Chapter 618

Several months passed before anyone really noticed.

The seasons shifted quietly, bringing warmer air and days that felt… lighter. Calmer. The lingering shadow of fear that once followed them everywhere had finally disappeared. No more threats. No more constant vigilance. The verdicts had been delivered, and those responsible were now behind bars- facing the consequences of everything they had done.

The Miller household slowly returned to what it had always been meant to be. Filled with laughter. Easy conversations. Simple routines that, somehow, felt more precious than anything else.

Eli had truly become part of the family now. She no longer hesitated to walk into any room, no longer felt awkward sitting at the dining table, no longer held herself back from speaking. Josh still dragged her into the study room to go over lessons, Grace clung to her whenever she had a new story to share, and Riana never once forgot to make sure Eli was eating properly every single day.

And Althea…

Her pregnancy had entered its final months.

Her body tired more easily, her steps slowed, and her emotions… had become far more delicate than before. She didn’t deny it. If anything, she found herself seeking Daven more often than she realized.

Not because she couldn’t manage on her own. But because she wanted him there.

“Daven.” Her voice came softly one quiet morning.

Daven, who had been reviewing documents at his desk, looked up immediately. “Yes?”

Althea stood at the doorway, one hand braced against the wall, the other resting protectively over her belly.

“I… want to sit outside,” she said gently.

Daven rose at once, not letting her wait even a second longer. He walked over and took her hand carefully. “Come on,” he said softly,

He guided her to the garden behind the house, matching his pace to hers-never too fast, never too slow, As if he had memorized every rhythm of her movement.

When they reached the garden bench, he helped her sit down. “Comfortable?” he asked.

Althea nodded. “Mm.” But her hand remained wrapped around his arm, unwilling to let go.

Daven studied her for a moment, then sat beside her without trying to pull away. “What is it?” he asked

quietly.

Althea smiled faintly. “Nothing.”

“You must want something.”

She shook her head just slightly. “I just… want you here.”

It was such a simple answer. Yet it was enough to make Daven fall silent for a few seconds.

Then he nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.”

And from that moment on, he truly kept that promise.

Daven began spending more time at home-rearranging his schedule, delegating work, making sure he could always return earlier than before.

He never said it like it was a sacrifice. Because to him… it simply wasn’t. It was what he was supposed to do. And that morning-everything changed.

“Daven.”

Althea’s voice came out weaker than usual. But it was enough to make him stop instantly. He turned toward her, alert.

Althea was sitting rigidly, her breathing uneven, her fingers gripping the edge of the sofa. “I think… it’s time,” she whispered.

Daven froze for a second. Just one second. But it felt far too long. Then everything moved at once.

He stood, holding her hand. “We’re going to the hospital,” he said firmly.

“Don’t leave,” Althea murmured, tightening her hold on him.

Daven looked straight at her. “I’m here,” he said without hesitation. “I’m not going anywhere.”

They arrived at the hospital in what felt like there was no time at all.

Bright corridors, Nurses move quickly. The steady hum and beeping of medical equipment layered over each other, filling the air with tension-too real to ignore. The sharp scent of antiseptic lingered everywhere, cold and sterile, as if reminding them that this moment was no longer just anticipation…

But something bigger.

Something no one could fully control.

Althea was taken straight into the delivery room.

And Daven-Stayed,

He didn’t sit. He couldn’t.

He paced back and forth in front of the door, his steps uneven, restless. His hands clenched tightly at his sides, his jaw set as if holding back something he couldn’t put into words. His eyes never left the closed door, as though staring at it long enough might somehow guarantee everything would be fine.

But it didn’t.

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Chapter 618

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There was nothing he could control beyond that door. And that was what unsettled him the most.

“Why is it taking so long…” he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.

Chris, who had just arrived, clapped a hand on his shoulder. “That’s normal.”

Daven turned sharply, his gaze cutting. “Don’t tell me to calm down.” His voice was low, tight with pressure-not anger, but a tension he couldn’t contain.

Cale stood off to the side, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He watched Daven for a moment before speaking flatly, “You look worse than you did during the trial.”

“I don’t care.” The answer came instantly. Without hesitation.

Because it was true-nothing mattered more right now than Althea.

Nathan and Riana arrived a few minutes later.

Riana’s steps were quicker than usual. The calm she normally carried was gone, replaced by something far more visible worry. Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, as if trying to steady herself before

speaking.

“How is she?” Riana asked.