all right.

"This is my entire fault. If only I had believe Vera when she called me. If only I had listened to what she had to say. If only I had helped her, she and my child won't be going through what they are going through." Samuel said in tears, feeling guilty.

"I was enjoying life somewhere without even thinking that my baby and his mother are somewhere suffering. Ah, God I am so stupid. Look at what I have done. I will never forgive myself if anything happen to both of them. I will never forgive myself." He said as he wept bitterly.

After about fifteen minutes, when Samuel had calm down a little, Doctor Peters asked him if

he would like to see Vera and he said yes.

They both got up and he took her to Vera's ward.

She took her leave to give them some privacy, as she knew they had things to talk.

Immediately Doctor Peters walked out, Samuel began to take few steps towards Vera who was on the hospital bed with her eyes shut. She looked very pale and one could conclude that she was very sick. Her hair wrapped with a sky blue scarf, which matched her sky blue hospital wear. She had drips connected to her right hand.

Samuel took quite steps to where she was. He was not sure if he should wake her up or not. He eventually took a seat that was beside her bedside and kept on watching her sleep. Unconsciously, he caressed his right hand with her own, which caused Vera to blink her eye. She is a very light sleeper.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up." He mumbled, Guilt evident in his voice. "You came?" She whispered, with brimming tears.

Vera was surprised he was here as she was already thinking her child would end up in the orphanage when she is no more.

"Yes Vera. I'm here." He managed to reply. Things were silent for a while between both of them as they kept on staring at each other before Vera broke the Silence.

"He's so beautiful." Vera whispered with tears in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry Vera. Sorry I was never there when you both needed me. I am sorry. I should not have replied you the way I did several months ago. Please forgive me." Samuel begged as he started crying also.

Vera just nodded her head positively as she bit her lower tongue in order to stop the sound of her tears.

"I never wanted to call you. But again, I felt you had a right to know about the existence of your child." She spoke as she wiped away her tears with the back of her palm.

"And I was so stupid for not believing you." He replied

"Perhaps if I had reacted to the whole situation in a very matured manner, you and our child will not be going through all these."

"I saw him Vera. He is so tiny and looks very weak. I will never forgive myself if anything happens to him. I will never be at peace if anything happens to both of you." Samuel whispered.

Vera had a sad smile on her lips as she took Samuel cold hands into hers and said, "He will survive this. He's a fighter."

She said as she looked into his eyes and said again, "he has your beautiful eyes." Samuel chuckled and said, "I know right."

"So how did you cope all these while?" he asked her as he helped her into a sitting position on the bed and he took a seat beside her on the bed.

"It wasn't easy but I tried everything I could. Usually I did three jobs but I ended up getting fired in two because the pregnancy took a toll on me, again with my health issues, I was always falling sick."

"But I tried to manage the little I earned as a waitress. Sometimes I got huge tip and sometimes I got nothing. Therefore, I prioritized my spending. You know for the rent, and food. I couldn't afford signing up for an antenatal because it was too expensive but I tried to make sure I ate right and do things right concerning the baby with what I read on the internet." She said and Samuel nodded, trying to process all she had said.

"So how did you get my personal number?" he asked.

"When you left that night, I found your complimentary card on the floor. That is when I even discovered who you really are. Then when I found out I was pregnant, I never wanted to inform you because I had a feeling you were going to react the way you did. But I just felt I should do my part by informing you about the baby and then it's up to you to believe if you want the baby or not." She said.

"I'm so sorry about that." He apologised sincerely.

"It's okay. Now I'm happy our baby will have his daddy with him even after I'm no more." She said then looked him in the eye. "Would you like to name our child?" She asked.

"You haven't named him already?" Samuel replied shocked.

"No. I wanted you to be involved. I was hoping you would be here today, that way he can have your surname. I have some names in my mind." Vera said and she asked Samuel to pass her purse, which was on the table, and she took out a piece of paper with words written on it and handed it over to him.

Samuel looked at the list and could not help but smile. There were about 14 names there. "It's hard for me to pick." He pouted.

"I know. But you have to choose." She shrugged.

"Okay which is your favorite?" He asked her.

"I love Seth, Clement, Alex, Nathan and Anthony." She said.

"I think they are perfect and Anthony is my younger brother's name." He said with a sad smile and that is when he remembered. His family are all back home, planning his

engagement party and he is here. However, at the same time he cannot leave Vera and his son

alone. They both need him.

