Chapter 747:

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Katherine, having spent the past few months carefully preparing for this moment, remained calm despite the early hour and the sudden onset. She gave birth naturally, thanks to the expertise of the medical staff.

The moment her child let out its first cry, Katherine collapsed back onto the mattress, exhausted. Her chest heaved as tears poured down her cheeks, laughter mixing with sobs.

The midwife carefully cleaned the newborn, then wrapped the baby in soft cloth.

“Ms. Clarke, your daughter weighs five and a half pounds. She’s in perfect health.”

Still pale, Katherine extended her arms, eager to hold her child.

The midwife gently placed the newborn at her side.

Maybe it was the warmth or the nearness of her mother, but the infant, who had been crying moments earlier, slowly calmed down. She began sucking on her tiny finger.

𝘑o𝘪𝘯 t𝗁e с𝗈𝘮m𝘂ո𝗂𝘁у 𝖺𝘵 𝗀𝘢𝗅ո𝘰𝗏𝘦𝗹s.𝘤𝘰𝗺

Katherine wrapped her arms around the little baby, holding her close, her eyes fixed in awe.

The baby had a round, delicate face, soft with baby fat. Despite being newly born, some of her features were already distinct and familiar. There was no denying Julian’s blood ran strong in her veins.

Katherine stirred from slumber, her body light, her mind clear.

When her eyelids lifted, sunbeams bathed the space, and beyond the glass, the garden erupted with vivid blossoms. Her newborn slumbered peacefully in the cradle nearby.

She turned slightly, her gaze lingering on the infant’s serene face. It felt unreal—that this delicate being belonged to her.

A caregiver entered with a morning tray, tending to Katherine as she slowly ate. Once she was done, it was time to nurse the child. It was an unfamiliar but tender milestone.

Lila and Effie sat on the couch, holding a small wooden container. Inside were slips bearing names they had previously chosen. Katherine cherished all of them, which made picking just one feel impossible.

Now that the baby had arrived, they had to decide—and chance seemed the only fair judge.

Lila gave the box a gentle shake and held it out.

“Go on. Whichever name you pick becomes official.”

Katherine inhaled deeply, reached in, and pulled one out. She paused, put it back down before reading it, and then drew again.

After a pause full of hesitation, she finally settled, and with a steady breath, unfolded her chosen slip.

Her brows tightened slightly as she read. Then she folded the slip again, saying nothing.

Lila and Effie leaned closer.

“What name made your face twist like that?”

Katherine clutched the slip tighter.

“This one doesn’t sit right. Let me try again.”

Lila caught on instantly.

“Wait—was it the one I suggested?” She snatched the paper. “No take-backs. The rules chose. That’s that.”

She opened the folded paper, and it read: Jillian.

The name resembled Julian’s in a way, though Lila had never made the connection when she suggested it.

Now, Katherine had pulled it herself—as though destiny had threaded a subtle connection. And so, they agreed to embrace it.

Katherine didn’t object. She lifted her spoon and ate the soup slowly. When the bowl was empty, she gave a small nod.

“Alright then. Jillian it is.”

It had a gentle ring to it.

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