Ch. 511..520

Chapter 511

The first rays of morning sunlight seeped through the window, painting the room with a gentle glow.

Mila was still in slumber when she heard the door creak open. Startled awake, she slowly rose, her gaze landing on an unexpected visitor.

Fenna stood at the doorway; her initial surprise quickly clouded with dismay. "Why are you sleeping in Nate's room?" she snapped.

Mila clenched her fists slowly, her irritation mounting as Fenna's intrusion disrupted the peace of the early morning. She wondered why Fenna would know the passcode to Nathan's room.

"Why shouldn't I stay in my husband's room?" Mila retorted, her tone tinged with annoyance.

With a grim expression, Fenna rushed into the bathroom, grabbing a cloth and setting to work on the chair and cabinet surfaces.

Mila watched her with confusion. "What's going on?" she asked, puzzled.

Fenna let out a disdainful snort, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "You don't know how to clean, but can't you tell what I'm doing?"

Taking a deep breath to rein in her frustration, Mila asked calmly, "Why are you cleaning Nate's room?"

Fenna straightened her posture, and her demeanor oozed superiority as she looked down at Mila. "Wanda, I'm Nate's assistant. For the past six months, I've attended to every aspect of his life and work. Unlike you..."

Mila's expression darkened further. "What?" she demanded.

Fenna dismissed her with a disdainful glance. "What else have you done other than causing him trouble? Have you ever cooked him a meal or done his laundry? Or even fetch him a glass of water?

"You can't help him at work nor take care of his daily life. You're utterly useless. All you know is to be jealous and stir up trouble in our friendship." Mila felt a pang in her stomach, gritting her teeth as she took another deep breath.

Since childhood, her upbringing had

taught her that she wasn't destined to be a housewife. Everyone had their strengths and contributions to offer to the family and society.

Mila collected herself and responded, "I am his wife, not his maid. Why should I do the chores meant for a maid?"

Fenna fired back, "Once you married him, these became your responsibilities."

Mila frowned, genuinely puzzled. "Does Norvania have laws that stipulate that a wife must cook, do laundry, serve, and clean?" With disdain etched on her face, Fenna continued scrubbing the table. "I don't understand why Nate would choose you."

Mila felt a twinge of discomfort at Fenna's remark. She couldn't understand why Fenna, who was of her generation in this modern era, would cling to such outdated and rigid beliefs.

She wondered if Fenna was still trapped in the ideology of male domination. Someone with her mindset would willingly be Nathan's mistress. Keeping her emotions in check, Mila spoke up, "Fenna, from now on, you don't have to clean Nate's room. Please leave."

Ignoring Mila's request, Fenna finished cleaning the table and proceeded to the wardrobe.

Observing Fenna's skilled actions, Mila knew this wasn't her first time performing such tasks here.

Mila wondered if other women

would tolerate someone admiring

their husband invading his private space boldly. But she found it deeply unsettling. She felt increasingly uncomfortable and irritated

"Ms. Hudson," Mila snapped, her tone edged with anger. "Don't you understand me?"

Chapter 512

Chapter 512

She's not treating Nathan well?

Mila was left speechless.

For Nathan, she had risked exposing her true identity and ventured into the Nightshade headquarters to save him.

She also forsook her homeland and her career in science, sacrificing her nationality in Sunterland to return to Norvania and start anew.

She had entrusted Nathan with her most precious assets-her life and her career-carrying his child within her. Yet, was all this not sufficient? Must she also serve him like a maid to be deemed worthy?

Mila felt a disconnect between herself and Fenna. She couldn't understand Fenna's mindset, just as Fenna couldn't grasp hers.

Unable to drive Fenna away, Mila felt annoyed watching her wandering around the room. With a swift motion, she tossed aside the covers, slipped into her coat, shoes, and socks, and grabbed her phone, readying herself to leave.

But as she took her first few steps, Fenna's voice echoed from behind, "Why don't you even bother to straighten the sheets and covers after getting up? Are you always this sloppy?"

