THE SPITEFUL BRIDE: Marry To Rival's Son novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192

Hours stretched, each contraction stronger than the last. Mia's world narrowed to just the pain and Stefan's voice cutting through it, anchoring her, reminding her why she was doing this.

She could feel his fear in the way his hand trembled slightly against her forehead, could hear his love in every whispered encouragement.

And then, at last, the air filled with the sharp, miraculous cry of new life.

Mia collapsed back against the pillows, tears spilling down her cheeks before she could even think to stop them.

Stefan leaned over her, his lips pressing against her damp forehead, his own tears slipping free before he could stop them.

His shoulders shook and he didn't care who saw, didn't care about anything except the sound of that cry.

The nurse placed a tiny, swaddled bundle in Mia's arms. She looked down, her breath catching so hard it hurt, her vision blurring with tears. "A girl," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Stefan, she's perfect."

Stefan leaned close, staring at the tiny face, the delicate nose, the rosebud mouth, the impossibly small fingers curling instinctively.

His chest ached with a love he had never known possible, so big and overwhelming he thought it might crack him open. "She's… she's ours," he managed, his voice barely audible.

Mia smiled through her tears and looked up at him, seeing the wonder in his eyes, the way he looked at their daughter like she was the most precious thing in the universe. "What should we name her?"

Stefan kissed his daughter's forehead gently, feeling the warmth of her skin, breathing in her new-baby smell. "Hope," he said softly. "Because after everything, she is our hope."

The name fit like it had been waiting all along, like the universe had been holding it in reserve just for this moment.

When Sienna, Mose, Ethan, Elena, and Elizabeth were allowed in, the room filled with joy that pushed against the walls and spilled into the hallway.

Elena cried openly, not even trying to hide it, Ethan's arm around her shoulders as he whispered, "One day, that'll be us," his voice thick with emotion and promise.

Sienna leaned over Mia's shoulder, her eyes wet and shining. "She's beautiful," she said, reaching to touch the baby's tiny hand, marveling at how something so small could be so perfect.

Mose stood behind her, smiling in quiet admiration, one arm draped protectively across her shoulders, his usual reserve cracking into genuine warmth.

Elizabeth pressed a trembling hand to her mouth, tears streaming freely down her face. "She's a miracle," she whispered, thinking of all the years she'd spent running and hiding and protecting Stefan, never imagining this—grandchildren, family, peace. "She's proof that good things can come from all that pain."

Hope Sterling was welcomed into the world surrounded by love, proof that even in the aftermath of betrayal and war, life could bloom again.

As Stefan held his daughter for the first time, while Mia rested, he thought about his own childhood—the years of pain, suffering and hardship.

And he promised this tiny girl, this hope made flesh, that her life would be different. That she would grow up knowing safety and love and family that didn't break.

...

Months later, the family gathered again, this time not in a hospital but in the warmth of a sunlit chapel decorated with fresh flowers and ribbons in shades of cream and gold.

The light streamed through the stained glass windows, painting everything in jewel tones that shifted and danced across the polished wooden pews.

Ethan stood at the altar, tall and steady in his suit, his hands clasped in front of him to keep them from shaking.

His eyes were locked on the doors at the end of the aisle, watching, waiting. His heart hammered so hard he was sure everyone could hear it. Mose stood beside him, steady and calm, a rock in the storm of Ethan's nerves.

"Breathe," Mose murmured, just loud enough for Ethan to hear. "She's coming."

And then the music swelled, the doors opened, and Elena appeared.

Ethan's breath left him in a rush.

She walked forward slowly, her dress simple but elegant, flowing around her like water, her smile radiant and just for him.

Her eyes were locked on his, and for a moment it felt as if the entire world had vanished, leaving just the two of them suspended in this perfect moment.

Mia, holding baby Hope in her arms, dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, trying not to wake the baby with her sniffling.

Stefan stood beside her, their daughter's tiny hand curled around his finger as he watched Elena walk down the aisle with a proud smile. He leaned close to Mia and whispered, "We should renew our vows someday. Make it official like this."

Mia looked at him, surprised and touched, and nodded through her tears.

Sienna was the maid of honor, her dress a pale blush that made her glow.

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