Shifting doubts

The sun was bright, and the air was fresh and clean, far from the sterile hospital smells of antiseptics. Hazel stirred from her sleep, blinking against the soft light filling the room. It was a beautiful, bright space, much different from the cold, clinical atmosphere she had grown accustomed to. She could hear the distant sound of maids chatting in the garden below. Sitting up slowly, she looked around, feeling a sense of warmth and calm radiating from the room.

A soft knock on the door caught her attention before it opened, and Harden stepped inside.

“You’re awake?” he asked, watching as Hazel nodded in response.

“How are you feeling?” he added, his voice gentle.

“Good,” she whispered, offering him a small smile.

“I’m leaving for work. You’ll be staying here until you give birth and can care for your baby,” Harden explained, glancing around the room. “This isn’t my home. It’s one of my homes, actually.”

Hazel looked around, taking in the luxurious surroundings.

“To keep my promise,