"Sure, but I don't think I have enough call card in it. "She said as she handed over the phone to him.

"Can I use your phone?" he asked Vera

"Its fine, I could just buy through my bank account." He said and entered his pin and did some transfer. Then he began dialling his mom's number.

Samuel's heart was beating twice as fast as it would. It was already 10.43pm in Denmark that means it would be 9.43pm in the UK. The engagement party had to start by 8pm. He was so damn sure everyone would be worried. He actually planned to call them but it skipped his mind with everything that just happened.

After what seemed like forever, his mom picked up the call "Hello?" he heard a very worried voice say.

"Mom, it's me." Samuel whispered.

"How could you Samuel? We spent months planning for today and you just disappeared. The food and decorations was just a waste, you made our entire guest come for nothing. Do you know how dishearten this is. I kept on trying your number but it wasn't even going." His mom, Abigail, said with anger.

"Mom, I can explain." Samuel said.

"You owe me no explanation Samuel. Tuga already told us everything. You had a child and you kept it away from us. You didn't even say anything to Yvonne." Abigail said from the other side.

"Mom it's not like that." He said, but his mother shut him up before he could utter another word.

"I thought I brought you up better than this Samuel, I think you just lost Yvonne for good. You could have trusted me and let me know whatever was going on. I'm really disappointed in you Samuel." Abigail said in between sobs and ended the call.

Tears welled in Samuel eyes instantly. His mother's word really affected him. This was the first time his mom used the word that she is disappointed in him and he felt so bad about it.

Vera noticed his mood and gave him a squeeze on his hand. She heard the whole conversation because Samuel sat on the bed beside her while making the call and his mom's voice was loud enough for her to hear.

Samuel dialled Yvonne's number and she did not pick up. He dialled it for the second time

and she eventually picked up.

"Hello." Yvonne said with a weak voice as if she had already been crying.

"Yvonne its Samuel, please don't hang up on me." He pleaded because he knew Yvonne very well. She was disciplined, straightforward, blunt and very rude.

"What do you want?" She shouted. "Look, I can explain"

"There's nothing to explain Samuel. You cheated on me, you never told me, and now you have a child. What is there to explain again? "

"I'm sorry Yvonne; you should listen to my side of the story."

"Oh, you want me to listen to the fact that you fucked someone else and never told me about it?" She mimicked.

"You have no case here Samuel. You fucked this up. You fucked us up and you hurt me bad. We are over. I hope you enjoy your new life." Yvonne Said without remorse and hanged up on him.

Samuel sighed as he buried his face in his palm.

"I missed my engagement party today." He said as he looked at Vera. She nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"Yvonne and I have been dating for over a year now. I never told her about what happened between us. Trust me, I wanted to tell her about you, but was so embarrassed about it. I knew she was going to freak out and break up. I decided to make it official and propose to her today. You know, it was supposed to be a surprise, which I planned with my parents, Siblings and some close relatives. But your call came in this afternoon and I had to rush down here." He said.

"I'm so sorry." Vera replied.

"You have nothing to be sorry for Vera." He said as he gave her hand a light squeeze.

"I'm now wondering, if I ever loved her." Samuel said and Vera gave him a weird look.

"You guys dated for over a year. Of course there must be some sort of chemistry."

"Maybe, But it's all over now. She broke up with me and mom is disappointed with me." Samuel said and Vera gave him a pity look.

"It's okay Vera. None of this is your fault." He said.

"It will be fine. Your mom is just hurt but trusts me, she will come around." Vera said with a sad smile as she gave his hand a light squeeze and he nodded.

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Before they could go any further with their discussion, Dr Peters interrupted them as she

came to check how Vera was doing.

"How is my baby doing?" Vera asked with a sad smile.

"Good and healthy, He's asleep already." Dr Peters replied.

"OH, I was thinking of checking up on him before I go to bed." She said disappointed.

"Don't worry; you can do that tomorrow morning. My shift is over so I will see you tomorrow." Dr Peters said after which she gave Vera a warm hug. She requested to see Samuel outside for a second and they both walked out of Vera's ward.

After Samuel shut the door behind him, Doctor Peters took out an envelope from her lab coat and handed it over to him.

"The DNA result," She mumbled.

Even though Samuel knew deep down that the baby was his, he just wanted something to confirm his thought. He quickly opened the envelope. Lo and behold, the result confirmed his thought. He is the biological father. A sad smile crept into his face.

