Chapter 38 A Boy

• When Adela arrived at the hospital, she was immediately ushered into a VIP suite. The faint scent of antiseptic and the soft hum of medical equipment surrounded her, making her heart pound with apprehension. She underwent a comprehensive series of tests—checking her blood pressure, monitoring the baby’s heartbeat, and ensuring that everything was in order. Once the doctor declared there were no complications, Layson Norman slipped out, leaving Adela alone in the bright, sterile room.
• Lying on the adjustable bed, Adela tried flipping through a paperback she had brought, but the words blurred in front of her eyes. Although her gaze roamed over the text, her mind remained elsewhere—on the life she would lead once this baby came into the world. The baby she had agreed to have under contract, with no illusions of love or a shared future. She felt an unsettling mix of fear and relief, knowing that soon, her part of the bargain would be complete.
• Late that morning, her phone buzzed. Seeing Herbie’s name appear on the screen drew a small smile from Adela’s weary face. She took a deep breath and pressed the phone to her ear.