Mila paused in her tracks, her hands caressing her taunt and aching belly, focusing on steadying her breath. If this tension continued, Fenna's provocation might trigger a miscarriage.

Facing away from Fenna, Mila replied calmly, "Making the bed is Nate's job. If he's not here, Phoebe will do it. If neither Nate nor Phoebe are here, then it's your turn.

"After all, your job is to serve. If I do your duty, how can you prove your worth?"

Fenna's face paled, her teeth clenched with fury as she roared, "What do you mean by that?"

"You heard me," Mila retorted sharply as she purposefully strode away.

Nathan was engaged in a mission. Mila had no intention of distracting him with the discord between herself and Fenna.

Hence, she remained silent on the matter. She knew that even if she told him, Nathan wouldn't reassign Fenna. It would only add to his troubles.

A few days later, Mila learned from Phoebe that Fenna had wrapped up the group's affairs and returned to Phoenicia, assisting Nathan with his work.

Śwnovel

Phoebe and Cole hadn't officially started dating, yet they called and texted endlessly every day, caught amid an ambiguous flirting phase.

Right after finishing a call with Cole

Phoebe came over and leaned on Mila's desk. Mila asked her if they were dating, and Phoebe denied it decisively.

With their fervent phone conversations, stretching on for hours with no shortage of topics, Mila couldn't help but ask, "Isn't Cole busy?" Phoebe chuckled. "He is, but he managed to chat with me on his Bluetooth headset."

Then, she asked Mila, "Doesn't Mr. Morrison call you?"

Mila showed Phoebe the chat history with Nathan on her phone.

Phoebe was taken aback and sighed with a smile. "You're still the same, Mila. I can't help but feel sorry for him."

Mila glanced at the screen, a faint smile gracing her lips. Then, she set down her phone to focus on the data sheets in front of her.

Her chat history was flooded with

Nathan's calls, voice messages, and texts. However, her responses were brief, almost dismissive. Her demeanor was distant and aloof,

prompting one to question her true

feelings for Nathan.

Mila's lips curved into a slight smile, her gaze still fixed on the data sheets. "Of course I do."

Mila replied casually, "Can constant chatting truly ease the sense of longing?"

Mila's gaze shifted meaningfully toward Phoebe, who nervously clarified, "It's not about Cole. I was talking about you and General Morrison."

Chapter 513

Chapter 513

Mila suppressed a smile, choosing not to reveal much, although she knew it well.

She said, "Phoebe, my accomplishments today aren't solely the result of intelligence, but diligence as well. We all have the same amount of time. If we aim to learn and excel, we must be willing to sacrifice our time and delve into our pursuits.

"Instead of spending one or two hours chatting aimlessly, which doesn't ease longing and only waste our time, why bother?"

Phoebe smiled and asked, "So, that's why General Morrison thinks you're ruthless? You cut off all contact with him ten years ago."

Mila gently patted Phoebe's head and reminded her, "Love isn't everything in life. We must learn to assess. Even if we deeply love someone, we mus consider if they're worth it."

"Is he worth it then?" Phoebe asked further.

Mila blushed slightly and bit her lips. After thinking it over for a moment, she replied, "For now, he is."

Undeterred, Phoebe persisted, "Mila, Fenna treats him like some sort of obsession. Will General Morrison ever change his mind?"

Mila's expression darkened with a touch of bitterness as she softly said, "Go focus on your matters. Don't disturb my work."

"Okay," Phoebe obediently acquiesced. She returned to the couch and took out her phone to play games.

Mila's gaze lingered on her phone screen, her emotions swirling within.

Phoebe's question continued to resonate in her mind. "Will General Morrison ever change his mind?"

Unable to resist, she picked up her phone and opened the messaging app.

Nathan had sent her a few voice messages yesterday. However, she had been busy and missed them.

By the time she checked her phone, it was already late at night. Wanting to avoid disturbing Nathan's rest, she refrained from responding.

Up until today, she still hasn't responded.

She wondered if she should be more proactive.

