I wanted to believe that. I needed to believe that.
But then another wave of pain came, sharper this time, forcing me to double over. I gritted my teeth, gripping the arm of the couch as my breath hitched.
“Okay—maybe not just Braxton Hicks,” I admitted through clenched teeth.
Ichika’s expression grew serious. “How far apart have they been?”
I swallowed hard, a bead of sweat forming at my temple. “They… they weren’t consistent before. But this—” I winced as another contraction tore through me, my nails digging into the couch. “This is different.”
Ichika didn’t hesitate. She took my arm, steadying me as I tried to stand. “Ken, get the car ready. We need to go—now.”
Ken sprinted for the door while Ichika helped me towards the exit. My legs felt weak, and with every step, the contractio