He quickly held out his hands and took Dr Peters hands into his. Dr Peters was just in her early 40's, married and a mother of four.

"Please do all it takes to save the both of them. I cannot imagine my life without them." He said sincerely.

"Your baby will be fine but I'm not sure about Vera." She replied.

"Please. Just do anything. I don't mind paying a huge amount." He pleaded.

"This is far beyond our power Samuel. Vera has a weak heart. She refused to take treatment for a long period and that has caused so much damage. I'm afraid she might give up anytime from now."

"Samuel sighed as he buried his face into his palm. The thought of his son growing up without his mother is killing him already. Even though Samuel and his mom aren't in good terms at the moment, he cannot imagine his life without her."

"I also wanted to ask if you guys had come up with a name for the baby. We need to enter his details into the certificate."

"We will sleep on that Doctor Peters. The name will by ready by tomorrow morning." He replied.

"Alright then, I will see you guys tomorrow." Dr Peters gave her goodbye and left.

Samuel returned to Vera's room. He took a seat beside her.

"We need to finalize a name for our son." He said.

"Hmm okay," She replied.

10

MY LOVE

"You can pick his first name while I chose the middle name." He said.

"Alex... " she replied and he nodded.

"Alex Ivan Michel. I love the sound of that." He chuckled and took Vera's hands into his. His expression changed.

"Please promise me you will fight this. We need you Vera. Alex needs you." He whispered and tears welled up in Vera's eyes immediately.

"I really want to Samuel but I don't think I can. I really want to watch my baby grow and call me mama but I don't think that's ever going to happen." She said as the tears began to fall.

"This heart disease is hereditary. From my mum's side, It killed my mom and now, me. Please take very good care of Alex so it doesn't affect him also." She said in tears and Samuel embraced her into a hug.

After Samuel managed to calm her down, they were able to tell each other about their lives. Samuel told Vera about his family and work while Vera on the other hand did not have much to say. She never knew her dad. It was just she and her mom who passed away six years ago.

After Vera fell asleep, Samuel called Tuga and explained everything to him. He begged his best friend that he needs some time off to take care of his family, That Vera and his son needs him.

Vera smiled when she heard Samuel call she and Alex his family. She had always wanted a family but never had that privilege. She hopes her son gets to enjoy not all what she ever enjoyed.

Samuel jumped up from the couch he was sleeping on when he heard a very loud sound. It was Vera's scream, which overtook the beeping sound of the Monitor.

He walked as fast as his leg could take him towards Vera who was lying on the hospital bed in tears as she clutched her chest tightly as if she was in pain.

Samuel panicked and ran out of the room to get help.

Eventually, he was able to get a Doctor and a nurse who followed him immediately to Vera's ward. However, they told him to wait outside the ward as they attended to her.

Samuel has never been as scared in his life as he was now. He prays nothing happens to Vera. He was just getting to know Vera. He cannot afford to lose her now. Besides, Alex needs his mom.

About 12 minutes later, the Doctor came out from Vera's ward and Samuel turned to him for answers.

"Will she be okay?" He asked in fear.

"We are loosing her Mr Michel. However, she said she wants to have a word with you. I'm

so sorry." The middle age doctor said as he gave Samuel a light squeeze on his shoulder.

Samuel nodded sadly and entered Vera's ward. She was already lying down on the bed. However, her heart rate was not normal. One could tell from the monitor.

When Vera saw Samuel approaching him, she tried to sit up.

"No, no, you shouldn't stress yourself Vera." Samuel said as he sat beside her on the hospital bed and burst into tears immediately as he remembered in few more minutes that remain left alone to look after his son. He knew nothing about children. Where will he start?

Vera saw Samuel crying and she started tearing up. She took Samuel hands in hers and looked him in the eye and said

"Promise me you will take very good care of yourself and Alex. Please promise me."

"It's not going to be easy Vera. However, I will try. I will try my best to be the best father to Alex." He said in tears and Vera nodded.

"It pains me that I won't be here to watch him grow. Please let him know he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. You and Alex will always have a place in my heart and I will always be watching you both up there." Vera said in a raspy voice.

"We will miss you Vera so much." Samuel said in tears and Vera gave him a sad smile. Who knew Samuel Earl Michel could also be emotional.

"Here's the key to my apartment. Some of Alex things are there. Few clothes and toys I bought for him. You can pack them. Then also, the few clothes I have, you can send them to the orphanage. The property owner's number is on the fridge in my apartment, you can get back to him to return the apartment keys. Then I have some change in my account. I was keeping it for Alex, in case you do not show up. But now that you are here, maybe I will just use it to pay for the hospital bills." She said.

