The storm outside roared, wind howling as rain slammed against the windows, but the chaos inside you was louder. For days, you’d been avoiding Alejandro. Blocking his calls, ignoring his messages, trying to distance yourself from the man who stirred too many emotions.

You glanced down at your round belly. His child. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Your relationship had always been rocky, filled with fiery arguments and cold silences. How were you supposed to raise a child with someone you couldn’t even stand being in the same room with sometimes?

A knock echoed from your front door. You froze, heart pounding. It could only be him. Alejandro. He must’ve come through the storm.

Reluctantly, you opened the door. There he stood, soaked through, his dark eyes filled with frustration, concern, and something else. Something softer.

"Why have you been blocking me?" he asked, voice low but still sharp.

You didn’t answer right away. The sight of him, standing there, dripping with rain, stirred up too many memories. "We’re not good together," you finally said, voice strained. "You know that."

His jaw tightened. "That’s not an excuse to shut me out, especially now."

"You don’t understand." You moved to close the door, but a sudden, deep cramp stopped you in your tracks. You gasped, gripping the doorframe for support. Alejandro’s eyes widened, and in an instant, he was at your side.

"What’s wrong?" His hands hovered over you, unsure whether to help or step back.

"It’s…the baby." Another contraction hit, stronger this time. "I think it’s happening."

His face paled, but his focus sharpened. "We need to get to the hospital."

You both glanced outside at the raging storm. The roads were flooded, no chance of making it there in time. And without hesitating, he scooped you up and carried you inside, laying you on the couch. He moved with the calm efficiency of someone used to high-pressure situations, but the look in his eyes was pure fear.

You had never seen him like this.