Chapter 685 Mr. Augustine, I miss you

“Ah, the good news first: the babies moved! They kicked me just now!”

“The bad news? I’m not looking so good. I’m aging rapidly—Mr. Augustine, I’m getting uglier by the day. Will you despise me?”

“Of course not. Luckily, you can’t see me right now.” Olive raised a hand to brush the long hair from her cheek. As her slender fingers moved, a large clump of hair came out. She was losing her hair. Freezing, she quickly hid the hair, then turned off the video. “Oops, let’s start over.”

In the next video, Olive, over six months pregnant, wore a hat. Her wrinkles were deep, making her look like she was in her fifties. Sitting in a rattan chair, she attempted a smile, but her eyes lacked their usual brightness.

“Mr. Augustine, long time no see. I’m wearing a hat because I shaved my head—I’m bald! I didn’t want to scare you. I almost covered my face, but forget it. Even if I’m ugly, you must say nothing!”

“My belly’s big, but the babies are healthy. Mom says the boy on the left is quiet—he’ll probably be serious. He’s your copy. The twins on the right are energetic kickers—they’re mine. I’m so happy to have them with me.”

The door opened. Joyce called, “Olive, it’s time to eat. You haven’t eaten properly in days. You throw up after every meal, so you’re relying on injections. I brought millet porridge. Eat up.”

Joyce entered. Olive, sensing the food, crouched and vomited; the video ended abruptly.

In the next video, Olive, over seven months pregnant, slept while Joyce administered acupuncture. Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing arms covered in needle marks, bruised and pale—a terrifying sight. She’d lost considerable weight, becoming emaciated, but her abdomen, swollen from carrying triplets, was far larger than that of a typical woman nearing term. She appeared even older, like a woman in her sixties. Lying in bed, she smiled faintly at the camera, her eyes clouded.

“Mr. Augustine, don’t worry. The babies are fine. I can’t get out of bed; I’m confined to bed rest. I’ll endure until delivery and bring them into the world safely and healthy.” She gently touched the camera with a trembling fingertip. “It’s just… Mr. Augustine, I think… I’m starting to miss you.”

The next video, shot at night, showed Olive over eight months pregnant. The dim light obscured her features.

Chapter 635 Mr. Augustine, I miss you

A sad silence preceded her voice. “Mr. Augustine, I miss you. So much.” Curled in a blanket, her face buried, she spoke incoherently.

“President Augustine, you must hate me. Did you forget me? Did you… start dating someone new…?”

“It’s good, really. When I left, I didn’t want to be a burden or a weakness. I was prepared, so letting go was… good. Mr. Augustine, other women will rush to you… they’ll… take my place.”

“At first, I thought I could manage. I thought I and the children could live well without you, but… I regret it. Mr. Augustine, I wish you were here…”

“I’m afraid. Every day. I can’t tell anyone. It hurts. So much. I age every day—from twenty to thirty… sixty… eighty. I don’t even recognize myself. I can’t sleep. Pain and fear consume me… Sometimes I feel like I’ll die if I don’t hold on…”

“Mr. Augustine, I’m selfish. I shouldn’t have returned to Visionary. I should have stayed with you. No matter how old or how flawed I am, I should have stayed. What should I do? I don’t care. I just want you to hold me. To be in your arms, to give myself, my children, our future, to you.”

“Even if… even if I die, I want to die in your arms, not… alone… helpless…”

Her crying subsided, then ceased entirely. The video ended.

The final video showed Olive giving birth prematurely. Lying in the delivery room, sweat beaded on her brow, soaking her clothes. Her hands gripped the torn bedsheet. Joyce wiped her sweat. “Olive, don’t strain. The baby’s head is out. Inhale, exhale…”

Olive followed the rhythm. Gritting her teeth, she pushed. “Whoa!” Her eldest son, Nathan, was born.

“Olive, it’s your son!” Joyce wrapped Nathan and gave him to Olive. She was thin and frail, raising a trembling hand to gently touch his face. Then, screams erupted. “Blood! Queen, it’s bad! The other baby is bleeding profusely!” Blood gushed from Olive, staining the mattress crimson. Joyce quickly placed Nathan down. “Stop the bleeding!”

Olive grabbed Joyce, shaking her head. “Mom, it’s useless. I know…” The video ended.