NoahDays of retching left me feeling weak and haggard, but I resisted going to the hospital. The memories from the last time I was there were too painful. The hurt of Lisa’s loss still lingered.Instead, I spent hours with my laptop on the terrace by the lake. The winter sun warmed my icy fingers as I searched online for answers. Various possibilities came up, from food poisoning to a stomach virus. But one result kept appearing more frequently than others: pregnancy. It seemed absurd, ridiculous even. I couldn’t be pregnant.I comforted myself with the thought that it was just a stomach bug. Maybe something I ate at the funeral. Determined to find some relief, I decided to go to the pharmacy.Standing in front of the full-length mirror in my room, I took in my reflection. My stomach looked the same as usual… I shook my head. Then I got dressed in my winter attire.The rich, emerald green of my cashmere turtleneck sweater contrasted beautifully against my fair skin. The fabric felt l
NoahAfter a night full of strange, vivid dreams, I woke up as a wave of nausea hit me. I was prepared for it this time. I threw up into the bucket I had placed next to the bed the day before. I was hoping to find that my period started last night. It hadn’t.I got up and had a long shower. My appointment at the hospital later this morning made me feel nervous. Although it would be good to finally get some answers.I got out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my body and another around my hair. I noticed the pregnancy test that I had tossed next to the sink yesterday. A nagging feeling of anxiety nestled in my chest. I hid the test in the back of a bathroom cabinet, then got ready for the day.“Morning,” I said to Raymond as I passed him in the hallway. He had been feeling a lot better lately. His rib was healing well. He even felt good enough to work from home. He spent a lot of his time in the study, on conference calls and working through emails that had built up over his si
NoahStaring at the screen of the ultrasound, I felt a wave of disbelief wash over me. The gynecologist was still speaking. She pointed to the faint image of a tiny life inside me. Her words seemed distant and muffled.How could this be true? My mind raced, trying to piece together my memories. In the last months of my marriage with Owen, we never shared intimate moments anymore.The only time… Oh, my God. It must have happened that night at the hotel. I counted back. Yes, that was about 6 weeks ago. That would mean…Raymond was the baby’s father.A fleeting image crossed my mind. Raymond and I sitting by his lake on a checkered blanket. Drinking champagne and snacking fr
NoahSuddenly, I became aware of my behavior and quickly put my phone down. What was I doing? My mind raced. I couldn’t just call Raymond. This wasn't the right time to tell him. We weren’t even in a relationship. A one-night stand? What did that even mean?I took a deep breath and forced myself to stand up. The hospital's fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as I walked to the exit. The world outside felt disorienting after the emotional whirlwind I just went through.When I got back to Raymond’s villa, the quietness of the place felt overwhelming. The spacious rooms, filled with memories of shared laughter and late-night talks, now seemed to echo my confusion and worry.The d
NoahOwen’s expression was a mix of frustration and desperation. His presence brought back a flood of memories. There was a time when he was the person I knew best in the world. But those days felt like a distant past. The trust between us had disintegrated into nothingness.I felt nauseous and tired, and just wanted to get this over with.“What is it, Owen?”“I came here to apologize for Josie,” he began, but his tone betrayed him. He wasn’t here to apologize; he wanted to justify her actions. Owen had always been like this, trying to rationalize everything and everyone. Even when it made no sense.“Josie said she was innocent,” Owen continued, his voice
NoahOwen’s response shocked me. Why did he think it was his baby? We hadn't been intimate for at least 3 months. I supposed he didn’t see the time period of my pregnancy on the report.“Owen…” I began. Curiously awaiting my response, he dropped the hand that held the piece of paper. I took the opportunity to grab it. With a swift motion, I folded the report and put it back in my bag. “Please stay out of my private matters. You had no right to look at this.” I said to him with a cold stare.I hesitated. Now was as good a time as any to tell him the truth. “You’re not my baby’s father, Owen. Now leave me alone. You're so sure about Josie’s good heart, so why do you keep bothering m
NoahWas this text another one of Josie’s tricks? It sure sounded like her - blackmailing me so I’d walk into another trap. But this time, I wouldn't fall for it. Not again.I had my chamomile tea and went back to bed. I tossed and turned for a while. Then I finally drifted off into a dreamless sleep, until I woke up late the next morning. I threw up again. When would this nausea finally be over?I went out for a walk along the river to clear my mind. It was icy cold, so I didn’t stay out long. Back home, I had a warm bath. I was having a light breakfast when I got another call from Owen. I answered the phone, “Hello?”Owen's frustrated voice answered. “Did you get my message? Why are you ignoring me?”“I did, but I figured it was another one of Josie’s tricks.” I replied with a frustrated sigh. If Owen sent the message, that might just be even worse. I couldn’t believe he would blackmail me in my vulnerable state.“It's not, Noah. I haven't told her... Yet. You have to meet me at my
