The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 503

Hector could barely focus on Natalia's attempts at comfort. His eyes darted anxiously to the OR door. "It's been ages since they went in there. Why haven't we heard any crying? Natalia, why is it so quiet?"

Natalia paused, taken aback. They had only arrived a short while ago; it had hardly been 'ages,' as Hector said. Did he think delivering a baby was like baking a pie? She quickly realized Hector's sense of time was distorted by his anxiety.

"Chill, Hector. Having a baby isn't a quick bake recipe. We've got to be patient," Natalia said, her words as dry as toast.

She knew well enough that her reassurance was as effective as a band-aid on a broken arm.

Hector nodded but continued pacing back and forth restlessly.

The OR light stayed on, tormenting Hector. His heart was jumping like popcorn kernels in a hot pan, never quite settling down.

Natalia knew anything she said right now was likely falling on deaf ears, so she simply stood with him, waiting outside the OR.

Time ticked by, each second stretching like taffy. Hector was sweating bullets, pacing non-stop, when he suddenly turned to Natalia. "It's been, what, three hours?"

Natalia's mouth twitched. "We've been here for half an hour."

"Oh, right. Must be my watch," Hector mumbled, not even glancing at his wristwatch.

Natalia shrugged helplessly, fully understanding Hector's distress.

More time passed.

"Natalia, it's been half a day. Why haven't they come out—"

Natalia showed him her phone, "Look, we haven't been here an hour yet."

"Oh."

"Natalia..."

"Don't stress, Hector. These things take time. It took a whole night when I had my daughter," she said, remembering.

Hector clammed up immediately, knowing any more on that topic would hurt Natalia.

In their silent vigil, time slipped away unnoticed.

Finally, after an eternity of anxiously waiting, the OR light went off.

Hector perked up and rushed to the OR door, waiting for the doctor to emerge.

The door opened, and a weary doctor stepped out, hoarsely congratulating Hector, "It's a boy and a girl. Both healthy."

Before the doctor could finish, Hector was already heading inside. "Thanks, Doc. I need to see my wife, how is she?"

The doctor quickly stopped Hector. "Sorry, it's a sterile area. You can't go in like that. She'll be out shortly. Please wait."

Hector reluctantly nodded. "Okay, I'll wait here as long as they're safe. Thanks for everything."