Page 86 of Beautiful Agony

"You were protecting your daughter," Lacey responds. "I understand."

Dr. Chen's eyes well with tears. "A doctor should do no harm." She takes a deep breath before continuing. "How are your hands feeling, Lacey?"

"Better." Lacey flexes her fingers carefully. "The cuts weren't deep."

I help Lacey onto the examination table, keeping my body between her and Dr. Chen even though I know the threat haspassed. Old habits. When Dr. Chen reaches for the gel, I watch her movements carefully.

"It will be a little cold," Dr. Chen warns before lifting Lacey's shirt. My wife's fingers find mine and squeeze. Despite everything that's happened, I can feel her excitement thrumming through her grip.

"Are you ready to see your baby?" Dr. Chen asks us both, her familiar warmth returning fully now. The way she says it—your baby—makes something tighten in my chest.

Lacey nods, and I find myself nodding too, throat suddenly too tight for words.

The screen remains dark and blurry as Dr. Chen moves the wand across Lacey's belly. My heart pounds against my ribs, anticipation building with each passing second. Lacey's fingers tighten around mine.

"Just give me a moment to find the right angle," Dr. Chen murmurs, focused intently on her task.

Then suddenly, the grainy image shifts and we see it.

The tiny form appears on screen, no bigger than a lime, but unmistakably human.

Our baby.

Lacey lets out a soft gasp beside me, and I feel the breath leave my body all at once.

"There's your little one," Dr. Chen says softly. "Eleven weeks along now."

I stare transfixed at the screen, at the clear outline of a head, the curve of a spine, tiny arms and legs. My throat tightens as Iwatch our child move slightly, shifting position. A life we created together, growing safe inside myzvyozdochka.

"Vadim," Lacey whispers, her voice wavering with emotion. "Look at those tiny hands."

I can barely speak, overwhelmed by the sight before me. This is real. This is happening. I'm going to be a father.

Dr. Chen adjusts the wand slightly, giving us an even clearer view. "Would you like to hear the heartbeat?"

"Yes," we both say in unison.

Dr. Chen adjusts something on the machine, and suddenly the room fills with a rapid swooshing sound. My breath catches in my throat at the strong, steady rhythm—thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump.

Our baby's heartbeat.

Lacey's fingers tighten around mine, and I squeeze back instinctively. The sound fills every corner of the room, drowning out everything else. It's fast, so much faster than I expected, but Dr. Chen assures us it's perfectly normal.

"One hundred and fifty beats per minute," she says. "Strong and healthy."

I can't take my eyes off the screen, watching that tiny form move while its heart beats strong and clear. My vision blurs, and I don't realize what's going on until Lacey reaches up with her free hand to wipe at the corner of my eyes.

"You're crying," she whispers, her own eyes glistening.

I try to speak but can't find my voice. All I can focus on is that incredible sound—our child's heartbeat echoing throughthe room. Proof of life. Proof that despite everything—despite Sayanaa's threats, despite Dr. Chen's forced betrayal, despite all the darkness surrounding us—this precious new life continues to grow.

Lacey's hand leaves my face to rest over her belly, just below where Dr. Chen holds the wand. Her other hand remains firmly clasped in mine as we listen together to that miraculous sound.

"Starting this week, the morning sickness should start easing," Dr. Chen explains. "But you'll need to keep up with prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. I'll write you a new prescription."

Lacey nods, and I make mental notes of everything. No alcohol, limited caffeine. Regular light exercise but nothing too strenuous. Plenty of rest.

"Your appetite will increase," Dr. Chen continues. "Make sure to eat regular, balanced meals. Lots of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables." She pauses. "And please, try to avoid any more incidents that might put stress on your body. I know the two of you have a lot on your mind even without the baby. But it never hurts to remind you both."

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