"Get up, Ella. Come on, get up," Lucifer's voice was sharp, but there was an underlying worry in his tone as he placed the glass of water on the bedside table.
Ella stirred weakly, her body heavy with exhaustion. She could barely keep her eyes open as she tried to lift herself up.
"Take the medicine," Lucifer urged, stepping closer to her as she slumped back against the pillows.
"I can't, Lucifer. I feel too weak," she whispered, her voice trembling as tears threatened to spill. "Take me to the doctor, please."
"For what?" he asked, his brows furrowing, though his heart was racing.
"I think... I think it's happening again," she said, her voice cracking. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach, pressing gently as the pain spread like wildfire through her body.
Lucifer froze, his gaze locked on her trembling hand. He knew exactly what she meant. He could feel his chest tighten, but he pushed down the panic threatening to rise.
"It won't happen," he said firmly, his voice laced with desperation, as if his words alone could change fate.
Ella shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It will. I can feel it. We're going to lose it again." Her voice broke as she sobbed, clutching her stomach protectively.
Lucifer's jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He hated seeing her like this—broken, fragile, consumed by grief and fear. He knelt by her side, brushing her hair away from her damp forehead.
"Don't cry," he whispered, though his own voice wavered. "I'll call your mom and dad. Then we'll go to the hospital, okay?"
Her eyes widened, and she quickly grabbed his arm. "No, please don't call them," she begged, shaking her head frantically.
"Why not?" he asked, his confusion evident.
"They're busy with the wedding preparations," she said, her voice cracking. "It's a happy time for them. I don't want to ruin it. Just... just take me to the hospital. Please, Lucifer."
"Ella, you're not thinking straight—" he began, but she cut him off, her grip tightening on his arm.
"Please," she whispered again, her eyes pleading with him.
Lucifer stared at her for a moment before nodding, his resolve hardening. "Okay," he said softly. "Let's go."
Without hesitation, he leaned down and scooped her into his arms. She let out a small gasp of pain, her tears falling faster as she buried her face in his chest.
As he turned to leave, his eyes fell on the bed. His heart stopped. Blood. It was everywhere—on the blanket, on the sheets, staining everything in sight.
Ella saw it too. Her body shook with silent sobs, her fingers clutching his shirt tightly.
Lucifer's mind raced as he carried her out to the car, his footsteps quick and urgent. The sight of the blood, the fear in Ella's eyes, the weight of her fragile body in his arms—it all burned into his memory like a brand.
"Hold on, Ella," he said, his voice firm but quiet as he placed her gently in the passenger seat and buckled her in. "We're going to the hospital. Everything will be fine. Just hold on."
She nodded weakly, her head leaning against the window as her tears continued to fall.
As Lucifer drove , his hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white. He didn't say a word, his focus entirely on getting her the help she needed.
But deep inside, his thoughts twisted and churned .
...
She was busy helping with the decorations, her hands moving gracefully as she directed the workers on how to arrange the flowers and drapes. Her eyes lit up as she pointed to where the fairy lights should go, her excitement evident in every word.
Just then, her phone rang, breaking her focus. She pulled it out of her pocket and, upon seeing the name on the screen, her face lit up with a bright smile.
"I was just thinking about you," she answered, her voice soft and filled with affection.
"I knew it," he said with a chuckle. "That's why I called. So, what's my soon-to-be wife doing?"
"What else? Helping with the arrangements," she replied, glancing around to ensure everything was going as planned.
"Why you? Where's your sister? Isn't this supposed to be her responsibility?" he asked, concern lacing his tone.
"She said she'd come , but now it's midday, and she's still not here," she said, a small frown forming on her lips.
"Forget about that for now," he said quickly, his voice warm and reassuring. "Tell me, are you excited?"
She hesitated for a moment, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her dupatta. "Yes, I am," she admitted. "But I'm nervous at the same time."
"Nervous? For our wedding night?" he teased, his voice dropping playfully.
Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she gasped. "What the hell! Shut up!" she said, glancing around to make sure no one overheard. "Aren't you getting too bold while talking to me?"
"If I can't get bold with my wife, who else am I supposed to get bold with?" he quipped, his laughter ringing in her ears.
"You're impossible," she said with a shy smile, biting her lip to suppress her own laughter. "Okay, enough of your teasing. You just reminded me—I should call Ella and ask where she is."
