I just stayed quiet. Until my labor came.
The cold night air burned my lungs as I ran, my arms wrapped tightly around my newborn son. My hospital gown fluttered behind me, soaked in sweat and blood, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Every muscle in my body screamed in exhaustion, but the fear in my veins was stronger.
I had to get out. I had to survive.
The hospital’s dimly lit hallways had been my prison for months, a place where I was constantly watched, monitored, and controlled. Tyron had made it clear—once I gave birth, he would take the baby, and I would be nothing but a problem to get rid of.
But I wasn’t going to let him win.
My heart pounded violently against my ribcage as I pushed through the emergency exit. The blaring sirens echoed in the parking lot, slicing through the silence of the night. My breath came in ragged gasps as I stumbled forward, my son’s fragile body warm against my chest.
Keep running, Gabbi. Keep moving.
Then I heard it—the heavy thud of approaching footsteps.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?”
I froze, my blood turning to ice.
Jerry.
He stood by the exit, his arms crossed, his smirk filled with amusement. His bulky frame blocked my path, the dim glow of the streetlamp casting eerie shadows over his sharp features.
My fingers curled around the fabric of my baby’s blanket. He was still so tiny, so fragile. He needed me to protect him.
Swallowing my fear, I forced my lips into a trembling smile. “I-I just needed fresh air.”
Jerry chuckled darkly. “Fresh air, huh? You think I’m an idiot?”
My stomach twisted. Think, Gabbi. Think.
He took a step forward. “Tyron said you’d try this. That’s why I’m here. Hmm... now you can't deny it. I caught you with video."
Panic surged through me, gripping me so tightly that my breath hitched. Tyron had been expecting me to run. He had planned for this.
But so had I.
Without another thought, I ran.
Jerry cursed behind me, his heavy footsteps slamming against the pavement as he chased after me. My legs ached, my stitches from labor screaming in protest, but I forced myself to move faster.
I can’t let them take him. I won’t.
The road ahead was empty, the town asleep in the dead of night. I had nowhere to go, but stopping meant death.
Then, suddenly—a black car screeched to a halt in front of me.
For a brief, paralyzing moment, I thought it was Tyron’s men. My heart slammed against my ribs, my feet skidding to a stop.
Then the window rolled down.
Dr. Reyes.
“Get in!” she yelled.
I didn’t hesitate. Clutching my baby tightly, I threw myself into the backseat. The second the door slammed shut, Dr. Reyes hit the gas, the tires screeching as we sped away.
Through the rear window, I saw Jerry standing in the middle of the road, his phone pressed to his ear. He was calling Tyron.
We had no time.
She was my doctor.
Dr. Reyes was helpful. At that time, I wasn't sure if she's willing to help me nor if he understand my internal conflicts even though I didn't tell her.
Four Years Later.
The small town was nestled deep in the mountains, a place forgotten by time. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, a stark contrast to the sterile walls of the hospital I once called home.
For the past four years, I had lived as a ghost. No bank accounts. No social media. No contact with anyone from my past. It was the only way to keep Axel safe.
My son—my little Axel.
My biggest regret? Is that I'm not ready to become a Mom. But now it's ride or die. I can't let Tyron to kill me after my pregnancy.
We started a simple life in a small town. I was suffering financially and physically.
He was four now, full of life and energy. He had my eyes, dark and wide, always filled with curiosity. But his smirk… that damn smirk… it was Tyron’s. A painful reminder of the man I once trusted.
I knelt beside him, helping him tie his shoelaces as he giggled. “Mommy, are we going to the bakery today?”
I smiled, ruffling his soft brown hair. “Of course, sweetheart. But only if you behave.”
He pouted dramatically. “I always behave.”
I laughed, my chest swelling with love. He’s my entire world.
For years, I had been looking over my shoulder, expecting Tyron’s shadow to appear. But maybe… just maybe… he had given up. Maybe he had moved on.
But safety was an illusion.
That night, as I tucked Axel into bed, my phone buzzed.
An unknown number.
My heart pounded as I hesitated, my fingers hovering over the screen. No one has this number.
Swallowing hard, I answered.
A familiar voice slid through the speaker like a knife to my chest.
“You really thought you could hide from me forever, Gabbi?”
My blood turned to ice.
Tyron.
A choked breath left my lips. I gripped the phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. My throat dried up, but I forced myself to speak. “H-How did you find me?”
He chuckled, low and amused. “Did you really think you were smarter than me?”
My entire body trembled. Axel stirred in his sleep beside me, his small hand gripping my shirt. I held my breath, terrified that Tyron could somehow see us, that he was right outside my door.
“Stop this. I'll not give my son to you,” I lied, forcing my voice to stay steady.
Tyron sighed dramatically. “Gabbi, Gabbi… Let’s not play games. I’ve been looking for you for years. And now… I have.”
I swallowed back the bile rising in my throat. “What do you want?”
A pause. Then—
“My son.”
A sharp, suffocating fear wrapped around my chest, squeezing the air from my lungs.
“No,” I whispered.
Tyron’s voice turned cold. “You either bring him to me… or I’ll come get him myself.”
Tears burned my eyes, my entire body locking up in fear. I had fought so hard, sacrificed so much, just to keep Axel safe.
And now, Tyron was here.
The line went dead.
My hands shook as I dropped the phone, my breath coming in short, panicked gasps. I reached for Axel, pressing a trembling kiss to his forehead.
I had one choice.
Run.
Again.
