Delivery Room Ultimatum: Raise Her Lover's Child

I spent several days holed up at home, never leaving the house, until I received a call from the photo studio.

"Hello, Mr. Madden. When would you like to schedule the newborn photoshoot you previously booked with our studio?"

It was a simple question, but even after a long silence, I couldn't come up with a reply.

When Ashley was pregnant, she kept wanting to do a newborn photoshoot. I'd secretly made a note of that, thinking that I'd surprise her with it on the day of the delivery, hoping we could record the joy of having a new addition to the family.

After ending the call, I made up my mind and headed to the hospital.

Inside the hospital room, Ashley was holding the baby, her smile glowing with motherly warmth. The scene I had once yearned to see the most now looked especially painful to watch.

Ashley suddenly looked up. Her eyes brightened with joy when she saw me. "You're here, honey!"

She eagerly grabbed my hand and pouted coquettishly at me, like she always used to. "I know I messed up, honey. The pregnancy hormones messed with my head. That's why I couldn't think straight and said those hurtful things to you. Don't hold it against me, okay?"

At my silence, she lowered her head, her eyes turning red.

"If you leave me, I'll be a divorcee. Who would want me? You should've just let me die in the delivery room instead.

"I've figured it all out, honey. I'll send the baby back to my hometown and let one of my relatives raise her. Once I've recovered from the delivery, let's have a child of our own."

As I looked at Ashley, I silently told myself that this was her final chance.

"Just keep her here. She's your child," I said.

Upon hearing that, Ashley hugged me in excitement. "Thanks, honey! I promise I'll be devoted to you from now on, and Bella here will be your daughter."

After a discussion, we decided to invite the photographer to our house for the photoshoot once Ashley was discharged tomorrow.

Ashley nestled in my arms with a look of bliss. "You're the best, honey. I swear I'll never betray you again."

Early the next morning, I went out to buy some fresh flowers and balloons to decorate the house. Before making the purchases, I even consulted the doctor and specifically chose things that were harmless for babies.

I had just finished shopping and was about to go to the hospital to pick up Ashley when the doorbell rang unexpectedly.

I opened the door to see Nathan Jones, Ashley's childhood friend, standing on the doorstep with Bella in his arms.

Ashley, who was beside him, explained, "Nathan is Bella's biological father. He came to the hospital to see her, so I invited him to join us."

Nathan pushed me aside and walked into the house. After scanning the living room, he criticized in dissatisfaction, "Babies are very fragile, Henry. The flowers you bought and all the other plastic stuff will affect Bella's respiratory system."

Ashley, who had been quite satisfied with the decorations, immediately pulled a long face once she heard that.

"Even though you're not Bella's biological father, you're still her father in name, Henry. Don't you think you're being too irresponsible?"

Anger surged in my chest. With a frosty expression, I fired back without mercy, "If you think I'm not being responsible enough, Nathan can raise the child in my place."