After much contemplation, Mila decided against responding altogether. She set down her phone and resumed her work.

Soon, her phone rang.

Focusing on her documents, she reached for her phone and glanced at the screen. It was an unknown number.

She hesitated for a moment before answering the call and brought the phone to her ear. She continued to read the data without shifting her gaze and asked, "Who's this?"

A magnetic and gentle voice resonated through the phone, "Chubs, it's me, Daniel."

"Daniel?" Mila paused, lifting her gaze to the scenery outside the window.

Daniel's voice carried an unusual solemnity as he spoke, "Sienna has been missing for a week. Do you know where she went?"

Mila was taken aback. "Sienna has already resigned. Didn't you know?"

Silence followed on the other end of the line.

Mila guessed that Daniel was unaware. Perhaps Sienna hadn't mentioned it, and he hadn't thought to ask.

A week had passed, and Daniel couldn't resist the urge to call and ask.

After a brief pause, Daniel asked again, "Why did she resign? Was it because of low pay? Or was I too demanding?"

Mila sensed Daniel's unusually low spirits. After some contemplation, she replied honestly, "Sienna's mother wanted her to return to her hometown for an arranged marriage. The potential groom is a fellow townsman who is also a small clothing factory owner with a respectable family background."

Daniel fell into silence once more.

Daniel declined firmly, "No, it's unnecessary."

After a moment of silence, Daniel asked, "Chubs, what kind of girl is she, exactly?"

Mila pursed her lips, pondering for a moment before earnestly describing, "Well, Sienna is around five feet and five inches, slender, and delicate She has big, expressive eyes, a petite and straight nose, smile.

na sweet

"Her personality is as lively and outgoing as her appearance. She's a girl of principles, confident and independent, unafraid to express her emotions."

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Chapter 514

Chapter 514

"Sienna isn't fierce at all. In fact, she's a very gentle girl. She only portrayed herself as tough and abrasive to pull you out of despair, employing tough tactics on you. She's actually very tender and lovely.

"Her father had cancer before, and she was the only provider, supporting her family and covering her father's medical expenses.

"She racked up significant debts to save him, but sadly, her father didn't make it in the end. Yet, she maintains a resilient and optimistic attitude. "Daniel, since you're single anyway, why not consider Sienna? She "

"I'm not worthy, Mila," Daniel cut her off before she could finish.

Mila was taken aback. "Why?"

Daniel forced a bitter smile and replied, "She's such a wonderful girl, and I'm just a blind fool. I'm not worthy of her."

"Daniel, Sienna feels the same way about herself. I believe both of you underestimate your worth. Why not open your hearts and give it a try?" Daniel chuckled. "She's too kind. Can't you sense her gentle refusal?"

Was it truly a rejection from Sienna? Mila couldn't tell anymore. After all, matters of the heart were as complex as one's deepest desires, understood only by oneself.

Feeling helpless, Mila asked, "Daniel, are you not going to pursue Sienna? If she proceeds with her arranged marriage, she'll marry someone else. After spending so much time together, don't you feel anything?"

Daniel changed the topic, his tone laden with seriousness. "Mila, any news about Oliver?"

Mila was surprised. "Why suddenly ask about him?"

"I want him to perform brain surgery on me. Even if there's only a slim chance, I want to try."

"Daniel, it's too dangerous. He's a ruthless terrorist, a heartless killer. You can't entrust him with the surgery.

"Besides, the risks are too high. Even

if he doesn't harm you, the surgery could go wrong. You might not

survive, or worse, never wake up!" exclaimed.

she

"Chubs, I've made up my mind. Just tell me where Oliver is, and I'll handle the rest."

Though Mila couldn't quite grasp Daniel's reasoning, she respected his decision wholeheartedly.

"Oliver should be in Phoenicia." Mila pondered briefly before adding, "Nate returned to Phoenicia for a mission, so he likely knows his whereabouts."

"Got it. Nate and his crew are at my place. I'll get the scoop on Oliver's whereabouts from them."

