Chapter 4: Her Ambition

As I slowly regained consciousness, I discovered myself in a hospital bed surrounded by sterile white walls and the scent of disinfectant. My head throbbed and my body felt feeble. Briefly, I couldn't recall how I ended up in this place. However, my best friend, Irene, appeared by my side with a concerned expression on her face, uttering with relief, "Celine, thank goodness you're awake."

Bewildered, I inquired, "What happened?"

"You collapsed in your apartment, and I discovered you unconscious on the floor. I immediately called for an ambulance, and they brought you here," she explained.

My heart raced as I struggled to recollect the events leading up to my loss of consciousness. Then, it struck me. The stress, the exhaustion, the relentless work pressure. I had been pushing myself beyond my limits, and it had finally taken a toll on my body.

"Irene, what about my baby? Is he alright?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear.

Irene's face transformed into a combination of sadness and concern.

“Celine, your baby was in danger. The doctors said it was nearly a miscarriage caused by excessive fatigue and stress. Thankfully, they were able to save him. He's out of harm's way now.”

I let out a sigh of relief and closed my eyes, feeling grateful that my baby was unharmed. However, I couldn't help but feel guilty for neglecting my own well-being and jeopardizing my baby's life.

Irene took a seat on the chair beside my bed and gently grasped my hand.

“Celine, you must prioritize taking care of yourself. You have a precious life growing inside of you, and it's your duty to ensure her safety"

I couldn't hold back my tears as I fully grasped the seriousness of the situation.

"Irene, I've been so consumed by everything that I didn't even realize how much I was overexerting myself," I confessed, my voice trembling.

Irene embraced me, offering solace.

"Don't worry, Celine. From now on, you just need to take things easy. I'm here to support you."

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude.

Months went by, and at last, my precious son, Connor, came into this world. Holding him in my arms, a rush of love and protectiveness overwhelms me. 

"He's absolutely stunning, Celine," Irene exclaimed, her face beaming with joy.

"Yes, he is the most priceless gift," I responded, my heart brimming with gratitude.

As I gaze upon my son now, I cannot help but appreciate the challenging path that led me to this moment. He fills me with hope, igniting a desire to embark on a new life. I made a solemn vow to myself that I would create a brighter future for him.

The next morning, as we stepped into the apartment, the familiar scent of home enveloped me.I was eager to introduce my son to his new surroundings.

However, before I could even catch my breath, Mrs. Jenkins, our landlady, appeared before us. She seemed agitated and her tone was stern as she immediately confronted me about the overdue rent and bills.

"Mrs. Jenkins, it's good to see you," I greeted her, trying to remain composed despite her abruptness.

"I hope you have a valid explanation for why your rent and bills are late," she said, her gaze fixed on me.

Sensing the tension in the air, I took a deep breath and began explaining my situation to Mrs. Jenkins.

"Mrs. Jenkins, I apologize for the delay in payment, but I was in the hospital giving birth to my son." I explained, hoping she would understand.

I requested Mrs. Jerkins to grant me some additional time. I assured her that I had not overlooked my responsibility towards her.

"Alright. Celine, I will allow you until next week. However, if you fail to make the payment, I will drag you a way from my apartment!," she warned.

"You know Irene and I were close friends, but you can't use that as an excuse to neglect your obligations to me," she added.

In order to maintain composure in front of my son, I took a deep breath and reminded myself to stay strong.

I'm reluctant to seek Irene's help again, as I don't want to impose on her any further, particularly since Mrs. Jenkins believes that I'm taking advantage of their friendship.

Suddenly, an idea strikes me. I reach for my luggage, retrieve a small box containing a gold necklace, and contemplate selling it for survival. Despite its sentimental value, it's now just a piece of jewelry I'm willing to part with.

“Mom, I’m sorry but I have no choice. I need to pawn it ,” I said as I tears fell.

The following morning, I made my way to the pawnshop to pawn the necklace. As I thought about my mother, I couldn't help but feel emotional.

"I'm sorry again, mom. I just need to survive," I whispered to myself.

When I handed the necklace to the appraiser, I was taken aback by his words.

"We can offer you five hundred thousand dollars for this, ma'am," he said.

I couldn't believe the value of the necklace, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. I almost cried.

"Really?" I asked, my voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes, ma'am. Would you like to accept the offer?" he inquired.

"Yes," I replied, my voice filled with certainty.

A few moments,I head to the grocery store to buy everything my baby needed. Returning home, I felt a sense of joy as I paid off all my bills and rent.

"Mrs. Jenkins, here's my payment," I said, a smile on my face.

"Great. I'm glad you've paid me now," she responded.

"I apologize for the delay," I said, expressing my regret.

"It's okay," she reassured me, and I bid her farewell.

Despite the guilt of selling the necklace my mother had given me, I always reminded myself that I did it for the sake of my son, and I knew my mom would understand.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and Irene stood before me. I invited her inside.

"I'm sorry for the mess," I apologized.

"No worries. I'm sorry I'm just busy at work, Celine"she apologized.

"Anyway, I came here to pay your rent, but Mrs. Jenkins informed me that you've already taken care of it," she explained.

"Yes, Irene. I just paid it a few minutes ago," I confirmed.

"You didn't have to do that. You need the money for the both of you," she offered.

"I appreciate your kindness, Irene. But I already have enough money. I actually sold the necklace my mother gave me when she was alive," I confessed.

She expressed her astonishment, "The necklace?!"

"Yes," I affirmed.

"But it holds sentimental value for you," she expressed with concern.

"I know, but I am willing to do anything for my son," I asserted.

"You really love your son,"she smiled at me.

"Ofcourse, I love him so much more than myself."

"You know I really can't believe that the necklace is worth three hundred thousand dollars," I shared.

Irene was amazed by what she heard, and I immediately asked for her assistance.

"Wow! you can live as a jobless for a long time with that money!" she exclaimed.

"No, Irene. I want to invest my money in building my own skincare brand.”

"I recall the soap I invented during our college days, i want to continue that ambition" I reminded her.

"Are you sure about it?"Irene asked.

"Yes I'm sure,"I confirmed.

"But business is not a simple matter, Celine," she expressed with concern.

"What if your money will be invested in vain?," she asked with concern.

I took a deep breath, and a strong sense of determination overcame me during those moments.

"Even if it doesn't work, at least I tried, right? I want to change my life not only for myself but also for my son, Irene" I stated with unwavering determination.

"I've been weak before, and now I refuse to let it control me again,"

Honestly I used to have a dream of owning my own skincare product brand company before, but I completely forgot about it when I decided to marry Franco. Now, I want to rebuild that dream without him in my life.