Chapter 618
Chapter 617:
“Seeing you so happy, so protected,” Grandma Wolfe said, her hand patting Jocelyn’s. “It’s all I ever wanted for you. Your mother chose her path. It’s her loss that she’ll never see the wonderful woman you’ve become p>
The words were meant to comfort. They still sent a small shiver down Jocelyn’s spine.
As they were preparing to leave, a nurse who had been reviewing her grandmother’s chart caught Jocelyn’s eye.
“Mrs. Collins? Could I have a word?” she asked, her expression gentle but serious.
They stepped into the hallway together.
𝘔𝗼ѕ𝗍 𝗋е𝘢𝘥 𝗍𝗵i𝘀 𝘸e𝘦𝗸 𝘰ո
“It’s about your mother, Elouise Stein,” the nurse said, lowering her voice. “There was a significant decline last night. We’ve had to move her. She’s in hospice care now p>
The clinical term settled in the air between them. Hospice. A place for the dying.
“The doctor doesn’t think she has much time,” the nurse continued softly. “A week, perhaps two. I thought you should know p>
Jocelyn nodded, her throat too tight for words. She thanked the nurse and walked back toward the car, her movements careful and stiff. Gaston took one look at her face and understood immediately. He wrapped an arm around her and guided her into the passenger seat without a word.
In the quiet of the car, the grim reality settled over her fully. The final act of her mother’s tragic life was about to begin.
The nurse’s words about her mother echoed in Jocelyn’s mind, a grim counterpoint to the life growing inside her. The finality of one life ending made the preservation of the new ones feel all the more urgent.
The following day, when Gaston insisted they not postpone the scheduled check-up, she didn’t argue. His protectiveness, which once might have felt suffocating, had become a comforting shield. Before they even entered Mount Sinai Hospital, Vance and a discreet security team had swept the entire VIP maternity wing. Gaston had personally overseen the replacement of the floor’s IT staff. He would not allow a repeat of the last data breach — not with his family’s future at stake.
The appointment passed in a blur of white coats and antiseptic air. Jocelyn lay on the examination table, her shirt pulled up and her stomach exposed. The gel was cold, and she shivered slightly.
Gaston stood beside her, his hand gripping hers so tightly her fingers ached. He stared at the monitor, his jaw set.
Dr. Evans, a calm woman with kind eyes, moved the wand slowly across Jocelyn’s belly. The room filled with a rapid, whooshing sound. A heartbeat — strong and steady.
“There’s the head,” Dr. Evans said, pointing to a grey shape on the screen. “Perfect size p>
Jocelyn released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Gaston’s grip loosened slightly.
“And…” Dr. Evans moved the wand again, frowning faintly in concentration. “Let’s see what’s hiding back here p>
The screen shifted. Another shape appeared. Another heartbeat joined the first — slightly faster, slightly higher in pitch.
Jocelyn’s heart stopped. Gaston went rigid.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Collins,” Dr. Evans said, a wide smile spreading across her face. “You’re having twins p>
Jocelyn’s hand flew to her mouth. Tears welled in her eyes. “Twins?” she whispered. “Are you sure p>