Chapter 5 OLIVIA NINE MONTHS LATER Prison had been hard, not just because I was pregnant but because of how I was treated. But I was grateful for one thingEthan kept his word. The guard hed bribed continued to bring me vitamins and took care of me as promised. But when he wasnt around, the others would conveniently forget to feed me. There were days I was so hungry that my stomach ached. One day, I yelled until someone finally came. But instead of food, I got a beating. They beat me so badly that I had a black eye and bruises all over my arms and legs. But through it all, I protected my baby. Even after the beating, they didnt give me any food. From that day on, I learned to stay quiet when that officer wasnt around. I rationed my food, eating small portions and saving some in case I didnt get any the next day. I was skin and bones, and I worried about my baby. Was he getting enough nutrients? Would he be born healthy? The thought of my baby suffering only made my resentment for Nick grow. I hated him more with each passing day. My belly was huge now, heavy. Today, I woke up feeling uncomfortable and exhausted. I didnt touch my breakfast when the guard brought it. A dull pain throbbed in my back, coming and going. Every time it hit, I froze, holding my breath until it passed. I thought I might be in labor, but my water hadnt broken. Still, something was wrong. Impatiently, I waited for lunch, hoping to ask the guard to contact Ethan and bring a doctor. I couldnt lose my babynot after everything wed been through together. I drifted in and out of sleep. The pain kept getting stronger, more frequent. On several occasions, I bit my bottom lip to prevent from screaming. Finally, the cell door opened. I was leaning against the wall, breathing through the pain. But at that moment, it felt like some entity out there in the universe was finally on my side. Suddenly, my water broke. The guards eyes widened in shock. Ill get Mr. Lewis! He dropped the plate of food he was carrying and ran off. I gripped the bars, pulling on them so hard I thought they might break. The guard came back, panting. Lewis is coming. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒind ηøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thank you, I managed to say. He just stood there, helpless. Please, keep the baby in. I dont know what to do. Wait for Mr. Lewis! If I wasnt in so much pain, I mightve laughed. He clearly had no idea that once the baby decided to come, there was no stopping him. But I hoped he would hold off; this cell was no place to have a baby. After what felt like forever, with me lying on my back and feeling the baby coming, the cell door opened once again. Olivia! Im here. Ill take you to the infirmary. Ethan rushed in with a doctor. The doctor took a quick look and said, She wont make it to the infirmary. The babys crowning. Hes coming now. At that moment, my resentment for Nick hit a new level. My baby was going to be born in a filthy cell all because Nick believed some woman he barely knew over me. He had condemned me to this suffering. Olivia, you have to push, Ethan said. I know this isnt what you wanted, but the babys coming now. His voice pulled me back to reality. It wasnt about Nick anymore. It was about my baby. I pushed as hard as I could. I pushed with everything I had. Soon after, my babys cries filled the air, and tears streamed down my face. The doctor handed him to me. Is he okay? Is he healthy? I asked, staring at him. He was so small. Ill need to examine him, but he looks goodjust a little underweight but good. I smiled through my tears. His name is Samuel. Give him my last name, not Nicks, and keep him safe. Take him away from here, Ethan. My heart broke as I handed him over. You can hold him for a little longer, the doctor offered, but I shook my head. Hed been born in this dirty cell. I didnt want him to spend a second more in here. Take him away and check him out to make sure hes healthy. And remember, Ethandont ever tell Nick. I sobbed as I watched Ethan leave with him. Nick, youre going to pay for this. I swear it.