Chapter 146 Mother and Child Safe
Lauren chuckled softly, amazed that her fetus would do such a thing.
Seeing Lauren's mood improve a bit, the doctor began to instruct, "Alright, now I'm going to give you anesthesia. It might hurt a little. If it does, you can cry out, but don't move."
Lauren nodded slightly, too nervous to speak. She could clearly feel the doctor disinfecting her with a cotton swab, then the needle piercing into her spine.
The pain instantly spread throughout Lauren's body. She trembled in pain, feeling like something was going to split her spine. But she followed the doctor's advice and stayed still.
With anesthesia spreading, Lauren felt her lower body gradually lose sensation. She squeezed her hand, which still had a feeling. It turned out she had only received lower-body anesthesia.
After the doctor began to check the effect of the anesthesia, the cesarean section was about to start. Lauren felt a bit of anticipation.
'Does it mean I will get to see my child?' she thought.
Lauren was grateful she could remain conscious, allowing her to be fully aware when her child is delivered.
The doctor arrived to finalize arrangements, reminding, "If you feel any discomfort during the surgery, speak up."
Lauren forced a smile in response. When the surgery began, Lauren was too nervous to remember breathing.
She suddenly felt as if her nose wasn't working, so she opened her mouth wide and breathed heavily.
The more nervous she got, the harder it was to breathe. She was caught in a vicious cycle, unable to break free. The doctor saw her anxiety rise as her consciousness started to haze, gently patting the back of her hand.
"Wake up, where do you feel uncomfortable?" the doctor asked.
Lauren widened her eyes and struggled to speak, "I'm having trouble breathing."
Upon hearing this, the doctor immediately brought over a respirator and placed it over her nose and mouth.
Lauren breathed deeply and instantly felt much better. The surgery continued.
In just ten minutes, the doctor successfully delivered the baby. Though Lauren had previously given the baby's gender some thought, she was less concerned about it right now.
"Very good, the baby is safe. It's a boy," the doctor said to Lauren, then brought the baby over for her to see.
Lauren smiled at the baby and then slipped into a deep sleep as her body could no longer hold on.
Ethan was pacing anxiously outside as if he were Lauren's husband.
Ethan knew of Lauren's due date, though he had left City A three months earlier to study in Metropolis.
Ethan realized that although he had fled abroad, his heart was still with Lauren. So, on Lauren's due date to give birth, he secretly returned.
He inquired at the hospital where Lauren was being treated and found out that she hadn't given birth yet. He wanted to stay until Lauren gave birth to the baby safely before leaving. But he hadn't expected to witness this scene.
Half an hour later, a nurse emerged with the baby. Kimberly quickly followed the nurse to look after the child while Ethan continued to wait for Lauren.
About five minutes later, Lauren was wheeled out. As she slept, her forehead was moist with sweat, and she smiled slightly.
Ethan was overwhelmed with emotion, wishing to guard Lauren and replace Quentin in loving her completely.
He snapped out of it, thinking that Quentin hadn't shown up at such an important moment. When he sees Quentin, he wouldn't let him off so easily!
When Lauren woke up again, she was already in the ward. Kimberly and Jessica were joyfully gathered around the baby.
Seeing them so happy, Lauren felt joyful as well. She looked around but didn't see Quentin, whom she longed to see.
Lauren turned to Jessica, noticing her pale face with a constant smile. It was clear to everyone that Jessica was genuinely happy that her greatest wish had been fulfilled.
"Grandma, are you feeling well?" Lauren asked, inquiring first about Jessica's condition.
Hearing Lauren's words, everyone turned their attention to her.
Jessica said with a pleasant smile, "Lauren, you're awake! My dear, you've worked hard. I'm fine, don't worry, rest."
Lauren smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. Then she requested, "Grandma, Mom, could you bring the baby over for me to see?"
Earlier in the operating room, she had only caught a brief glimpse of the baby before passing out, not getting a clear look at her child.
Kimberly quickly pushed the baby crib over. Since Lauren had just undergone surgery, she couldn't move and could only lie flat, turning her head to look at the baby in the crib.
The baby was tiny, pink, and sleeping soundly with eyes gently closed. Lauren's lips curved into a smile. She hadn't expected a newborn to be so adorable.
"The baby is perfectly healthy. All the indicators are normal. Don't worry," Jessica said considerately, knowing Lauren had been concerned about this.
Lauren smiled with relief. She appreciatively said, "Thank you, Grandma. Thank you, Mom. Thank you both for staying with me all night."
"Why are you saying such a polite lie? Just lie down and heal properly. A woman who has just given birth is very fragile. You mustn't move around, understand?" Kimberly said, feeling her heart ache for Lauren. Recalling the events of the previous night, she felt immense guilt.
"Mom, I'm fine. By the way, where's Ethan? I haven't seen him. I really need to thank him this time," Lauren said.
Kimberly's eyes welled up with tears. She explained to Lauren, "Ethan went to handle your hospital admission. Your situation was critical, and we haven't completed the admission process before you went in for the surgery, so we still need to catch up on those procedures. Since you had a cesarean section, you might need to stay a bit longer. This time, we really owe it to Ethan. I don't expect him to be so reliable."
Kimberly was full of praise for Ethan. She could see his intentions, but...
Lauren nodded. As long as the baby and she were safe, nothing else mattered.
Kimberly looked at Lauren with concern and said, "Lauren, don't blame me."
Kimberly wanted to apologize for what had happened the previous night, but when the words reached her lips, she didn't know how to say them. Such matters were indeed too embarrassing.
Lauren understood Kimberly's intention. She realized Kimberly was in a difficult position between her and Ulysses.
She realized Kimberly loved her, and Ulysses cared for her, too. Certain things had, however, constrained that love.
After giving birth, Lauren's mindset had completely changed. She realized and understood Kimberly's difficulties and her love for her. Every parent loved their child.
"Mom, I realize we both love each other. Don't say those things," Lauren urged while she felt deeply moved.
As she was about to shed tears, Kimberly quickly said, "Lauren, don't cry. Just after giving birth, crying might harm your eyes in the future. No tears. Today is a day to be happy."
Lauren calmed her emotions, unsure if what Kimberly said was true or superstition, but she felt Kimberly was being overly cautious.
"Mom, no matter what happens in the future, I will always be your daughter. That will never change. I will always love you," Lauren said sweetly.
