If it weren’t for Nina’s reluctance to endure both the pain of labor and the recovery from a C-section, Nash would have insisted on going that route. After understanding the reasons behind it all, he was frustrated.He even tried to persuade her, “Even though there’s an epidural option, this constant pain is exhausting. How about we go through it just once and be done with it? If you’re worried about scars, I’ll get the best cosmetic team to take care of it. What do you think?” The daily contractions at night and occasional pain during the day were taking a toll. If Nina didn’t get enough rest, she wouldn’t have the energy to deliver the baby. It was a never-ending cycle of discomfort.But Nina was firm. “No, I want a natural birth. The baby is just taking its time. It’s not like it’s not coming out at all, and all my check-ups have been fine, haven’t they?”Natural birth recovery is much quicker. I don’t want to be bedridden for seven days after a C-section, unable to move.” She hadn’t experienced the pain of a C-section, but from what she had learned over the past few months, it didn’t sound pleasant. Just thinking about being bedridden for a week, with a scar to show for it, made her feel anxious.”But I don’t want to see you suffer.”She knew he meant it. Since they had gotten back together and throughout these ten months of pregnancy, Nash had been incredibly attentive and careful in taking care of her.Nina squeezed his hand. “It’ll be over before we know it. The baby’s already on its way. We can’t just send it back. We have to welcome it, no matter how tough it is.”Three days later, there was still no sign of labor. The nurses and doctors checked in and advised her to use the yoga ball and climb stairs. If nothing happened soon, they would have to intervene.That evening, as Nina got up to go to the bathroom, her water suddenly broke, and the pain quickly followed.Nash was by her side the whole time, so as soon as he noticed something was wrong, he called the doctors. When they checked and found she was already three centimeters dilated, they immediately wheeled her into the delivery room.Nina felt that this labor was even more painful than the first. At least with the first, there had been a gradual build-up. This time, she woke up, her water broke, and she was already three centimeters dilated. It was all happening so fast and with so much pain. Nash had requested to stay with her throughout the delivery.Nina, however, didn’t want him in the room. She tried to push him away. “I can handle it. There are doctors and nurses here with me.” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ƒindNoᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.”But I want to be with you,” Nash said, his voice firm and resolute.Back then, he had stayed away, thinking it was better for them to be apart, for her not to worry about him. But now that they were together again, building a future, how could he leave her side at such an important moment?He held her hand tightly. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying with you, all the way until our daughter is born.”His presence gave her strength and support. With the guidance of the doctors and nurses, she focused, breathed and pushed.From the time she was three centimeters dilated to the moment their daughter was born, it took just three hours.The doctor held the baby up to her. “Congratulations, Mrs. York, it’s a girl.”