"The bills are covered. I've settled them." He said.

"Okay then. Please just keep my card then. You can use the money for Alex or give it to the orphanage," She said as she handed him her card.

As soon as the card reached Samuel hand, Vera screamed as she clutched her chest with her right hand. She was in pain again.

The doctor entered Vera's ward but this time with two nurses as they came to attend to Vera.

Samuel stood in shock as tears continued falling from his eyes. He watched as the doctor and nurses did what they could to save Vera. However, unfortunately, she gave up her ghost. It all happened in front of him. It was like a film trick.

"She's gone." He whispered as he fell on the ground and cried his heart out.

Samuel had never felt lonely before in his life. He had to bear this pain alone. There was no one he could lean on. No one to tell him it is going to be all right. It was just him and his son who was still fighting for his life in the incubator.

Doctor Peters resumed her shift and gave her condolences to Samuel. They talked about the burial arrangement and filled out Alex's birth certificate.

After that, Samuel went to Vera's apartment to do all what she requested him to do. While packing the clothes she said she bought for Alex, He came across a white shirt with dark prints on it which states "Daddy's little boy." Samuel could not help with the smile that took over his face and that smile turned to a sad one when he remembered Vera. She was a good person and he prayed her soul rest in peace.

He also packed up Vera's stuff and left them at the orphanage along with the balance in her account. He saw the property owner and handed over the apartment keys to him. Vera had an outstanding rent but he settled it. He took all Alex things and dropped them at the hotel he was staying. While he was packing, he had seen an album, which contains Vera's picture; he took them also so he could show Alex in the future.

After Samuel was done, he took a shower and went back to the hospital to go check on his son. Of course, he did not fail to put on his Shade to avoid attention.

"He's improving." Doctor Peters said to Samuel as they both stood by the incubator, watching baby Alex.

"I noticed." He replied with a sad smile. Baby Alex had gained a little weight.

"I think by next week, he should be out of here." She said and Samuel nodded, not taking his eyes away from his son.

"Here's the list of what you need to get for him. I also listed some books you can buy and some website videos you could watch to help you learn more about babies." Doctor Peters said as she handed over the list to Samuel.

"Thank you." He replied as he went through the list.

He had asked Doctor Peters for help earlier on what to buy and where to learn.

"You will go through this. I have no doubt you will be a great father. Vera will be so proud of you." Doctor Peters encouraged Samuel.

After Samuel left the hospital, he proceeded to the mall and bought some things he thought Alex might need for now and he bought some books to help him learn more about babies before heading back to his hotel room.

He got to the hotel room, ordered dinner, took his shower and tried to do some work on his laptop. He stopped for a while and thought of calling Tuga. He used the phone in his hotel room and dialled Tuga's number.

"Tuga it's me," he said.

"Hey bro, I've been expecting your call." Tuga said and you could tell from his voice that he was worried. The last time he spoke to Samuel was yesterday when he told him about Vera's death. Samuel sounded so heartbroken and Tuga was worried for his best friend because he was all alone.

"Yeah, I've been busy all day; Planning Vera's burial and looking after Alex." "Alex?" Tuga questioned.

"Yeah, his name is Alex. Alex Michel" Samuel replied as he remembered he never told Tuga his son's name.

"Okay. So what day is for Vera's burial?" he asked "Tomorrow morning."

"I can still make it to Denmark Samuel. Let me come over." Tuga pleaded. He wanted to come support his friend.

"It's okay Tuga. I think I can cope. Just stay over there and look after the company." "I admire your strength Samuel. You are handling things so well." Tuga admitted.

"I'm surprised too. I guess my son gave me the strength." Samuel replied with a sad smile. He loved the way he called Alex his son.

"So how is Alex?" Tuga asked.

"He's fine. He is improving. The Doctor said he should be out of there in a week's time."

"That's good news. So that means we should be expecting you guys in two weeks' time?" Tuga asked.

"Yeah, Maybe, I want you to help me out Tuga. I need to get stuff for Alex. I will order them online and maybe you can help with the arrangement."

"No problem. Anything for my nephew," Tuga chuckled.

"How about finding a nanny?" Tuga asked.

"I'm still thinking. But I've not decided." He replied.

"You know you will have to get one eventually. Because of work and all," Tuga said. "Yeah... I will let you know my opinion on that later." He replied.

