Epilogue
Five Months Later
“With all the evidence presented before me, I have every reason to believe that Mr. Nathan Graham is guilty of a three-count murder charge, blackmail, money laundering, threats, and drug dealing,” the judge declared.
The courtroom was thick with tension. Every breath, every movement was weighed down by anticipation. Nathan sat stone-faced, but his eyes burned with malice as he glared at Rina, promising vengeance even from behind bars.
“I hereby sentence Mr. Nathan Graham to life imprisonment with hard labor.”
Gasps echoed through the room. Nathan clenched his fists as the reality of his fate sank in. His gaze flickered to his parents, searching for even a shred of sympathy. There was none. Instead, their stony expressions confirmed what he had failed to realize before-his parents had been backing Rina all along. The betrayal hit him harder than the sentence itself.
“I don’t think-”
“Counsel, please remove your client. Any further disruptions will only worsen his situation,” the judge interjected firmly.
Nathan was led away, his face void of emotion, though his silence screamed louder than words. As he was escorted to the prison van, his last glance landed on Rina, standing strong, surrounded by people who truly cared for her. If he had lost everything, at least he had dragged his brother down with him.
Zayn’s mother enveloped Rina in a warm embrace. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered. “You caught him in the act, and you did it all while carrying my son’s child. I only wish Zayn had been able to care for you properly through all of this.”
Tears welled in Rina’s eyes. She had been strong for so long, but at this moment, she allowed herself to feel.
Mrs. Graham held her tighter. “I want you to know that I trust you with my son’s company. Especially now that you carry his legacy. I won’t interfere with your decisions-you’ve proven yourself more than capable. But, Rina…” She hesitated, her voice thick with emotion. “Even if you choose to remarry one day, please don’t keep these children away from us for too long. I don’t think my heart could take it.”
Rina couldn’t hold back her sobs anymore. This wasn’t just about business. This was her acceptance into their family. An unbreakable bond.
“You don’t have to worry,” she promised. “The kids will always be a part of your lives. But first, I need to see Zayn. I have to tell him everything.”
Mrs. Graham nodded, understanding the weight of Rina’s words.
But before Rina could move, a sharp pain shot through her abdomen.
She gasped, gripping her belly.
“Rina?” Mrs. Graham’s eyes widened in panic.
“It’s nothing,” Rina insisted, brushing it off. But another, stronger wave of pain made her double over.
“We’re going to the hospital-now!” Mrs. Graham declared, already signaling for the car.
Rina groaned, trying to play it down. “It’s just-” A searing pain cut her words short.
“You’re in labor,” Mr. Graham stated matter-of-factly, a small smile playing on his lips. “Is your hospital bag in the car?”
Rina nodded weakly.
“Good. Then you know what to do.”
TWO HOURS LATER
“Come on, Rina! You can do this!” The doctor’s voice was urgent but encouraging.
Rina panted heavily, sweat dripping down her forehead. “I can’t feel my legs! I can’t-”
Her mother-in-law rushed to her side. “I’m here, darling. Just breathe.”
Mrs. Graham turned to the doctor, her face lined with concern. “Can’t you do a C-section? She’s exhausted!”
“We’re monitoring her closely. She’s strong,” the doctor reassured.
Rina groaned. “I’m opting for surgery-I can’t take this anymore!”
“Wait!” the nurse suddenly called. “The baby’s crowning!”
Rina barely had time to process those words before another contraction took over.
“You’re almost there, dear,” Mrs. Graham whispered, rubbing her hand.
With a final, agonizing push, a loud cry filled the room.
“The baby is out!” the doctor announced.
Rina barely had a moment to process it before the doctor’s next words sent a shockwave through the room.
“I can see another head! You need to push again!”
Rina’s breath hitched. Another?
“I can’t!” she gasped, tears streaking down her face.
“Yes, you can, sweetheart,” her mother-in-law encouraged, gripping her hand.
Just as Rina braced herself for another push, a nurse burst into the room.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but-” She hesitated, her face a mix of nervous excitement.
Mrs. Graham turned to her impatiently. “What is it?”
The nurse took a deep breath. “Mr. Graham has woken up.”
A stunned silence filled the room.
Rina’s heart stopped.
Zayn… awake?
At that moment, another contraction hit.
“I can feel the second baby coming!” the doctor announced, pulling their attention back.
Through sheer willpower, Rina gave one last push, and another cry filled the air.
“The second baby is here!”
Rina collapsed back against the bed, completely drained. But her mind was elsewhere.
“I need to see my husband,” she whispered, breathless but determined. “Take me to him.”
Mrs. Graham’s heart clenched. The trust in Rina’s voice, the way she had already entrusted her children to them-it was overwhelming.
“I promise I’ll care for them as if they’re my own,” Mrs. Graham whispered back.
The nurses urged Rina to stay and bond with her babies, but she shook her head fiercely.
“I trust you. I need to see Zayn first.”
Mrs. Graham nodded. “Then let’s go.”
Zayn’s room was dimly lit, the machines softly beeping around him. He looked weak, but his eyes snapped open the second he saw her.
“Rina?” His voice was rough, barely above a whisper.
Tears streamed down her face. “I’m so happy to see you,” she choked out. “I’m so sorry. I should have listened. I should have-”
“Come here,” he interrupted gently, opening his arms.
She wheeled closer, her hands trembling as she reached for him.
Zayn frowned. “Why are you in a wheelchair? Were you hurt?”
Rina let out a tearful laugh. “No. I just…” She wiped her face. “I just gave birth to the most beautiful babies.”
Zayn’s eyes widened.
“Our babies,” she whispered.
The emotions on his face shifted rapidly-shock, awe, and finally, overwhelming love.
“Twins?” he whispered in disbelief.
Rina nodded, exhausted but beaming.
Zayn let out a choked laugh, wiping his own tears. “I’m so proud of you, Rina. I love you.”
“Me too,” she murmured. “Do you want to meet them?”
“More than anything.”
Together, they were wheeled to the postnatal ward. When Zayn reached for his babies’ tiny hands, he broke down completely.
“I’m so grateful to be alive for this,” he whispered.
Rina squeezed his hand. “Cheers to this and many more.”
The End