Chapter 04

NORA'S POV

I flopped down on the edge of my bed, trying to catch my breath. Genevieve always had this sixth sense for when I needed a little TLC (Tender Loving Care). It was nice to be with someone who just got it—no judgment, no pressure, just pure support.

Her question hung in the air like a balloon waiting to pop. “So, what’s the plan, Nora?”

Genevieve was standing by the window, her back to me. She turned around with that warm smile of hers. “What’s cooking, good looking?” She was trying hard to keep the conversation light with her joke.

I giggled then I let out a big sigh. “Honestly? I’ve been thinking about what I used to love before... you know, before Sam and all this craziness. Remember when I used to paint?”

Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. “Oh my gosh, yes! You doodled on everything! Even my notebooks!” She chuckled, and we both shared a laugh over that memory. “Wait, don’t tell me you’ve picked up the brush again?”

I nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. “Yep! It’s been my little escape.” I jumped off the bed, practically buzzing with energy. “Guess what?”

Genevieve raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “What’s with the sudden pep in your step?”

“Just guess, Gen!” I said, lifting a painting that was covered up.

Her eyes widened, and I could see the excitement bubbling up in her. I started to unwrap the painting, and there it was—Genevieve with her wild, curly hair, laughing like she just heard the best joke ever. She looked so radiant.

“Nora! This is incredible! When did you do this?” she gasped.

“I painted my favorite picture of you! It was my submission for a job in an art company in Paris.” I was practically bouncing off the walls, and Genevieve joined in, squealing with delight. In that moment, we were just two little girls again, best friends since forever.

“Wait, you’re going to Paris? I’m so freaking happy for you!” she shouted.

I felt my cheeks heat up. “I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure. It feels so... huge. But I need something that’s mine again. I’ve been living Sam’s life for so long; I forgot what it’s like to chase my own dreams.”

Genevieve’s expression softened, and her voice got all emotional. “Okay, let’s not dwell on Sam right now. You’re going to work for an art company in Paris, and that’s what matters!”

Her words wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket. Genevieve had always been my rock but hearing her believe in me like that—especially after everything—made me feel like maybe I could actually do this.

I pulled her in for a hug, and we both burst into laughter.

“And you know what?” she added, her tone shifting a bit, “Sam doesn’t deserve you. He’s a total idiot for letting you go.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “It’s not all his fault, Gen. We just... drifted apart. He wasn’t always distant. He was a good husband, you know? I can’t pretend I wasn’t happy. He used to make me feel so loved.”

Genevieve frowned but stayed quiet. I knew she was just looking out for me, but it wasn’t that simple.

I smiled faintly, lost in thought. “Remember my birthday a few years back? He surprised me with that private art gallery tour. He set the whole thing up just for me. It felt like... love.”

Genevieve sighed, giving me a sad smile. “Yeah, I remember. You two were really happy, huh?”

I nodded. “We were. But people change. Life happens. I don’t hate him, Gen. I just... can’t keep living like that.”

Genevieve squeezed my hand. “You deserve to be happy again. And Paris? That’s your fresh start.”

Just as I was about to respond, a wave of dizziness hit me. The room started spinning, and I grabbed the edge of the bed.

“Nora? What’s up?” Genevieve’s voice was laced with concern.

“I don’t know... I’ve just been feeling a bit off,” I admitted, rubbing my temple.

“You’ve looked pale for days. Let’s go see my family’s doctor. He’ll know what to do,” she insisted, her worry written all over her face.

“Your family’s doctor?” I frowned. Sam had never once mentioned taking me to see him. In fact, I always went to public hospitals like everyone else. Sam never thought I should be part of that world, I realized bitterly.

We arrived at the clinic, and Genevieve insisted she was going to wait outside. “Look, I already called him, he knows you're coming. You’ll get better answers if you go in alone.”

I stepped into the consultation room, feeling a little knot of nerves in my stomach. The nurse had told me to make myself comfortable, but I was anything but. I was expecting some elderly doctor, but when the door swung open, my breath hitched in my throat.

It was Daniel.

