Chapter 3

Natalie kept flaunting the fact that she was having a boy, while Chloe was expecting a girl, and she did everything she could to brainwash Tom and Matilda.

Fortunately, Tom and Matilda always felt guilty toward Chloe, so they went out of their way to take care of her.

Seeing that both babies were safe, the old couple whispered a prayer of thanks. "Thank goodness, thank goodness."

"Doctor, are you sure you didn't make a mistake? You said Chloe was having a girl, and the baby's heartbeat was already gone!" Natalie forced a smile, but her tone was full of unwillingness.

The doctor chuckled. "The angle was unclear before, so I made a mistake. This little guy has a strong will to live. He's truly blessed to have turned things around!"

Natalie was so furious she nearly fainted, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain.

Justin quickly helped her to another room.

Curled up inside Natalie's belly, I smirked to myself.

I said, 'Already losing it? Oh, you have no idea! The real fun hasn't even started yet!'

Over the next few months, both Natalie and Chloe settled into the waiting-for-birth phase.

Natalie had a tough pregnancy. She was either throwing up, dealing with the baby kicking nonstop, running to the bathroom every five minutes, or just lying awake at night.

Meanwhile, I was being super well-behaved inside Chloe's belly, doing my best not to squish her insides or make things harder for her.

Natalie looked more and more worn out, and her mood swings got worse. She snapped at everyone.

But Chloe looked healthy and happy, full of that gentle, motherly glow.

Every time we had an ultrasound, I'd put on a full show, making sure everyone got a good look at me.

And whenever Tom and Matilda were watching, I'd even give them a little wave or kick, like I was greeting them.

The doctor couldn't help but be amazed every time.

The doctor exclaimed, "Wow! It looks like the little guy is actually saying hi to you! He knows you're his family. Looks like this little one is really meant to be with you!"

Tom and Matilda were grinning from ear to ear, cheeks flushed with happiness. Matilda couldn't help herself. She reached out and gently pressed her hand against Chloe's belly, testing for a response.

The very next moment, I did something that made everyone's jaws drop.

I stretched out my tiny, round hand and matched her palm, pressing right up against hers through the belly.

"My darling grandson! He's giving me a high five!" Matilda exclaimed.

She was so overwhelmed that her whole body trembled, hand still pressed to Chloe's belly, tears of joy streaming down her face.

"Tom, look! Our grandson is a natural with me. He's destined to be close to his grandma!" Matilda exclaimed.

Tom immediately pulled out his phone and started taking a bunch of photos in rapid succession.

"Get this on video! This kid is so clever and clearly meant to be part of our family. He's going to be the pillar of the Woodard family one day!" Tom said, beaming.

They were already planning what special gifts to prepare for my birth.

Natalie was lurking just outside the door, fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white with rage.

An evil grin flickered across her face as she had just decided to do something truly nasty.

By some sneaky trick, Natalie managed to drag things out so she ended up giving birth at the exact same time as Chloe.

Both of them delivered their babies at the Woodard Group's private hospital, right on the same day.

I'd already gotten myself perfectly positioned, and the instant my best friend was laid on the delivery bed, I sprang into action.

With a quick squirm and a plop, I slipped right out all by myself.

The doctors and nurses were left speechless. They couldn't believe their eyes.

"I've never seen a baby born this easily! It's like a little angel sent from heaven!" one of the nurses exclaimed.

I let out a loud wail as I snuggled into Chloe's arms, giving her a playful wink.

'Look at me, Chloe! See how awesome I am?' I said telepathically.

Chloe held me close, tears of joy streaming down her face as she laughed and cried at the same time. "Yes! My little angel, I love you!"

Tom and Matilda were so excited that they scooped me up, and I stopped crying right away.

I lifted my chubby little hands and waved slowly at them.

"Wow! The little guy is actually waving to Mr. and Mrs. Woodard again! That's some real family connection right there!" the doctor exclaimed.

Tom was so thrilled he stuffed a share transfer document right into my arms, while Matilda pressed her treasured bracelet into Chloe's hand.

"You're the best daughter-in-law ever! You've done so much for the Woodard family!" Matilda exclaimed.

Before Chloe could say anything, Justin came rushing in.

"Dad, Mom! You guys should go see Natalie! She's in a lot of pain right now. She needs everyone to be there for her!" Justin said, sounding genuinely worried.

Tom and Matilda said a few quick words before getting up and heading to the next room.

Natalie was in agony, crying out in pain.

When she heard Chloe had delivered her baby in under twenty seconds, Natalie was hell-bent on proving she could do better.

When the doctor hesitantly mentioned the baby was a bit too big and a C-section might be necessary, Natalie snapped back a harsh refusal.

But because the baby was in the wrong position, she nearly had a major hemorrhage.

After struggling through the entire night, she finally managed to give birth.

Natalie felt like she'd barely survived. She was totally wiped out, as if she'd been through hell and back.

Everyone at the hospital was gossiping. One of the Woodard family's grandsons was a little angel here to bring blessings, while the other was a menace who would bring bad luck.

Tom waved his hand grandly and named me Raymond, which had the meaning of strength and wisdom.

Because Natalie's son loved to cry and howl all the time, Tom named him Galen, which had the meaning of calm and serene, wishing he could be quieter growing up.

Natalie was so mad she looked like she was about to blow a gasket, while Chloe was absolutely delighted, showering me with kisses and hugs.

"My precious, you're incredible!" she said, her voice full of pride.

I stayed on guard, knowing full well Natalie had made sure to deliver on the same day as Chloe. There was no way she did it with good intentions.