Mila's heart raced, nerves on edge, as she nervously asked, "Daniel, do you mean Fenna's also there?"

"Yeah, both Fenna and Cole," Daniel

replied nonchalantly. "Fenna

complained about Sudvilla being locked up tight by you, and not even Nate has the passcode."

Mila felt downcast. It was understandable for Cole to stay in Morrison Residence, given he didn't have his own place in Phoenicia. But why would Fenna, who had a home in Phoenicia, stay in Morrison Residence?

Mila forced a smile, feigning calmness. "I'm fine, Daniel."

"Catch you later," Mila replied, her mind elsewhere as she set down her phone, feeling a strange bitterness creeping in.

Chapter 515

Chapter 515

The weather gradually warmed, and in the blink of an eye, it was time for another prenatal checkup.

Mila vividly recalled Nathan's insistence on being notified about each future appointment. However, he remained entrenched in his duties in Phoenicia.

To avoid disrupting his work, Mila, accompanied by Phoebe, decided to visit the staff hospital for her examination.

At seven months pregnant, the doctor advised Mila to return to Phoenicia for the delivery. The facilities at the staff hospital were deemed inadequate for labor, and the place lacked a neonatal ward.

Mila applied for maternity leave from the company, deciding to return to Phoenicia with Phoebe secretly. She hadn't informed Nathan in advance, hoping to surprise him.

From the moment they landed, Phoebe sensed an unsettling presence, as if they were being watched. On their way home, a mysterious vehicle tailed behind them.

"Mila, something feels off. It seems like we're being followed. Should we alert General Morrison?" Phoebe's concern was palpable.

Nervously scanning the rearview mirror, Mila pondered for a few seconds before replying, "Is Phoenicia unsafe?"

"It might be." Phoebe, with her sharp intuition, suggested, "General Morrison has been in Phoenicia for over a month without leaving. He must be dealing with something quite challenging."

"In that case, let's inform him." Mila immediately pulled out her phone and dialed Nathan's number. "Safety first."

Phoebe nodded in agreement.

Moments later, Nathan's voice crackled through the phone, slightly tinged with excitement. "Chubs."

It marked the first time Mila had initiated a call with him that month.

"Nate, Phoebe and I are here in Phoenicia," Mila said.

Anxiously, Nathan inquired, "Why did you come back? Where are you now?"

"We're on our way to Sudvilla." Mila continued, "The doctor recommended that I deliver the baby in Phoenicia, as the staff hospital lacks a neonatal ward."

"When will you arrive home?"

"Phoebe suspects we're being followed," Mila explained.

Nathan's tone shifted to urgency. "Share your location with me. I'll arrange for someone to pick you up."

"Alright."

Mila sensed the urgency in Nathan's voice, heightening the tension in the air. She ended the call and promptly shared her location with him.

Within 15 minutes, Phoebe noticed

that the vehicle tailing them had

vel

been joined by two more, both military vehicles from the camp. Their presence provided a comforting reassurance to Mila's uneasy heart.

An hour passed, and dusk descended gracefully.

The vehicles arrived safely at Sudvilla. Mila stepped out of the car and turned to see two more vehicles pulling up behind them.

To her surprise, Nathan emerged

from one of them. Initially, she had thought he'd sent someone for her protection. But to her delight, he had come personally, escorting her all the way.

With eyes brimming with warmth, Nathan approached silently and wrapped Mila in his arms. He closed his eyes and gently kissed her forehead, his chest heaving with emotion.

Mila's once-empty heart instantly overflowed with warmth and anticipation. Feeling Nathan's familiar warmth and scent was incredibly comforting. "Don't you miss me?" Nathan murmured, his voice husky and tinged with a hint of longing.

Nestled in his embrace, Mila whispered, "Of course I do."

It was then that Mila realized her hands had been hanging by her sides all along. She smiled faintly, lifting her hands to wrap them around his waist and nuzzling

against his chest.

Nathan's tone carried a hint of reproach. "You must let me know in advance wherever you go next time."

Nathan chuckled helplessly. "I don't need surprises."