My high school crush. My stomach did a little flip. I hadn’t seen him in years, and wow, he looked different—better, somehow. His dark hair was longer, brushing the collar of his white coat, and those deep brown eyes I used to daydream about were warm and inviting. He was taller, broader, and had this confidence that made him seem both commanding and totally approachable. That sharp jawline and the way his lips curled into a soft smile stirred something deep inside me. He was effortlessly handsome, the kind of guy who could make you feel like the only person in the room just by looking at you.

“Nora?” His voice was soft and rich, filled with surprise. “Wow, it’s been ages!”

I managed a nervous smile. “Daniel... I had no idea you were the Bennetts’ family doctor.”

He chuckled, a low, comforting sound that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “Yeah, small world, huh? It’s really nice to see you again.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on me. “You look… even more beautiful than ever.” My cheeks flushed, and I smiled softly, not quite knowing what to say.

He pulled up a chair and sat down close to me. “Let’s… uh… see what’s going on.”

He was so close that I could almost reach out and touch his hair. The air between us felt charged, like there was an invisible pull that made me feel both nervous and comforted. It wasn’t just the familiarity; it was something deeper, something that had always lingered between us.

“So,” he said, leaning in a bit, his eyes locked on mine, “tell me what’s been happening.”

I got a little distracted by those beautiful eyes and stuttered as I explained how I’d been feeling dizzy. He listened intently, nodding, his gaze never wavering from mine. There was something calming about the way he focused on me, like nothing else mattered in that moment.

After a few more questions, Daniel’s expression turned serious. “Nora, when was your last period?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “I’m not sure... I’ve been so stressed I didn’t really notice.”

He paused, his brows furrowing slightly. “I think we should run a pregnancy test. Just to rule it out.”

Pregnancy.

The word hit me like a tidal wave. Could I really be pregnant? Now? I nodded, too shocked to speak. I watched as Daniel drew my blood into a vial, my mind racing with a million thoughts.

When he left the room to run the test, I was left alone with my swirling thoughts. What would I do if I was pregnant? Could I handle it? And Sam—how would he react? Did I even want him to know?

When Daniel returned, his expression was soft but serious. He sat down next to me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him.

“Nora... you are pregnant.”

I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth. Pregnant. My chest tightened as a mix of emotions flooded through me—fear, confusion, disbelief.

Daniel reached out and gently touched my arm, his thumb brushing my skin in a way that sent a shiver through me. “I know this is a lot to take in,” he said softly. “But you’re not alone. I’m here for you. I’ll prescribe some medication to help…”

I looked into his eyes, feeling a wave of calm wash over me. In that moment, everything felt a little less overwhelming. Daniel had always made me feel safe, even back in high school. I’d had the biggest crush on him but never had the guts to say anything. And now, here he was, making me feel like I wasn’t facing this alone.

We talked for a while, and the more we spoke, the more I realized how much I’d missed that feeling of being understood. Daniel made me feel seen in a way Sam hadn’t for a long time. But even as the connection between us grew, I couldn’t let myself get carried away. There was too much at stake.

“So,” Daniel said after a pause, a small smile playing on his lips, “Paris, huh?”

I nodded, my heart still racing. “Yeah. I need to focus on my career. I’m not ready for... anything else.”

His smile didn’t fade. “That’s totally okay. I’m going to Paris too. I’ve been accepted into a medical fellowship there.”

My eyes widened. “Wait, you’re going to Paris?” I couldn’t hide the excitement creeping into my voice. I wasn’t going to be alone.

He chuckled. “Yep. Looks like we might be seeing a lot of each other.”

Something in my chest fluttered at the thought, but I quickly pushed it down. This wasn’t the time to get swept up in feelings. Not with everything going on.

I smiled at him. “I guess you’re going to be my personal doctor then, Dan.”

Daniel laughed, and I felt a tingle of pleasure run down my spine at that sound. I was genuinely happy. Providence had provided me with a companion.

Just as I was starting to relax, a thought hit me, and my heart sank.

Daniel was Sam’s family doctor.

My eyes widened in panic, and I grabbed his arm. “Daniel… Can Sam not know about this?”

I didn’t want Sam involved. Not now, not ever. I needed to protect my baby, protect myself. I couldn’t let him know. I didn’t want the complications a baby would bring. We were divorced, and I needed it to stay that way. I was done with Sam. Before Daniel could respond, my phone rang. The name on the screen made my heart stop.

It was Sam.