"Alright, but before you go," his tone softened, "I love you."
Her heart fluttered at his words, and her voice became tender. "Love you too. Bye now."
She ended the call, shaking her head with a small smile as she stared at the phone screen for a moment longer. Her heart felt light, her nervousness fading as his words replayed in her mind.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed Ella's number, hoping her sister would finally give her some answers.
...
She dialed her sister's number, holding her breath as the phone rang. When it went unanswered, she frowned and tried again. With each passing second, her worry deepened.
Why isn't she picking up? she bite her lip as her fingers hovered over the call button. She hit redial. "Come on, Ella," she whispered, her voice tinged with growing concern.
Her hands tightened around the phone as she paced back and forth. It wasn't like her sister to ignore her calls. With a heavy sigh, she dialed once more, her heart pounding.
Please, Ella, just pick up her worry growing unbearable.
---
At the hospital, Lucifer pushed the wheelchair forward with urgency, his sharp eyes scanning the lobby as he shouted, "Someone help us!"
A nurse rushed toward them, her face alarmed. "What happened?" she asked, noticing Ella's pale face.
"She's bleeding," he said, his voice tight.
The nurses quickly laid Ella on a stretcher, her face contorted in pain as they prepared to take her inside. A doctor approached and immediately began checking her vitals. His expression turned serious as he called out orders.
"Take her to the OR," the doctor said firmly.
The nurses nodded, rushing Ella down the hallway toward the operating room. Lucifer followed close behind, his steps faltering when the doctor began to walk away.
"Wait!" he grabbed the doctor's arm, his voice desperate. "What's wrong with her? What's happening?"
The doctor hesitated, his expression grim. "It's happening again. I'm afraid she might lose her child," he said quietly.
Lucifer stood there, frozen, as the words echoed in his mind. Lose her child again. A mask of concern crossed his face as he released the doctor.
"I need to get to the OR," the doctor added, excusing himself quickly.
Lucifer watched him leave, his hands clenching into fists. Slowly, his expression shifted, his lips curling into a smirk. He shook his head slightly, his voice low as he whispered to himself, "I'm sorry, Ella. I really am. But this... this is necessary."
He exhaled sharply and sat down in the waiting area, leaning back in his chair with a hand running through his hair. Just then, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen. A bright smile appeared as he saw the name flashing.
He answered immediately, his tone soft and playful. "Hey, doll," he greeted with a smile.
"Luci," came her voice, tinged with both relief and irritation. "Where are you guys? I've been calling Ella for ages, but she's not picking up."
"No hello or hi, just straight to the questions?" he teased, leaning back casually.
"Don't play with me. I'm serious. Where's Ella? Why isn't she answering?" she demanded, concern dripping from her voice.
"I don't know," he lied smoothly. "I'm at the office right now. She must be busy."
"But when are you two coming?" she asked, her tone softening slightly.
"If you ask me to, I'll come flying right away" he replied with a chuckle, his voice dripping with charm.
She couldn't help but smile. "You're impossible," she muttered. "I'm serious, Luci."
"Don't worry. We'll be there tomorrow," he reassured her.
Just then, the door to the operating room opened, and the doctor stepped out. Lucifer's eyes darted toward him, his posture straightening.
"Alright, doll," he said hurriedly. "I've got to go. We'll talk later."
"Okay," she said, though her voice was still laced with worry. "Take care."
"You too," he replied, cutting the call.
Lucifer stood up, slipping the phone back into his pocket as he approached the doctor, his expression unreadable. The playful tone he used on the phone was gone, replaced with a sharp intensity. "What's the update, doctor?" he asked.
.....
As the doctor approached, Lucifer immediately stood up, his face painted with worry. "How is she, doctor?" he asked, his voice trembling, though the concern was merely an act.
The doctor hesitated for a moment before speaking. "She's alright, but..."
"But what?" Lucifer pressed, narrowing his eyes.
The doctor sighed heavily. "She lost the baby. I'm sorry," he said softly.
Lucifer furrowed his brow, forcing a devastated expression onto his face. "I... I can't believe this," he muttered, shaking his head as though in grief.
The doctor placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You can meet her after a while. She'll need you more than ever now."
He nodded, feigning sadness, and sat back down, his mind already working out the next step in his plan.