"It's cold here. Let's head home." Nathan reluctantly released Mila and took her hand, leading the way toward Sudvilla.

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Chapter 516

Phoebe stepped out of the car, ready to unload the luggage, when Cole approached with an inviting smile. "Let me handle that," he offered warmly. Phoebe glanced at him, her curiosity piqued. His cheerful grin was infectious, and his eyes were sparkling with delight.

"What got you in such a good mood?" Phoebe asked curiously.

Cole remained silent to her question. His eyes gleamed mischievously as he stole glances at Phoebe, and a perpetual smile played on his lips.

"Did you win the lottery or something?" Phoebe asked, surprised. "Or hit the jackpot?"

Cole chuckled softly. "No, I'm not into lottery."

"Then why the big grin?"

Cole's expression turned coy as he suppressed a smile before flashing his pearly-white teeth again. "Am I smiling?"

Phoebe teased, "Either you've hit the jackpot or found a stash of cash, or perhaps you're excited about your wedding night." Cole paused for a moment, his cheeks flushing slightly before muttering, "I have no wife."

With that, he pushed the luggage inside, Phoebe trailing behind him.

"General Morrison is here. Where's that woman?" Phoebe asked coldly.

"That woman?" Cole raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Phoebe's tone turned frosty. "Fenna."

"She's on a mission."

"What kind of mission?"

"It's confidential," Cole responded curtly.

Phoebe rolled her eyes at him and didn't press further, choosing not to engage in further conversation with him.

Upon arriving home, it was already evening. Mila hadn't informed Nathan of their return, leaving him unable to prepare dinner in advance.

Fearing that Mila and the baby might go hungry, Nathan made spaghetti for dinner.

At the dining table, Cole couldn't contain his excitement. Grinning widely, he exclaimed, "Thanks to you, I'm tasting spaghetti cooked by General Morrison for the first time."

Mila's lips curved into a gentle smile as she stole a glance at Nathan, who had just sat on his chair. His handsome features were graced with an endearing smile, and his eyes were radiating warmth.

"Dig in while it's hot," Nathan softly said to Mila."There's more in the pot. I'll get you some more after you finish."

Mila looked at the plate of spaghetti, along with the pile of meatballs. "This is too much. I definitely can't finish it."

"Have a bit more," Nathan replied. He was unaware of her appetite, but he was mindful of her need for nourishment.

"I'll have someone bring over more ingredients and arrange for a maternity nurse and maid to come early to take care of you."

Mila lowered her gaze to savor the meatballs, murmuring, "It's only seven months. It's too soon to hire a maternity nurse. It's unnecessary." "Okay then."

Setting aside his fork, Nathan

watched Mila eat, his eyes exuding

ul

warmth. A smile graced his lips he saw Mila enjoying her meal. Noticing the sauce staining he lips, he swiftly retrieved a tissue and wiped it away.

Mila felt it wasn't right to keep it from him. She explained, "There's some adhesion between the

placenta and the uterine wall. The doctor said childbirth might be a bit tricky, so it's safer for me to

birth at a larger hospital in

give

Phoenicia."

Chapter 517

Chapter 517

Nathan couldn't fathom the consequences of the adhesion between the placenta and the uterine wall. With haste, he reached for his phone, eager to search online for answers.

Mila promptly stopped him, her tone reassuring. "Don't look it up. The internet is full of scaremongering. There's nothing to worry about."

Nathan's heart weighed heavy, his arm instinctively pulling her closer and planting a tender kiss on her forehead. "I've missed another check-up. I'm failing as a husband and father."

Mila's voice softened. "It's okay. I don't blame you. But when I'm giving birth, I need you by my side."

Nathan clasped her hand, bringing it tenderly to his lips. "I'll be there for you and our child, I promise."

"No matter how busy you are, I want you to witness our baby's first moments. And I hope the first person I see after leaving the delivery room is you." "I promise you, I'll never leave your side on the delivery day."

With a contented smile, Mila closed her eyes and leaned into his warm embrace. Nathan held her closer, enveloping her in his arms.

