Thunder roared across the sky like an angry beast.
The heavens were covered in thick, dark clouds, swallowing every trace of light. Rain poured down endlessly, striking the earth and rooftops with force, as if the sky itself was restless. Lightning flashed again and again, tearing through the darkness, followed by loud cracks that shook everything beneath.
It was not an ordinary storm.
The wind howled through the trees, bending branches and rattling doors. Even the bravest hearts felt uneasy, as if something important—something powerful—was about to happen.
Inside the grand residence of General Wu, everything was tense.
The luxurious house, usually calm and dignified, was now filled with hurried footsteps and anxious voices. Servants moved quickly through the halls, carrying cloths, hot water, and medicine. The doors to the inner chamber were tightly shut.
Inside that room, Lady Wu Caixia lay on the bed, her face pale, her breathing uneven. Sweat covered her forehead as she struggled through the pain.
"Hold on, my lady… breathe slowly," one of the midwives said gently, trying to calm her.
Another added, "Everything is prepared. You must stay strong."
Lady Wu gripped the sheets tightly, her voice trembling as she cried out softly. "It… hurts…"
The midwives worked carefully around her, their faces serious but focused. The sound of the storm outside only made everything feel more intense.
Outside the room, General Wu Jianhong paced back and forth.
His steps were restless, his expression filled with worry. His hands were clenched tightly behind his back, and every cry from inside the room made his heart tighten.
A servant tried to calm him. "General… please don't worry too much. The midwives are the best. Lady Wu will be safe."
But General Wu shook his head. "How can I not worry?" he said, his voice low but full of tension. "She is suffering in there, and I can do nothing."
Another loud thunderclap echoed, making the windows shake.
The General looked toward the dark sky, his brows furrowed deeply. "Why does the storm not stop tonight?" he muttered.
No one answered.
Inside the room, Lady Wu cried out again, her voice weak but filled with effort. The midwives quickly moved to support her.
"Stay with us, my lady!" one of them said urgently. "You are doing well. Just a little more."
Lady Wu closed her eyes tightly, trying to endure the pain. Her hands trembled as she held onto the edge of the bed.
The storm outside only grew stronger.
Far away from the grand residence, in a much simpler part of the kingdom, stood a small, ordinary house.
The roof was plain, the walls worn by time, and the door slightly loose from years of use. Rain leaked through small cracks, and the wind pushed against the structure as if trying to break it apart.
Inside, there was no one except a woman lying on a simple bed.
She was alone.
Her breathing was heavy, her face filled with pain as she struggled through the same suffering. There were no midwives, no servants, no comforting voices—only the sound of the storm and her own quiet cries.
"Aah…" she gasped, her hand pressing against her stomach. "Please…"
Her voice was weak, almost lost under the loud rain.
Outside the house, a man stood under the small shelter near the door.
He was soaked from the rain, his clothes clinging to him, but he did not move away. His eyes were fixed on the closed door, filled with worry and helplessness.
He stepped forward once, as if wanting to go inside, but stopped.
"I… I don't know what to do," he whispered to himself. "I can't help her…"
Another flash of lightning lit up the sky, revealing his anxious face for a brief moment.
From inside, he heard her cry again.
His hands clenched tightly. "Please… be safe," he said softly, almost like a prayer.
The wind howled louder, and the storm showed no sign of stopping.
Back at General Wu's residence, the tension only increased.
The midwives continued their work, their voices calm but firm as they guided Lady Wu through the pain.
"Breathe, my lady… don't lose strength," one of them said.
Lady Wu nodded weakly, trying to follow their words.
Outside, General Wu suddenly stopped pacing.
Another loud cry came from inside the room.
His heart pounded. He stepped closer to the door but did not enter. His hand hovered near the handle, trembling slightly.
"Caixia…" he whispered.
The storm roared above him, as if echoing his fear.
At the same time, in the small house, the woman struggled to stay conscious.
Her strength was fading, but she did not give up.
"I… have to…" she murmured weakly.
The man outside pressed his forehead against the wooden wall, his eyes closed tightly.
"You're not alone," he said, even though she could not hear him clearly. "I'm right here…"
Rain dripped from his face, mixing with something that might have been tears.
Lightning flashed again.
Thunder followed immediately, louder than before.
In two different places—
One filled with luxury, care, and many helping hands.
The other filled with silence, struggle, and loneliness.
Two lives were waiting to begin.
But not yet.
The storm continued, heavy and endless, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
And under the same dark sky, both houses remained filled with tension, pain, and hope—
Waiting for the moment that had not yet come.
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Were you surprised, excited, or maybe a little anxious? I'd love to know your thoughts and have your support as we continue this journey together.