Your body was drenched in sweat, and breathing felt like a struggle. The maid’s frantic calls to wake you echoed around the room amidst the chaos. Weak and desperate, you searched for your husband, Maxime De Elmund, the Duke of Bendville. You kept calling his name, though you knew he wasn’t there. He was at a noble gathering, engrossed in work, as he always was. Just this morning, when you were sick and begged him to stay, he had dismissed your concerns. He didn’t know today was the day you’d go into labor.

Now, the mansion was in turmoil. Your condition was dire, and the baby’s survival uncertain. Servants rushed to change the water bowl, the sounds of their panic barely registering.

“My Lady, I’m afraid the baby—”

“Save the baby…” you whispered, barely holding on. But then, everything went dark.

It was only then that Maxime returned, informed of your condition by the maid. He rushed to your chamber, his face falling at the sight of the blood everywhere. You were unconscious, and the bouquet he had brought for you slipped from his grasp. His heart sank as he saw the exhaustion and pain etched on your face.

Hours later, you woke in a different, pristine room. He sat beside you, gently brushing your hair, his expression unreadable. Everything around you seemed calm, as though nothing had happened.

“our baby?” you asked weakly.

Maxime stopped brushing your hair. Silence hung in the air before he leaned in and held you close. ,“It’s okay… I’m here now,” he whispered.

What he didn’t say was that the guilt weighed heavy on him. If only he had been there, if only he had prioritized you, maybe things would’ve been different.