When She Rose From the Ashes (Natalie and Jensen) novel Chapter 509

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Chapter 509: The Cries of Despair

“This isn’t the same deceased child!” Rachel exclaimed, her voice trembling with disbelief.

Though newborns often look alike, the baby she saw now was unmistakably different from the lifeless infant she had seen moments ago. The previous child’s skin was darkened and rough, a sign of having passed away, but this baby was soft, warm, and even had a faint pulse.

“Stop talking nonsense!” the young nurse snapped, shoving Rachel aside as she hurriedly pushed the cart away.

Rachel wanted to follow her, desperate to understand what was happening, but a sudden thought pulled her gaze toward the Stone family’s hospital room. The bustling crowd around her gave her the chance to slip away unnoticed. Quietly, she retreated to her own room and cradled her living son close to her chest.

When Loretta returned, Rachel’s mind was still clouded with confusion and worry about the other child.

“I have the money. Give me the baby,” Loretta demanded coldly, her impatience clear.

Not wanting to prolong the painful moment, Rachel reluctantly kissed her son one last time. She braced herself, swallowing the lump in her throat, and handed the child over to Loretta.

As soon as the baby left Rachel’s arms, he began to wail loudly, reaching out with tiny hands as if sensing his mother’s absence. The sound tore at Rachel’s heart, and tears sprang to her eyes.

“Son…” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“That’s enough. Hurry and leave,” Loretta ordered, covering the baby’s mouth and turning away swiftly.

Rachel’s instincts urged her to follow, to see where they were taking her child, but just then a piercing scream shattered the tense silence from Ruby’s hospital room.

“My baby! Someone help! My baby isn’t breathing!” Ruby’s frantic cries echoed down the hall as people rushed inside.

Suddenly, everything clicked in Rachel’s mind. She glanced toward the direction the young nurse had fled and felt her knees give way. She collapsed onto the cold floor, panic flooding her senses.

“Oh God, what if they suspect me?” she thought, her heart pounding wildly.

Rachel had been wandering these hospital corridors for days now. Some of the security guards had already recognized her face. She scrambled to her feet as fast as she could and bolted out of the building, stumbling but refusing to stop.

Passing the second floor, she overheard whispers: “It’s a boy,” someone said. “Strong and healthy.” The Luke family members gathered around the child, their faces glowing with affection.

Rachel’s eyes blurred with tears. Despite the pain, she found a small comfort in knowing her son would be cared for, loved, and safe within the Luke family.