Chapter 9

I froze. I would die right after giving birth? Then I would never see my children grow up. I would never be there to watch Maverick grow old. "Confirmed!" I shouted without hesitation. As long as the babies were safe, that was enough. They could stay with Maverick. A deafening crash followed. But the pain I expected never came. I didn't feel the system's shield activate either. Because someone had moved faster than the system. A figure lunged from the bushes nearby, throwing himself over me and shielding me with his body. The next instant, blood splattered everywhere. The lawnmower slammed into his back. The grinding noise of the machine was terrifying. "Maverick!" Trembling, I opened my eyes. He was lying over me, his face deathly pale, yet a faint smile lingered on his lips. Why was he here? Wasn't he supposed to be at the office? "Thank heavens... I made it back in time." Weakly, he raised his hand and wiped the tears from my face. "Honey, don't be afraid. I'm here."