---
When they shifted Ella to a normal room, Lucifer stood outside, peering through the glass window on the door. She lay there on the hospital bed, her face pale, her eyes dull with sorrow.
He pushed open the door and stepped inside quietly. As soon as her eyes met his, they filled with tears, and she turned her face away, unable to look at him.
He moved closer, pulling up a chair and sitting beside her. Taking her hand gently in his, he gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"I'm sorry," she whispered through her tears, her voice breaking.
"Shh, don't say that," he murmured softly.
"I can't even give you a child. I'm such a waste," she said, sobbing harder.
"Don't talk like that, Ella," he said firmly. "Your worth is not defined by this. Your importance in my life isn't limited to having kids."
She turned her head to look at him, her lips trembling.
"I mean it," he continued. "We tried because you insisted, but your body isn't ready. I can't watch you go through this pain anymore."
"But—" she started, but he placed a finger gently on her lips, silencing her.
"No buts," he said firmly. "I've thought a lot about this, and I've made up my mind. We should stop trying for now. Your health comes first."
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she listened to his words, her heart aching. "You don't hate me for this?" she asked hesitantly.
"Why would I ever hate you, Ella?" he said, his voice softening. "I married you because I love you, not because I wanted children from you."
Her lips quivered, and she looked down, guilt still weighing heavily on her. "But I feel like I've failed you," she whispered.
He shook his head, lifting her chin so she could meet his gaze. "You haven't failed me, Ella. And from now on, you'll listen to me. First, we'll focus on making your body healthy and capable. Then, when the time is right, we can try again—if you're ready."
She stared at him, her emotions a mixture of guilt, relief, and gratitude.
"Okay?" he asked, tilting his head slightly, his voice gentle yet firm.
She nodded slowly, tears still brimming in her eyes.
"That's my girl," he said, leaning forward to press a kiss on her forehead.
"Thank you, Lucifer," she said, her voice soft. "Thank you for being so gentle with me."
"You don't need to thank me," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It's my responsibility as your husband."
He smiled at her, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, she managed a small smile in return.
Lucifer sat there, holding her hand, his eyes tender. On the surface, he looked like the perfect husband—a caring, supportive partner. But deep within, his thoughts churned with darkness, hidden behind his comforting facade.
....
They sat there in silence, holding hands. The stillness between them was heavy with unspoken words and emotions. After a moment, Lucifer decided to break it.
"Sofi called," he said, his voice low.
Ella's expression shifted instantly to panic. "Did you tell her about me?" she asked anxiously, her grip on his hand tightening.
"No, I didn't," he assured her, shaking his head.
"Please don't tell her," she said, her eyes pleading. "They'll all get worried, and I don't want that right now."
"But Ella," he said softly, leaning closer, "you need support. Keeping this from them might not be the best idea."
"Lucifer, please," she begged, her voice trembling. "It's Sofi's special day. I don't want to ruin it for her. Let's not tell them. Not now."
He studied her face, his brow furrowed with concern. He could see how much this mattered to her.
"Please," she whispered again, her voice breaking.
He sighed, reluctant but unable to deny her. "Okay, I won't say anything. But, Ella, you have to promise me you'll take care of yourself."
She nodded, her eyes glistening with tears.
"What did Sofi say?" she asked, changing the topic, trying to steer the conversation away from her pain.
"She was waiting for us," he said. "We told her we'd be coming today."
"We'll go tomorrow," Ella said softly, looking down at their intertwined hands.
"Tomorrow?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Ella, how will you go in this condition?"
"I have to," she said, her tone firm despite the exhaustion on her face. "I'll manage. It's important."
He frowned, searching her eyes for any hesitation. "Are you sure about this?" he asked.
She nodded, her determination unwavering.
"Alright," he said reluctantly. "But for now, you need to rest."
"Okay," she whispered, leaning back against the pillow. Her eyes slowly drifted shut, and within moments, she was fast asleep, her hand still resting in his.
Lucifer stayed by her side, watching her sleep. His fingers brushed against her hand as he held it gently. His expression was unreadable—part concern, part something darker. The hospital room was silent except for the rhythmic beeping of the monitors and her steady breaths.
As he sat there, his mind wandered. His lips curled into a faint smile, but his eyes were shadowed with thoughts that didn't match the gentleness of his touch. Whatever storm brewed within him, he kept it hidden, masked behind the facade of a devoted husband.