THE TEST RESULTS
Elara lay in the hospital bed, her hand intertwined with Lucien's.
The room was silent except for the soft beeping of monitors.
The doctor entered, holding a folder.
"Elara Wynn?" he asked gently.
"That's me," she replied, voice barely above a whisper.
"We ran some additional tests after your fainting episode," he began.
"Your health is fine, but… you're pregnant."
Elara's eyes widened.
"…Pregnant?"
Lucien froze, his grip on her hand tightening.
"A baby," the doctor confirmed. "Congratulations. Everything looks normal so far, but you'll need proper rest and monitoring."
Elara's mind swirled. Excitement, fear, and disbelief collided.
"I… I didn't expect this," she whispered.
Lucien pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her forehead.
"This is ours," he murmured.
"Nothing else matters."
---
Serena's Fury
In her prison cell, Serena screamed into the small mirror.
"A BABY?!" she shouted.
"Everything I tried… and she gets it all?"
Evan, sitting across, remained silent, shaking his head.
"You lost," he said calmly.
"She's winning where you failed."
Serena's hands shook.
"Not for long," she hissed.
"I will find a way. I always do."
---
Lucien and Elara's Moment
That evening, the city lights glimmered outside the hospital window.
Lucien brushed a stray hair from Elara's face.
"We'll be okay," he whispered.
"No one will touch you again. Not her. Not anyone."
Elara leaned her head against his chest.
"I'm scared," she admitted.
"I know," Lucien replied softly.
"And I'll protect you. Always."
For the first time in months, she allowed herself to truly believe him.