Suddenly, the phone rang. Mila picked it up and saw Fenna's name flashing on the screen. In that instant, all happiness seemed diluted as she handed Nathan the phone with a hint of displeasure.

Taking the phone, Nathan tried to pull away from Mila gently, whispering, "I need to answer the call."

Mila remained unmoved, her expression sour. "Is there something I shouldn't hear? Take it here, on speaker."

With a sigh, Nathan caressed her head gently and put the call on speaker.

Before he could utter a word, Fenna's panicked cries filled the air. "Nate, help me. Save me..."

Nathan's face darkened, tension coursing through him.

Hearing the plea for help, Mila promptly stood up, making way for Nathan.

As Nathan stood, urgency tinged his voice. "What's going on? Where are you?"

At that moment, Cole emerged, his eyes fixed on Nathan, ready for action.

Fenna's cries ceased, replaced by a stranger's voice. "Nebula Plaza, top floor. General Morrison, if you don't arrive within half an hour, be prepared to collect her body."

"You-" Nathan's words were cut short as the call abruptly ended. His expression turned grave as he instructed Mila, "Stay home. Don't go anywhere."

With that, he walked past Mila, heading out with determined strides. Mila quickly turned and called after him, "Nate!"

Nathan halted, turning to face her, urgency evident in his burning gaze. "What's wrong?"

Mila seized his hand, her tone

cautious. "Send Cole and a team to

rescue Fenna. They specifically

asked for you. It feels like a trap. Something's off."

With time pressing, Nathan couldn't afford to linger. He gently freed himself from Mila's grip and

reassured her, "I'll take care el

of

myself. Trust me, I'll be back soon."

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Nathan, her voice tinged with desperation. "Nate, please let Cole handle this. Stay here with me."

Nathan tenderly brushed away Mila's tears, his touch comforting. "Be good. Wait for me at home. I'll be back to be with you soon."

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Chapter 518

With that, Nathan bolted out of Sudvilla, with Cole following closely behind.

Mila remained rooted in place, her fists clenching slowly as tears clouded her sight.

She knew Nathan all too well. A man of his mettle would help even a stranger, let alone a friend and colleague in need. Yet, she couldn't approve of his actions as well as shaking off the unease gnawing at her.

Phoebe, alerted by the commotion, dashed out of her room. She caught sight of Cole and Nathan hurriedly leaving.

Rushing downstairs, she asked, "Mila, what's happening? Why are they in such a rush?"

Mila stood motionless, offering no response.

Phoebe approached her. Seeing the tear stains on her face, she grew alarmed and gently held her hand. "Mila, why are you crying? Are you not feeling well?"

Mila closed her eyes, tears trickling down her cheeks. She shook her head, unable to articulate her feelings. It felt as if a heavy weight was pressed upon her chest.

The night sky was shrouded in darkness, without a single star in sight. Two hours had slipped by, and Nathan had yet to return.

Wearing a coat, Mila stepped outside, standing beneath the glow of the streetlamp in the garden path. Her gaze pierced through the darkness, anxiously waiting.

"Why are you out here in the cold?" Phoebe's concerned voice sounded.

Mila turned to look at her. In that instant, Phoebe noticed a red dot on Mila's forehead. Her face drained of color, her voice trembling with nervousness. "Mila, get down!"

Perplexed, Mila frowned. "What?"

"Mila, get down!" Phoebe exclaimed, rushing over and throwing herself at Mila without hesitation.

A muted sound pierced Mila's ears as a suppressed sniper rifle shot rang out.

In a swift motion, Phoebe lunged forward and enveloped Mila in her embrace. Their bodies spun before they tumbled into the garden bushes. Phoebe shielded Mila and her unborn baby with her own body.

Mila, gripped by panic, lay atop Phoebe. Her breaths came in rapid gasps, her heart raced, and her abdomen ached with sharp pains. A sense of dread consumed her.

Beneath her, Phoebe was drenched in sweat, her face drained of color as she grimaced in agony.

