Chapter 21 - Gwen

I drift back to consciousness, the steady beep of machines pulling me from the depths of an unsettling sleep. I let out a soft moan as my eyelids peel open.

The first thing I see is the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room, and panic grips me. My mind races with flashes of the abduction—dark places, danger lurking in every corner, the sleazy guy closing in on me, and then Roman bursting in like a storm. The memories hit me like a tidal wave, and I bolt upright, my heart pounding. My eyes immediately scan up and down my body, wiggle my fingers and toes, and shift my arms and legs. I’m hurt. I must be hurt somewhere.

My hand shoots to my stomach—is the baby okay?

Oh, god, please let the baby be okay.

“Gwen!”

The relief in his voice is palpable, and I turn my head to see Roman by my side, his face a mixture of concern and overwhelming joy. He pushes himself out of the chair in the corner and approaches me swiftly. His hair is tousled, and the dark circles under his eyes tell me he hasn’t left my side. I wonder how long it’s been since I was put in this room.

The tension in my chest begins to ease, and I let out a shaky breath.

“Roman…” I manage, my voice weak but filled with warmth.

His relief is instantaneous. “You’re awake. Thank God .” He leans over, his hand gripping mine fiercely, sending comfort coursing through me.

But then, as if a switch has flipped, his expression darkens. “What were you thinking, sneaking out like some prisoner? You could have been killed!” His voice rises, filled with a mix of anger and fear that cuts through the remnants of my grogginess.

I can see it now, the raw worry etched on his features, and guilt washes over me. He’s angry, he’s hurt. He feels betrayed, like he can’t be trusted, and I understand. He has every right to feel these things.

“I’m sorry, I just—” I try, but he unforgivingly cuts slices through my words.

“You didn’t tell anyone! You just disappeared without a word!” He runs a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. He’s not yelling in my face but is angry and isn’t afraid to show it.

“I was terrified, Gwen!” He blurts out, then his body settles, his voice changing as he adds, “I thought I’d lost you.”

I open my mouth to respond, to explain that I never meant for this to happen, but before I can utter a word, a doctor enters the room, clipboard in hand.

“Ah, I see you’re awake,” she says, her tone professional but gentle. “How are you feeling, Gwen?”

I look at Roman, who backs away from my bed to catch his breath. I keep my gaze on him for a moment before I clear my throat and address the doctor. “Like I’ve been run over by a truck,” I reply, attempting a lightheartedness I don’t fully feel.

The doctor nods, a slight smile on her lips. “That’s understandable. You sustained a few injuries during the abduction, but nothing too severe. A couple of bruised ribs and a mild concussion. You’ll be sore for a few days but should recuperate just fine.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, relief flooding through me. “And the baby?” I ask, my heart racing.

I don’t have to look in Roman’s direction; I just immediately feel his body freeze in place behind me. I can only imagine the look on his face.

The doctor’s smile widens. “The baby is doing just as well. Heartbeat is strong, and there’s no sign of distress.”

“Baby?” Roman echoes. I turn to face him and notice the look in his widened eyes, which indicates that the realization is hitting him like a bolt of lightning. I can see the surprise wash over his features, quickly followed by sheer elation.

“Yes,” I say, my voice softening. I go on when he meets my eyes. “That’s the reason why I snuck out of the house. I needed to get a test.”

“I’ll let you two talk,” the doctor chuckles before politely excusing herself.

He shakes his head in disbelief, mixed emotions on his face. “You could have told me,” he says, his voice steadier now but still filled with concern. He walks back to crouch by my bedside, taking my hands in his. “I would have helped you. I want to be there for you.”

“I know,” I reply, my heart aching with the weight of it all. I try to find the right words but struggle. “I was just so overwhelmed. I thought I could handle it myself.”

Roman’s expression softens, his eyes searching mine. “Gwen, you don’t have to do everything alone. We’re in this together.”

“I know,” I whisper, tears welling in my eyes. Nerves wrack my body, and I take a deep inhale before adding, “I love you, Roman. I’m so sorry for putting you through this.”

Roman tenses up, but it lasts for merely a second before his lips curl into a sweet smile. He brings one of my hands to his lips to kiss the back of it.

“I love you too, Gwen,” he says, leaning forward to plant the next kiss on my forehead, then my lips. His thumb brushes over the back of my hand, grounding me as we share a moment of silence, the chaos of the past few days fading into the background.

“Just promise me you won’t ever do that again,” he murmurs, his voice low and earnest.

“I promise,” I say, my heart swelling with affection.

The doctor returns minutes later. She clears her throat, bringing us back to the present. “Once you’re feeling better, we can discuss follow-up care and any concerns you might have about the pregnancy. For now, it’s important that you rest.”

As she speaks, I can feel Roman’s eyes on me, his gaze unwavering. His expression is filled with pride, and I know he’s processing everything that’s happened. Seeing his elation, I can’t help but feel my worries disappear completely, replaced by intense relaxation.

He’s happy. He’s excited to be a father. He’s excited to start a family with me.

And I couldn’t be happier.

Once the doctor leaves, I look at him, ready to delve deeper into our experience. “So, what happened after I blacked out?”

Roman’s expression shifts from worry to seriousness. “I’m just glad you’re okay. After I found you, I took out the guy who had you, but I didn’t realize how close it was until you were already unconscious. I swear, Gwen, I won’t let anything happen to you again.”

“I believe you,” I reply, my heart swelling at the fierce protectiveness in his tone. “And I’m glad you’re okay too. I can’t imagine what it was like for you to find me like that. I’m sorry again, Roman. Really… I can’t say it enough.”

He looks away for a moment, his jaw tightening. “It’s okay, Gwen. It was hell,” he admits quietly. “But you’re safe now, and that’s all that matters.”

“I’m so grateful to have you,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

“And I’m grateful to have you,” he replies, his expression earnest. “You’re going to be an amazing mother, Gwen. I can’t wait to start this journey with you.”

As we share a smile, the weight of our love fills the room, and I know that no matter the challenges ahead, we’ll face them together.