The pediatricians did everything they could, and somehow managed to pull Briony's baby girl back from the brink.

But things were still far from hopeful.

No matter what anyone said, Briony insisted on going to the pediatric ward to see her daughter.

Gwendolyn White tried to reason with her. "Even if you go, they won't let you in. Besides, you haven't recovered yet-moving around isn't a good idea."

"I can use a wheelchair," Briony replied, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Gwendolyn. "Godmother, I haven't even seen them with my own eyes since they were born. I can't shake this feeling of unease. Please, just let me see her. Just once."

Gwendolyn's nerves were shot. She forced herself to appear calm, though inside she was anything but.

"Bryn, listen to Mrs. Winslow," James chimed in, trying to help. "I've heard how important it is for women to rest after giving birth. How about this: I'll go to the neonatal ward again and film a few more videos for you, okay?"

Briony's brow furrowed as her eyes flicked between Gwendolyn and James. "Why are you both so intent on keeping me from seeing my children?”

Both of them froze, caught off guard.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Briony reached for Gwendolyn's hand, her voice tight with worry. "Godmother, please, don't lie to me. Just tell me the truth, I'm begging you."

Gwendolyn's nose stung as tears threatened. She ducked her head, unable to meet Briony's gaze any longer.

Briony's breath caught in her throat. She turned to James. "Mr. Delaney, tell me— my babies are both okay, aren't they?"

James pressed his lips together, his eyes rimmed with red. He wanted to say yes, but the words stuck in his throat and wouldn't come.

From their reactions, Briony began to understand. A suffocating dread closed in on her.

Ignoring the pain from her stitches, she braced herself on the bed and tried to sit up.

back

no strength left. Gwendolyn's hands on her shoulders were

eyes, red and pleading, locked on Gwendolyn's face. "Godmother... you've only shown me photos of my daughter. Is it... is it

wouldn't come. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she

pupils constricted, her

away entirely. She pressed her palm

"Bryn, the doctors did everything they could. There was nothing more anyone could do. You have to stay strong-for your daughter, Bryn,

vacant, her hand over her

to bear the sight, turning away to wipe his own tears. The room was

had the most reason to fall apart was

hand, urging her softly, "Bryn, if you need to cry, let it out. You'll

looked at Gwendolyn. "Godmother, I never even got

Gwendolyn froze.

let me see him,"

her lips together and

there for some time, neither entering nor

to her yourself," Gwendolyn said

drew a slow breath, knowing there was no avoiding this conversation any

a shadow over Briony. Their eyes met, and Stewart's Adam's apple bobbed as he spoke, voice low and rough. "While you were unconscious-for those three days I

stared at

to rest in the family

hadn't even gotten to see her

eyelids quivered as she squeezed her eyes

could see Briony's chest rising and falling more and more rapidly. "Bryn, whatever you're feeling,

a sound. Only her tears betrayed her, soaking the pillow beneath her

just let it out. Don't hold

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