Reaching out, Mila touched Phoebe's arm, her voice trembling with emotion. "Phoebe, are you injured? Where does it hurt?"

Phoebe released her grip to clutch at her shoulder, her breaths ragged as she whispered in anguish, "I'm fine. Mila, stay still, there's a sniper."

"Where's my phone?" Mila frantically searched her pockets, realizing it was inside the house. She briefly searched Phoebe for her phone, but it was nowhere to be found.

"Security!" Mila shouted toward the security booth at Sudvilla's entrance. "Security, there's a sniper! Take cover, call the police, and inform Nathan quickly..."

Hearing Mila's voice, the security guard stationed at the entrance didn't immediately reach for his phone. Instead, he stepped out to investigate who might be playing a prank.

As he emerged from the security booth, he was instantly targeted by a red dot The next moment, a duff gunshot echoed through the air. A loud thud sounded as the security guard collapsed. Mila covered her mouth in shock, paralyzed with fear. Witnessing the innocent guard being sacrificed, she wept in despair, feeling utterly powerless.

In the dim yellow light, Mila watched as Phoebe's complexion paled, her sciousness slipping away. Even if the wound wasn't fatal, the loss of blood would be dangerous if left untreated. Phoebe had taken the bullet to save her. The door was open, about six feet away from their position. A staircase led up to the entrance, flanked by two large columns.

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Chapter 519

With a forceful toss, Mila flung her coat outside. The muffled sound of suppressed gunfire echoed once more as the coat was hit.

Simultaneously, Mila sprinted swiftly, ascending the steps and finding refuge within the large columns.

Her breaths became strained, her heart raced, and her nerves stretched to their limit. Her stomach clenched with pain, but home was just a few steps away.

She gently caressed her belly, murmuring, "Baby, don't be afraid, trust Mommy, we'll make it through."

She took off her sweater, seizing the opportunity and tossing it outside. Bullets flew and sliced through the fabric, hitting the door with a menacing thud.

With all her might, Mila risked her life to dash toward the door, but the bullets followed, ringing out in rapid succession. The three shots felt like they grazed past Mila, brushing her with a touch of death, as she raced inside at lightning speed.

Overwhelmed with fear and tension, she ran too fast, causing her to collapse at the entrance, her belly searing with intense pain.

With gritted teeth, Mila crawled forward, her voice trembling as she instructed the sound control system, "Turn off the lights." Darkness instantly enveloped the house.

Waves of excruciating pain rippled through her abdomen as Mila felt liquid trickling down her thighs.

Finally reaching the living room, she navigated to the coffee table, searching for her phone. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she lay on the floor, dialing the emergency number, her gaze fixed on the inky ceiling above.

Mila calmly reported the situation to the emergency services, requesting an ambulance, then dialed Nathan's number.

Tears welled in her eyes as she tenderly touched her aching belly, clutching the phone with trembling hands, awaiting a response. The phone continued to ring.

"Beep... Beep... Beep..."

Time stretched on, her heart growing cold with each unanswered ring. Nathan didn't pick up.

Trembling, Mila dialed again, only to hear the automated voice of a female robot. "The number you have dialed is unreachable."

At that moment, her heart plummeted into a bottomless pit of despair.

Mila hesitated to jump to conclusions. Nathan's inability to answer the phone must mean he was facing some danger.

Her legs turned numb, soaked through. With trembling hands, she dialed Cole's number.

Cole picked up right away. "Mrs. Morrison."

Mila's voice quivered. "Cole, where's Nate?"

"Fenna was drugged and badly hurt. He took her to the hospital. I'm leading the team to hunt down the remaining kidnappers." Mila let out a bitter laugh. Her heart turned cold.

With a weak voice, Mila said, "Cole, hurry back. Phoebe's been shot."

Mila dropped the phone and turned her gaze toward the door. Her heart wrenched, and her body trembled, but no tears fell.

