Chapter 1101: Childbirth (4) The Birth of a Heiress

Susan's complaint, though amusing, was also exasperating. Manuel saw her exhausted state; she'd given her all, yet progress stalled at a critical juncture. A lateral incision had already been made.

A cesarean section was undesirable; he imagined Susan's devastation and the negative impact on her health. He squeezed her hand, his voice softening. "It's my fault," he said gently. "I won't get you pregnant again, okay?"

Susan was startled. A moment ago, Manuel had been forceful; now, he was a different person. Could this man act?

"Come on, push more, just a little more," he urged. "Once the baby's out, you won't have to endure this again."

But she was spent. She had no strength left.

"Don't you want to see me twerk?" Manuel asked.

The question, posed before numerous medical personnel, elicited a wide-eyed stare from Susan.

"When you deliver the baby, I'll dance for you."

"Really?" His words captivated her.

Manuel was reserved, yet he'd make this sacrifice. They'd previously wagered that he would dance if Theodore proved unfaithful to Little Bunny. However, Theodore had been remarkably honest for the past six months; Susan had even inquired, and everyone confirmed his abstinence from nightclubs.

While surprised by Theodore's transformation, she expected Manuel's dancing to be equally underwhelming. She hadn't anticipated his sudden offer.

"Okay, I'm in!" Susan agreed, her energy revitalized.

The medical staff were bewildered. Manuel, if he'd known the effectiveness of his plan, would have employed it sooner.

Susan inhaled deeply, pushing with renewed force, encouraged by the medical team. "Baby," she urged, "if I get to see your dad dance, it's all up to you!"

Susan strained with all her might. The doctor exclaimed, "The cervix is fully dilated! I see the baby's head! Keep pushing, madam! The baby will be born very soon!"

The doctor's encouragement spurred Susan on. She clenched her fist, and with a final surge, delivered the baby. A newborn's cry filled the room. Susan sighed in relief, as did Manuel. After ten arduous hours, their baby had arrived. Yet, his focus wasn't solely on their child; his concern centered on Susan.

Postpartum, she lay motionless, eyes closed, utterly drained. "You did great," Manuel murmured, kissing her forehead. He vowed never to let her endure childbirth again.

She felt his warmth but remained still, too tired to move. Then, weakly, she said, "Manuel, you can't break your promises." The exhaustion in her voice was almost comical. Manuel flushed, as the onlookers chuckled.

"Mr. Johnson," the doctor announced, after cleaning the baby and tying the umbilical cord, "would you like to cut it?"

Manuel's demeanor shifted upon learning it was a girl. His attention focused entirely on his daughter. "It's a girl?" he asked excitedly.

The doctor's confirmation elicited ecstatic joy. He gently placed Susan to cut the cord, cooing to both women.

Susan watched him, a pang of jealousy rising. Another woman would now compete for his affection. Returning to Susan, who looked displeased, he whispered, "I still love you most," attempting to quell her insecurity.

"Okay," she replied softly, though the jealousy lingered.

The staff brought the baby to Manuel. She was quiet, gazing at the world with her small eyes.

Her face was pink and wrinkled, not conventionally pretty. Yet, Manuel's heart softened. She seemed to warm the entire world.

"How much longer do you need to look at her?" Susan finally asked. She'd tried resting but couldn't resist opening her eyes at the sight of Manuel's intense, adoring gaze.

He turned, smiling. "She looks just like you."

"Really?" Susan's interest piqued.

"Want to take a look?"

"Sure," she agreed reluctantly.

Manuel brought the baby to Susan. Her excitement vanished, replaced by shock.

"Take this ugly thing away," she declared, turning away. It couldn't be their child; it was far too unattractive.

Manuel chuckled. "Who dislikes their own child?"

"But she is ugly!"

"All babies look like that," he replied calmly.

"You said she looked like me! Do I look hideous too?!"

Manuel laughed heartily. Fatherhood seemed to erase any unhappiness from his world.

Susan closed her eyes again, determined to remain oblivious until they left.