Farewell Kiss

"Hey, Berry," he whispered gently as he stepped into her hospital room, reaching out for her delicate, pallid hands.

The night before, Maya had undergone a sudden C-section, leaving her weak and devoid of all vitality.

Maya blinked open her eyes and was met by the sight of her husband's handsome face and his captivating, hazel eyes. A poignant smile formed on her lips, aware that it might be her final one.

Sensing her life slipping away, fatigue swallowing her whole, a tear glistening in her eye, she murmured, "I love you, Rian. This past year we've shared has been the most extraordinary of my life."

Rian pressed a tender kiss against her forehead and inquired, "Why didn't you tell me, Berry?"

"Muffin, I'm sorry. I tried to, but you were so consumed by work, and I couldn't bear the thought of terminating our child without your input. Another life was blossoming within me, Rian, and I couldn't bring myself to end it. I'm sorry," Maya explained, her voice heavy with regret.

"It's alright, Berry. I understand," Rian reassured her, his lips brushing against hers. "Stay strong, Maya. Don't give up just yet. Our journey has only just begun, and I need you. Get well soon, alright? I love you."

"I love you more, Rian... Have you seen our baby? I've been told she's as enchanting as you," Maya inquired, a glimmer of curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

Rian chuckled softly. "Yes, Berry."

Maya closed her eyes briefly, her strength diminishing with each fleeting second. "Remember how we used to argue about the gender of our baby?" she whispered.

"Yes," Rian replied affectionately.

"We made a wager, didn't we? Whoever guessed correctly would receive fifty kisses. Well, my dear Muffin, I emerged victorious. It's a girl. Will you fulfil your end of the bargain?" Maya's voice grew fainter, but it overflowed with longing.

Tears streaming down his face, Rian wiped them away, smiling at her through his sorrow. He watched as her frail form lay delicately before him, dark circles beneath her eyes, her lips dry and cracked.

Bending down, he tenderly ran his tongue along her lips, moistening them with his loving saliva. Rian pulled back, staring into her eyes, brimming with adoration.

Maya struggled to stay awake, her breath growing heavier. "Fifty kisses," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible.

Rian kissed her once more, counting along with her. "One," she whispered.

Kiss after kiss, tears cascading onto her cheeks, Rian trembled with overwhelming emotions, his hands shaking uncontrollably. They continued their ritual of counting and kissing, deepening their connection.

"Forty-eight," Maya managed to utter, gasping for air.

Rian listened to her counting, his heart pounding, waiting for her to whisper "forty-nine," but there was no response. The machine beside them began beeping loudly, indicating Maya's fading heartbeat.

Time stood still for a moment as Rian's gaze remained fixed upon his wife's serene face, a tender smile gracing her lips, wet from his kisses.

"Berry, wake up! Don't stop at forty-nine. There's one more kiss to go. Come on, Maya! Maya!" he wailed, shaking her uncontrollably while repeatedly pressing the emergency button.

"One more kiss, Berry! Wake up! You can't do this to me!" he cried out in anguish.

The doctor rushed in, prying Rian away from Maya's side and tending to her lifeless body. He attempted to perform CPR and used the defibrillator, but it proved too late.

Sighing deeply, the doctor removed the oxygen mask, shrouding Maya's body with a gentle sheet as a nurse stood close by.

Rian, consumed by anger and disbelief, pushed the nurse aside and passionately unveiled his wife's face, his touch tenderly tracing her cheek.

"Berry, I'm here. No one will lay a finger on you. Please wake up, my love. You promised you'd never leave me," he whispered, his lips hovering above hers.

He waited for her breath to return, but there was only silence. Tears streamed down his face as he gazed upon his cherished wife's motionless countenance.

Suddenly, a nurse entered, cradling Rian's premature but healthy baby girl in her arms. Instead of being met with warmth and joy, Rian was overcome by a surge of anger.

Frowning, he directed his pain and frustration towards the child. "That baby," he growled, commanding the nurse sternly, "Take her away."

The nurse stood frozen, uncertain of how to respond. Rian's voice grew firmer, tinged with darkness. "Are you deaf? I said remove that baby from my sight! Now!"

Terrified, the nurse hurriedly retreated with the baby, leaving Rian to grapple with his shattered emotions.