"Phoebe, hang in there. The police

and ambulance are on their Cole is rushing back. You

stay strong until they arr waynet

In the dark room, Mila spotted the red ultraviolet light piercing through the balcony, searching for her silhouette in the living room. The red dot was dancing like a ghost.

Mila felt determined with no fear and tears. She cupped her aching belly, focusing on her baby's movements. Her only wish now was for her child to survive.

для

"Mommy can give up anything as long as you live. I'll protect you and keep you safe from harm."

Chapter 520

Chapter 520

Beneath the cloak of night, where stars hid behind a shroud of darkness, everything seemed trapped in a nightmare. The wailing sirens of police cars and ambulances pierced the tranquil silence.

Mila and Phoebe were ushered onto separate ambulances.

Mila's abdomen was seized by relentless waves of agony, pushing her to the edge of despair. Yet, her physical pain paled in comparison to the anguish in her heart, an endless cycle of fear and disappointment.

At this dire moment, with both her and her baby facing the gravest danger, Mila found herself utterly alone. Nathan, whom she depended on and loved deeply, now remained silent, tending to another woman's needs.

It was a painful echo of the past, reminiscent of the time when she and the impostor Sally had fallen into the pool together, and Nathan had chosen to save the other woman. The sting of that betrayal pierced her soul.

As Mila was ushered into the delivery room, she found herself surrounded by urgent conversations between doctors and nurses. Before her eyes was a commotion, and in her ears was a buzzing cacophony.

Tears flowed down her cheeks while blood seeped from her lower abdomen. Her heart endured relentless stabbing pains, each contraction intensifying the agony.

"Where's your husband?"

"Where are your family members?"

"Who will sign the documents?"

"Quick, call your family. Your condition is critical. How many months pregnant are you? Which hospital are you registered with?"

The doctor's urgent prompts added to the chaos, leaving Mila in a state of disarray. Drenched in sweat, she struggled amidst the uncontrollable tremble to unlock her phone and handed it over to the nurse with Florence's number.

She was then wheeled into the delivery room. Each contraction felt like a blow that threatened to break her spirit.

In that room of pain and uncertainty, there was no one by her side.

When the nurse returned her phone, Mila dialed Nathan's number with her last ounce of strength.

Tears streamed down her face as she gasped for breath, praying for him to answer, yearning for him to come to her aid. Yet, all she received was the cold, automated message.

Inside the delivery room, doctors buzzed around, attending to her urgent needs.

Mila watched helplessly as they hooked up blood bags. It was then she realized the severity of her condition. She was bleeding excessively, with her baby yet to be born. The situation was dire.

"Has her family arrived?" The doctor impatiently questioned the nurse.

"On their way," the nurse replied.

The doctor's voice boomed with anger. "You're seven months pregnant, and there's no one by your side?

"You're bleeding heavily, yet there's no one to sign the papers. How can we proceed with surgery? We can't risk it!"

Another doctor, checking the baby's heartbeat, exclaimed urgently, "We can't wait any longer. There's no heartbeat."

Those words hit Mila like a dagger to her heart. She felt her strength drain away, her hand trembling as it reached for her swollen belly.

She closed her eyes, and tears streamed down her cheeks. She had endured so much suffering and fought through seven grueling months.

Her life was intertwined with her unborn child's. She couldn't carry on if her baby didn't make it.

At that moment, all she wanted was to be with her baby wherever it may lead.

Just as the doctors and nurses were

at a loss, à nurse burst into the

room. There's a young woman here claiming to be the patient's family. She's here to sign the papers."

The doctor quickly retrieved the paperwork, ready to step out, when Phoebe rushed in. Her shoulder was bandaged, her face pale, and her steps unsteady.

Seeing Phoebe enter despite her injuries, Mila felt a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

The nurse supported Phoebe. "Who are you to her? Can you sign?"

Mila's vision blurred with tears, her

throat burning, unable to utter a single word: She felt both

heartbroken and grateful for Phoebe. But above all, she felt the weight of her own and her child's struggles.

A woman should never depend solely on a man in life. Strength must come from within, both in heart and spirit.