Love Unspoken

"Quinn, you..." The nanny's voice quivered with trepidation. They had acted out of desperation, merely hoping to pacify the child. However, a wave of panic washed over them as they realized the enormity of the situation - Quinn had lost two children, a tragedy instigated by Harold's mother.

Quinn raised her head, her gaze locking with theirs as she clutched the baby a tad tighter. The child began to cry again, his wails hoarse from incessant weeping. Perhaps her grip had tightened excessively.

"Quinn, please hand the baby back to us. We'll find a solution," the nanny pleaded, extending her hand once more, this time with the intent to reclaim the baby. But Quinn, cradling the child protectively, pivoted and started to walk away. She had barely taken two steps when she collided with a man's chest, instinctively recoiling.

"Mr. Dalton," the nanny exclaimed, relief washing over her. It was then that Quinn finally looked up to find Alexander Dalton standing before her, his face devoid of any emotion. Her fingers tightened around the baby's swaddle as she stared at Alexander.

Alexander glanced at the still-crying infant and inquired, "What's happening here?"

The nanny quickly filled him in, "Little Alex has been quite fussy lately. We thought Quinn might be able to soothe him, but... she refuses to hand him back."

Alexander's gaze returned to Quinn. "Why are you holding him?"

Quinn's lips pressed together in silence. She didn't even know what she planned to do. All she could think about were her own two innocent children, and a voice inside her insisted she had to do something to honor their memory. As for what that something was, she was at a loss. She just knew subconsciously that she didn't want to relinquish the child.

"Hand me the baby," Alexander commanded, extending his hand.

Quinn held the child tighter, took a step back, and refused. Alexander's expression hardened, his voice escalating. "I'll say it once more, give me the child!"

She faced him defiantly but didn't move. Alexander, losing his patience, attempted to take the baby from her arms, but Quinn held on tighter. Their struggle only amplified the baby's cries, the hoarse wails pulling at the heartstrings. "Quinn!" Alexander's voice was laced with anger, his fury palpable to anyone within earshot.

She looked up at him, the rage in his eyes mixed with concern for the baby, and her heart ached even more. He had never displayed such emotion when she had lost their child. The sympathy he now showed for Freya's child, while being so indifferent towards hers, was unbearable.

Suddenly, Quinn felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her, more intense than she had ever experienced before.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! With a more composed and patient voice, Alexander tried again, "Give me the child."

Quinn studied his furrowed brow under the harsh glare of the streetlights, the irony not lost on her. Yet, she handed over the child, placing the baby into Alexander's arms. She wasn't sure what she might do if she continued to hold him. Alexander accepted the baby, his frown softening slightly. He turned and handed the infant to the nanny. The nanny exhaled a sigh of relief and quickly retreated with the child.

Quinn remained motionless, the cold wind carrying a fine mist that felt cool against her skin. He lifted his hand to her cheek, gently wiping away a tear, his voice considerably softer, "If you want a child, we can have one. Don't do this." Quinn stood in silence, offering no response. Alexander reached for her hand, signaling their departure, but Quinn pulled away. He paused, turning to face her. Quinn drew a breath, the cold wind piercing her lungs like needles. Her voice trembled as she gestured, "But we were going to have a child. It was he who allowed their decision to abort, he who disliked that the child would be like her a simpleton." Now, realizing her simplicity wasn't innate, he merely wanted to have a child himself, showing no signs of remorse. Alexander fell silent.