NoahOwen's words sent a shiver down my spine. I broke out in a cold sweat. I stared at him, eyes wide and filled with shock. Did he suspect anything? How could he know that Raymond was the father? Owen’s face reddened. He cleared his throat, trying to cover up his embarrassment."Don't look at me like that," He said, his voice softer now. "It's just my frustration talking. I know Raymond can’t be the father. But how could you not tell me the truth?"His initial anger seemed to fade. It was replaced by hurt and confusion. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Owen didn’t suspect anything about Raymond. That was one less thing to worry about."Owen, you need to stop acting like a child," I said firmly. "Throwing tantrums doesn’t solve anything. My private life is none of your business anymore. If you harass me again, I won’t hesitate to call the police."With that, I turned and walked away. I left the villa I once called my home. His words had cut deep, but I couldn’t let him control
NoahI opened the box, and there it was—a delicate golden necklace with a teardrop-shaped ruby nestled at the center. It caught the light with a soft, familiar glow.“Wait a minute… Is this…?”Raymond’s smile widened. “The necklace Owen gave you after you saved his life as a child? It sure is.”I shook my head in disbelief, my fingers brushing over the ruby’s multifaceted surface. This was the necklace that had started it all—the one that ended my relationship with Owen, fractured my friendship with Josie, and, in the end, brought Raymond and me together.“No way… Where did you find it?” I asked breathlessly.He took my hand. “I went to Josie’s apartment after she passed away and found it tucked away in a jewelry box. I remembered the story you told me about it. I just knew you should have it back.”Overwhelmed, I looked up at him, my eyes filling with gratitude. He held my gaze, and we shared a lingering, tender kiss. One that was filled with years of love and unspoken promises. As
NoahThe grand hall was resplendent, draped in soft whites, blush pinks, and touches of gold. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the orchestra played a melody that filled the air with romance and elegance. I took a deep breath, looking out over the sea of familiar faces, and then my eyes found Raymond’s.He stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze fixed on me, his smile both proud and tender. The love in his eyes was so deep, so steady, that my nerves began to melt away, replaced by a warmth that filled my entire being.With every step, my heart beat faster, the anticipation building with each note of the music. Raymond’s gaze never wavered, and as I drew closer, I could see the emotion glistening in his eyes.Finally, we reached him. My mother released my hand and turned to Raymond, her own eyes shimmering. She placed my hand in his, her voice choked with emotion. “Take good care of her,” she said softly, her words laced with love and a hint of the strength that had carried us both.Ra
NoahAs I looked at Evelyn, her gentle smile seemed to melt the tension in my shoulders. Her eyes, always so full of determination, held a glimmer of joy as she spoke.“Don’t worry, Noah. It’s good news.”A breath I hadn’t realized I was holding escaped me. “Good news?” My voice was barely a whisper.She nodded, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. “The doctor said… well, they said there’s a chance I’ll walk again. The prognosis is good if I keep exercising, eating healthy, and pushing myself.”My relief quickly turned into a grin as the magnitude of her words hit me. “Mom, that’s amazing!”She wheeled closer, her hand finding mine. Her touch was warm and filled with the quiet strength that I’d come to admire even more through her recovery. “I know, right?” She laughed, her voice tinged with the thrill of newfound hope. “I can’t wait for the day I can pick up Rosie all on my own, to hold her without limits.”We sat there, both smiling, both overwhelmed by the idea that she migh
NoahCassandra’s labor dragged on, stretching through two long days. I felt every minute of it from my room. My worry and helplessness coiled tighter with each update. The doctor had ordered me to stay in bed. Although it felt good to rest, I hated that I couldn’t be there for her. She’d been such a support to me during my own labor with Rosie. Her words had steadied me through every contraction and every wave of pain. Now, here I was, stuck in bed while she struggled on her own.Little Rosie was my solace. Every time I looked at her, I felt a soft warmth spread through me, all the worry and exhaustion melting away. She was a tiny, perfect miracle with her miniature fingers and rosy cheeks. I couldn't stop staring at her. Raymond was wonderful too. He moved back and forth between rooms to check on Cassandra and then back to me, sharing gentle updates that kept me grounded.On his fourth or fifth return, Raymond’s expression was strained. He sat by my bed, taking my hand gently. “She
