C367 I Am A Father

Sarah finally broke the silence. “Laura, you don't have to worry. Jack kidnapped me because he wanted to use me as bait to bring Alicia to him. Once Alicia arrived, he released me and kept her behind.” She paused, taking a slow breath. “After that, we don't know exactly what happened. We don't know how the Gupta family found her, or who actually rescued her. But this big-headed man here seems convinced that Lewis the Sniper made the kill shot.”

Sarah glanced toward Chris. Chris immediately grinned. “My head is not big.” Sarah rolled her eyes. “Whatever you say.” A small laugh escaped the group, easing some of the tension that had filled the call. Sarah continued, “And yes, I gave birth to a handsome baby boy.” She looked at Chris, who immediately smiled proudly. “He also has a big head, just like his father.” “Hey!” Chris protested. Everyone laughed. The atmosphere felt a little lighter. Laura, however, was still staring at everyone through the screen with a confused expression. “What?” she finally asked. “All of this happened while nobody told me?”

I smiled. “Laura, you don't have to worry. You'll know everything tomorrow. Alicia called earlier and said that my family must come to the Gupta family residence. You all are coming with us as well, right?” Samantha nodded immediately. “Definitely.” I looked around at everyone on the screen. “We'll meet at eight in the morning. Please make sure you're there on time. Otherwise, we'll leave without you.” Laura raised an eyebrow. “You're serious?” I smiled. “Very serious.” Everyone laughed softly.

I then looked toward Sarah. “Sarah, will you come as well, or will Chris come alone while you stay behind and take care of my nephew?” Sarah shook her head. “I'll come. Don't worry.” “Good.” I leaned back slightly. “Then that's settled. Eight in the morning.” The conversation continued for another few minutes, but eventually I could feel the exhaustion catching up with me. The events of the day had taken everything out of me, the kidnapping, Alicia disappearing, the blood at the warehouse, and the uncertainty surrounding her pregnancy.

Before ending the call, I looked at everyone one last time. “I'm tired. I need to sleep and calm myself down. Alicia told us she was safe, but she didn't tell me anything about the pregnancy. Until I see her myself tomorrow, I don't think I'll completely relax.” Everyone understood. The call finally ended. I allowed myself to breathe properly. At least she was alive. That thought alone was enough to calm me. I placed my phone beside me and slowly lay down. Tomorrow, I would see my wife. And hopefully, Nothing happened to my unborn child.

Inside the hospital's VIP room, Sarah was resting comfortably while Chris sat beside their newborn son. He looked completely fascinated by the tiny boy. Every few seconds, he would adjust the blanket, stare at his little face, and smile. Sarah watched him for a while before finally speaking. “Husband.” Chris looked up. “Yes?” “Did you think of our child's name?” Chris immediately shook his head. “No.” Sarah smiled. “I thought so.” Chris frowned playfully. “What do you mean?” “You've been staring at him for so long, but you haven't even thought about what we're going to call him.”

Chris looked down at the baby again. “I was busy admiring him.” Sarah laughed softly. “Well, husband, why don't you take our boy outside for a while and think of a name?” Chris looked at her suspiciously. “Outside?” “Yes.” “Why?” Sarah smiled innocently. “You can call your mother. If she's working a night shift, she can come here and discuss the name with my parents as well.” Chris narrowed his eyes. “Are you chasing me out of the room?” Sarah's smile widened. “Why are you so smart?” Chris laughed. “So that's what this is.” “Go.”

Sarah pointed toward the door. “And on your way out, call Samantha for me.” Chris stood up while carefully picking up the baby. “You said I'm smart?” Sarah shook her head. “Yes, husband. Now go.” Chris laughed and walked toward the door. “I'm going.” “Good.” The door closed behind him. Sarah leaned back against the pillows and sighed. She simply stared at the ceiling. She was exhausted, but there was also a strange sense of happiness inside her. She had survived the kidnapping. She had given birth. And now she had a son.

Outside the room, Chris walked down the corridor with the baby in his arms. When he reached the waiting area, he immediately saw Tracy, Samantha, and Kelvin sitting together. They were still discussing everything that had happened. Samantha had already told them that Alicia was safe, but none of them knew exactly what had happened after she disappeared. The moment they saw Chris carrying the baby, all three smiled. Kelvin stood first. “Look at him.” Chris smiled proudly. “My son.” He carefully handed the baby to Kelvin.

Kelvin immediately cradled the newborn in his arms. For a moment, the older man said nothing. He simply looked down at the child. Tracy smiled warmly. “He's beautiful.” Samantha stepped closer and looked at her nephew. “He really is.” Chris smiled. “Sarah asked me to call my mother. She wants us to discuss the baby's name.” Tracy glanced at the clock. “Isn't it a little late?” “Probably,” Chris admitted. Samantha suddenly remembered something. “Tomorrow we're going somewhere.”

Chris nodded. “Oh, that's right.” He looked at Samantha. “Sarah also asked me to tell you to go inside and accompany her.” Samantha nodded. “I will.” Tracy immediately frowned. “What? Why not me?” Chris laughed. “Don't look at me. Even I was chased out of the room.” Tracy laughed. “Your wife is already giving you orders?” Chris smiled proudly. “I don't mind.” He then stepped aside and called Valeria. The phone rang several times before she finally answered. Her sleepy voice came through. “Chris? Do you know what time it is? Why are you calling this late?”

Chris laughed. “Is Dad also sleeping?” Before Valeria could answer, David's voice came from somewhere nearby. “How can I sleep when your mother is snoring beside me?” Chris burst out laughing. “I thought so.” Valeria groaned. “Chris, what do you want?” “I have good news.” That immediately woke her up. “What happened?” Chris smiled. “Mom, Dad... I'm a father.” There was a brief silence. Then Valeria's voice suddenly became excited. “What?” Chris laughed. “Sarah gave birth. We have a baby boy.” Valeria sat upright in bed. “What? When? Why didn't you tell us?” “It was complicated. There was a lot happening tonight, but we're at the hospital now.”

Valeria was still trying to process the news. “I thought you said Sarah wasn't due yet.” “She wasn't.” Chris looked at the baby in Kelvin's arms. “He came earlier than expected.” Valeria's voice softened. “Is Sarah okay?” “Yes. She's tired, but she's fine.” “And the baby?” “Healthy.” Valeria breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God.” Chris smiled. “Mom, Sarah and I were discussing names, but we can't seem to agree on anything.” Valeria laughed. “Then stop arguing and let us come help you.”

Chris smiled. “Are you working tonight?” “No, son. I worked during the day.” “Then.” “We're coming.” Chris blinked. “Now?” “Yes. Give us about thirty minutes.” Before Chris could respond, the call ended. Valeria was already out of bed. She quickly got dressed and opened a large cupboard. David watched her curiously. “What are you doing?” Valeria pulled out a large bag. “I bought some clothes for the baby.” David froze. “When did you buy baby clothes?” Valeria smiled. “The day Chris told me Sarah was pregnant.”

David stared at her. “You've been waiting this whole time?” “Of course.” David laughed. “You really were prepared.” Valeria smiled. “Let's go.” The two of them quickly left for the hospital. Inside Sarah's Room, Samantha slowly walked inside. Her steps became slower the closer she got to the door. She already knew what Sarah was likely going to ask. Faith. The kiss. Everything that had happened between them. Samantha swallowed nervously. The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she became.

She stopped outside the door for a moment. Did Sarah think about it? Would she tell someone? Would she expose my secret? Samantha closed her eyes briefly. She took a deep breath. Then she reached for the door handle. Whatever happened next, she knew she could no longer avoid it. She slowly opened the door and stepped inside.