Chapter 6

The small apartment Lila had found for Evelyn was nothing like the luxurious mansion she had once shared with Sebastian, but it was exactly what she needed. The building stood at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, surrounded by tall oaks whose golden leaves whispered in the crisp autumn wind. It wasn’t grand, but it felt safe, and for the first time in years, Evelyn felt a sense of control over her own life.

As she stepped into the one-bedroom unit, Evelyn ran her fingers over the walls, noting the chipped paint and the faint smell of lavender from a diffuser left by the previous tenant. The living room was small but cosy, with a worn couch and a coffee table that had seen better days. A bay window overlooked a small garden, the kind of view that invited a moment of calm reflection.

“This is perfect,” Evelyn murmured to herself, setting down her suitcase.

Lila showed up shortly afterward carrying a box of necessary items. With her vibrant red hair and contagious grin, she illuminated the room while placing the box on the kitchen counter.

"Nothing substantial," Lila mentioned, as she produced a kettle, a few cups, and a bunch of plates. "However, it will help you begin."

Evelyn's smile was authentic, unusual in contrast to the weeks of sadness she had experienced. "You have already accomplished a lot." I'm unsure how I will be able to thank you in the future.

Lila waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Don't be foolish." This is the purpose of having friends. Can you please be honest and tell me what is happening? I am aware that you would not abandon Sebastian unless you had a very valid explanation.

Hearing his name felt like a sharp blade piercing Evelyn's heart, yet she endured the agony. She shared all the details with Lila - the backstabbing, Vanessa, the divorce documents, and the baby on the way that strengthened her resolve.

Lila remained silent as her face went from surprise to anger. "Such a jerk," she muttered after Evelyn was done. Evelyn, you deserved much more. What about Vanessa? That sneaky”

……..

“I know,” Evelyn interrupted softly, placing a hand on Lila’s arm. “But I can’t dwell on them anymore. My focus has to be on this baby and building a life for us.”

Lila nodded, her anger melting into admiration. “You’re stronger than you think, Evelyn. And you’re not alone. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

The two friends spent the rest of the day unpacking and settling in. Lila filled the space with warmth and laughter, her presence a reminder that Evelyn still had people who cared for her. By the time evening fell, the apartment felt less like a temporary refuge and more like a home.

Over the next few weeks, Evelyn began to rebuild her life. She found work as a freelance graphic designer, a skill she had honed during her college years but never fully pursued while married to Sebastian. The flexibility allowed her to attend prenatal appointments and prepare for the baby’s arrival.

She also reconnected with herself in ways she hadn’t anticipated. She took long walks through the neighborhood, exploring its quiet streets and charming cafes. She rediscovered her love for sketching, filling pages of her notebook with designs for a future she could only dream of.

But no matter how much she tried to move forward, the shadow of her past lingered. Every time she saw a couple holding hands or a family laughing together, she felt a pang of sadness for what could have been.

One evening, as she sat by the bay window watching the sun dip below the horizon, her phone buzzed with a call. The number was unfamiliar, but she answered anyway.

“Evelyn Woods?” a deep male voice asked.

“Yes, this is she,” Evelyn replied cautiously.

“This is Dr. Meyers, your OB-GYN. I wanted to let you know that the results from your recent tests came back, and everything looks great. You and the baby are healthy.”

Relief flooded through Evelyn, and she placed a hand over her belly. “Thank you, Doctor. That’s wonderful to hear.”

“There is one thing,” Dr. Meyers added, his tone shifting slightly. “Would you like to know the gender of the baby?”

Evelyn hesitated, her heart racing. She hadn’t given it much thought before, but now the idea intrigued her. “Yes, I’d like to know.”In the following weeks, Evelyn started to reconstruct her life. She discovered employment as an independent graphic designer, a talent she had perfected in college but had not fully dedicated herself to while being married to Sebastian. Having the freedom enabled her to go to prenatal appointments and get ready for the baby’s arrival.

She rediscovered herself in unexpected ways. She went on extended strolls around the area, discovering its peaceful roads and lovely coffee shops. She found her passion for drawing again, filling up her notebook with sketches for a future that seemed out of reach.

However hard she attempted to make progress, the ghost of her previous experiences stayed with her. Every time she witnessed a couple holding hands or a family laughing, she felt a twinge of sadness for what might have happened.

While sitting by the bay window at dusk, watching the sunset, her phone suddenly rang. Even though the number was unknown, she decided to answer the call.

"Is your name Evelyn Woods?" inquired a man with a deep voice.

"Yes, that's me," Evelyn responded with caution.

"This person is Dr. Meyers, who is your obstetrician-gynecologist." I just wanted to inform you that the results of your latest tests have been received, and they are all positive. You and the infant are both in good health.

Relief washed over Evelyn as she placed a hand on her stomach. "Doctor, I appreciate your help." It's great to hear that.

Dr. Meyers mentioned one thing, his tone changing slightly. "Do you want to find out the baby's gender?"

Evelyn paused, feeling her heart pounding. Before this moment, she had not considered it much, but now she found the idea captivating. "Yes, I am interested in finding out."