"Have you hired a new secretary for me?" Samuel asked. His former secretary quit a month ago.

"Yeah, we have about 25 applicants. The interview is scheduled for tomorrow."Tuga replied. "Okay then. Please I want someone who is competent." Samuel begged.

"You don't have to worry Samuel. I will take care of everything." He assured.

"Samuel, Mom is worried about you." Tuga whispered referring to Samuel mom, Abigail.

Samuel sighed.

"She said she has been trying the number you used to call her but it isn't going through." Tuga said.

"Yes. That was Vera's number." He replied. "You should call her." He suggested.

"No Tuga."

"Are you angry with her?" he asked.

"Of course not," He replied.

"I understand Samuel. Your mom acted out of anger and trust me she's so worried about you. She's been bugging me all day, asking how you are faring and even Samuella wouldn't let me rest." Tuga said.

"My regards to them, tell them I'm okay." He replied.

"Okay Bro, we'll talk tomorrow right?" Tuga asked.

"Sure, goodnight." Samuel said, Tuga gave his reply and he hung up.

"I will miss you so much honey." Dr Peters said and she kissed Alex left cheek.

The little man has proven to be a strong baby. He has added enough weight and he is healthy, ready to be discharge.

"I'm sure he will miss you too." Samuel chuckled as she watched Doctor Peters play with Alex in her arms.

"So I guess you are ready for this." Doctor Peters smiled as she turned to look at Samuel.

He has been learning about babies for the past one week, reading books, watching many videos that could help and Doctor Peters also helped him out with what to do which also includes how to make Alex formula in the right way.

"I suppose I am." Samuel chuckled as he scratched the back of his head.

The truth is that, no matter how you prepare, you can never prepare enough, because its practice that makes you perfect.

"You don't have to worry about his health. We did a test and his heart is healthy. Just make sure you follow all the precautions I have given you and everything will be fine." Dr Peters assured and he nodded.

"Alright then, I really wish you all the best and if you have any problem, you have my number. I will be willing to help you out." She replied with a smile as she handed Alex over to his father.

"Thank you so much for everything Dr Peters." Samuel said and she nodded with a smile.

Doctor Peters escorted Alex and his father to the taxi waiting for them outside the hospital. They were leaving for the airport. They were going back home...

Several hours later,

"Don't tell me you are still gushing over my son." Samuel said in his possessive tone as he walked out of Alex Nursery into the living room.

"Don't blame me. He is so adorable. I just can't get enough of him." Tuga replied as he cradled baby Alex closer to his chest.

Tuga picked them up from the airport about two hours ago. Alex was a good baby all through. He enjoyed being in his father's arms. He did not cry except when Samuel had to change him on the flight.

Immediately they got home, the first thing Samuel did was to change Alex again and feed him after which he burped him. He did all that as Tuga watched him adorably.

After burping him, Samuel had handed baby Alex to Tuga so he could arrange the little boy's room. However, to his surprise, everything was neatly arranged and decorated the theme colour was so adorable and everything he ordered was neatly arranged. He only ended up arranging Alex clothes and toys he brought from Denmark and he also changed the sheet on his crib.

"You really did a good job Tuga. You arranged everything in Alex room. Alex will be so proud of his uncle." Samuel said as he gave Tuga a goofy smile.

"Sure. What do you expect? He has the coolest uncle ever." Tuga grinned as he took a seat on the couch with Alex still in his arms. The baby was just looking at Tuga's face and blabbering baby words.

"Actually, it will be unfair if I take the whole credit, just thank your secretary when you see her." Tuga chuckled and Samuel jaw literally dropped.

"Tuga, Don't tell me you brought a lady into my apartment?" Samuel groaned with a frown on his face.

"I couldn't help it Larry. She just seems to know too much about babies." Tuga grinned. "Tugannnnnn," Samuel groaned loudly.

"Just wait till you see her. She's so beautiful." Tuga said dreamily and Samuel shook his

head. His best friend can never change.

"That reminds me, when will you be coming back to work?" Tuga asked.

"Definitely not this week, But let's see how it goes next week." Samuel said as he took a seat opposite Tuga.

"So, how about a Nanny for Alex?" he asked

"I really don't know about that Tuga. I just want to spend some quality time with my son for now. Besides, I don't like the idea of him being around strangers."

"Have you talked to mom? She could help you watch over him while you are at work." Tuga asked and Samuel sighed as he buried his face in his hands.