NoahThe words fell like a stone in the room. My heart stuttered as I looked between her and Raymond, my grip tightening around his hand. “What… what kind of complication?”The midwife took a steadying breath. “It seems your baby may be in a posterior position—facing up, rather than down. This can make labor slower and a bit more challenging.”A wave of worry swept over me, and I felt my breaths quicken. Cassandra placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. “Hey, Noah, breathe. She didn’t say impossible—just more challenging.”The midwife nodded, her tone reassuring. “We’ll try some different positions, some movements that might help encourage her to turn. This happens often enough, and there are ways we can support the process.”I nodded, feeling the tension ease a fraction as I met Raymond’s eyes. He gave me a brave smile, squeezing my hand. “We’ve got this,” he murmured. “We’ll help her get into position, and soon, we’ll be meeting our little girl.”The midwife guided me through some po
NoahI stared, slightly panicked, down at the small puddle forming beneath me. Cassandra brought her hand to rest gently on my arm. “It will be fine, Noah. Looks like your little girl has her own schedule,” she said with a reassuring smile. Her voice was calm and warm. Her words broke through my anxiety. I managed a shaky laugh, nodding in agreement.An employee approached, casting an understanding look at the situation. “Don’t worry about a thing—we’ll clean it up,” she said, a gentle smile on her face. “Good luck!” She gave a supportive nod as we carefully made our way out of the store. Cassandra held my arm to steady me.Once we were outside, Cassandra reminded me, “You don’t need to rush to the hospital just yet. They usually want you to wait until active labor is in full swing.” Her calm certainty helped, but I still felt jittery. I immediately grabbed my phone, dialing Raymond’s number. He picked up after the first ring.“Raymond?” I began, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s ha
NoahThe room erupted in cheers and joyful shouts as pink confetti rained down around us. It took a second to sink in: we were having a girl. Barely containing my smile, I felt Raymond’s strong arms wrap around me from behind. He leaned his head close, his voice a low, gentle murmur. “A little girl, Noah… our little girl.”My heart swelled as I looked at Neil, who was watching the confetti with wide eyes. He had a look of pure wonder on his face. It was the brightest smile I’d seen on him since everything that happened, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. He was still healing. But moments like these, surrounded by love, felt like the very first steps toward a new beginning.Evelyn rolled over, her eyes filled with emotion as she held out her hands to us. Slowly but surely, she was regaining control over her muscles. I leaned down to her, and she wrapped her arms around both Neil and me. “Oh, a little girl,” she whispered, her voice thick with joy. “Our family just keeps grow
NoahThe house buzzed with excitement and laughter as we invited everyone inside. Each new arrival was greeted with hugs and cheers. Cassandra's friends—Harper, Lila, and Gia—were here, their faces lighting up when they spotted me. Our trip to Vegas and Cass’s wedding had bonded us. Seeing them again brought a sense of closeness, comfort and normality after recent events. Raymond’s colleagues filled the space with their lively energy, and Simon’s friends mingled easily with Raymond’s parents, whose faces were aglow with anticipation.Neil quickly spotted his friends from school, darting over to hug a small girl with a sweet smile. I couldn’t help but smile knowingly; he’d mentioned her more than once—his little primary school girlfriend. Seeing him run and laugh, his face bright with joy despite the shadows of recent events, filled me with a deep, almost overwhelming sense of gratitude. After everything he had endured, there was hope that he might find his way back to himself. Seei
Noah“Oh, Raymond…” I murmured, my heart brimming with emotion as he knelt before me, the words barely forming in my mouth, tangled up with a happiness that felt almost surreal.He waited patiently, still on one knee. His hazel eyes sparkled with flecks of gold in the bright sunlight. His hand was steady, holding out the ring as if it were a promise. A reminder of how far we’d come. I glanced at my old engagement ring. My fingers trembled as I noticed the way this new ring was designed to nestle perfectly against the first one. It was so unmistakably Raymond—thoughtful, detailed, crafted to fit me like a missing piece.“Yes,” I finally said, smiling through my tears. “Of course, I will marry you… again.”His face lit up with a joy I hadn’t seen in years. He slid the ring into place, its sleek band clicking softly as it nestled against my old ring. The two pieces formed a sparkling whole. As the diamonds caught the golden glow of sunset, it felt like the most perfect reflection of us—