As I lay on the bed, Damien stood by my side, his presence a mixture of comfort and tension

"Damien insisted on being present at the ultrasound," I thought, glancing at him briefly before diverting my gaze. He wouldn’t leave even when I asked him to, and said he wanted to see his child, o knew they were not changing his mind so I stayed.

The doctor's voice broke through my reverie as she applied the gel to my stomach, preparing for the ultrasound. I held my breath, anticipation coursing through me like a current.

"That's your baby," the doctor announced, pointing at the screen.

I followed her gesture, my...