Hello wonderful readers🤩 here’s another promising chapter. What’s your guess on how Evelyn’s life is going to turn out? Lemme know what you think 🤔
Chapter 11: Shattered CalmThe restaurant was alive with its usual hum when I returned. The sound of clinking glasses and low murmurs of conversation filled the air, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Mr. Harrington’s words echoed in my mind, steady and grounding, like the pulse of a heartbeat I hadn’t felt in years.I stepped inside, closing the door softly behind me, and barely had time to process the warmth of the room before Maggie rushed toward me. Her face lit up like a beacon, her excitement tangible.“You’re a hero, Evelyn!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me with surprising force.I blinked, startled. “What?”Maggie pulled back, her grin so wide it nearly split her face. “The man you saved earlier! Word’s spreading like wildfire. Everyone’s talking about you how you brought him back. It’s incredible!”Before I could respond, Claire appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, her expression a mix of pride and awe.“Evelyn,” she said, her voice thick with emot
Chapter 12: Public Embarrassment Landon and Jade’s povThe soft glow of morning sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows of Landon’s penthouse. Jade was sprawled on the plush couch, her swollen belly prominent as she sipped on freshly squeezed orange juice. Landon sat opposite her, his face buried in financial reports, but his attention drifted each time Jade shifted uncomfortably.“Can I get you anything else?” Landon asked, his voice laced with concern.Jade smiled sweetly, setting her glass down on the side table. “No, darling. You’re already doing so much.” She reached out to hold his hand, her fingers brushing over his knuckles. “But I do need to talk to you about something.”Landon raised an eyebrow, folding his papers. “What is it?”Jade hesitated, looking down as if searching for the right words. “It’s about… Evelyn.”At the mention of her name, Landon stiffened. His jaw tightened, and his hand slid away from hers. “What about her?”“Well, it’s just…” Jad
Chapter 13: Crossroads Evelyn’s POVThe morning air felt heavy as I stood by the window, staring at the city skyline. The coffee in my hands had long gone cold, much like the lingering bitterness in my chest after seeing Landon and Jade together. I couldn’t shake off the memory of them at the hospital, their closeness a mockery of everything I had once believed in.Mr. Harrington’s call from the night before replayed in my head. “You have potential, Evelyn,” he had said, his voice calm yet commanding. “Meet me at my office tomorrow. We need to talk about your future.”His words had stirred something in me, something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. But they also brought fear. What could he possibly want from me? What future did I have to offer after everything I had lost?I set the mug down and grabbed my bag. Maggie had encouraged me to go, reminding me that Harrington wasn’t just anyone; he was the CEO of one of the largest healthcare conglomerates in the country. And he had no
Chapter 14: New Beginnings and BondsAs the call ended, I placed the phone back onto Mr. Harrington’s desk, my hands trembling slightly. Everything felt like it was spiraling Landon’s insistence on finalizing the divorce, the media’s incessant focus on me, and the overwhelming offer from Mr. Harrington. My thoughts were jumbled, my emotions an indecipherable mess.“Evelyn.” Mr. Harrington’s voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. His calm, composed demeanor helped me anchor myself, though my hands were still shaking slightly. “What did the lawyer say?”I swallowed hard, my voice shaky as I replied, “They’ve set a meeting to finalize the divorce. They want me to sign the papers in person.”His face darkened, his concern evident. “Listen to me, Evelyn. You’ve been through enough at their hands. There’s absolutely no reason for you to meet Landon or his lawyer in person. Any discussions or legal matters can and should go through your legal team. Don’t put yourself in a position where
Chapter 15: A New ChapterThe faint sunlight seeping through the curtains brought little comfort. I lay there, staring at the ceiling, weighed down by the chaos in my life. My mind replayed yesterday’s conversations Mr. Harrington’s offer, the looming reality of the divorce papers, and the ever-present weight of ensuring my baby’s future. Every choice I made now was no longer just about me. This child, growing inside me, depended on me to create a better world for him/her.A soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.“Evelyn? Are you awake?” Claire’s voice, soft but firm, came from the other side.“Yes, come in,” I said, my voice barely louder than a whisper.She stepped in with her usual air of calm, carrying a glass of water. Her eyes immediately locked on mine, concern etched on her face. She set the glass on the nightstand and sat down on the edge of the bed.“You didn’t come down for breakfast,” she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “Did you get any sleep at
Chapter 16: A New BeginningThe morning light filtered through my curtains, soft and golden, nudging me awake. My hand instinctively rested on my belly, feeling the faint stir of life beneath my palm. Seven months. It still amazed me, the strength and fragility of the bond I had with this tiny being.A soft knock at my door broke my thoughts. “Evelyn, it’s morning,” Claire called out. “I brought your tea.”“Come in,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep.Claire entered, her presence warm and reassuring as always. She carried a tray with a steaming cup of chamomile tea, setting it on my bedside table.“Good morning,” she said with her usual cheerfulness.I sat up slowly, offering a faint smile. “Morning, Claire. Thank you.”“You looked like you needed a little extra care after yesterday,” she said, her gaze scanning me with concern. “Did you sleep at all?”I took the cup, wrapping my hands around its warmth. “A little,” I admitted. “I had a lot to think about, but…I’ve made some deci
Chapter 17 (Evelyn’s POV)The soothing aroma of chamomile filled my senses as I took another sip from the steaming cup Claire had handed me moments ago. This was our routine; she'd bring me tea to start the day, her soft presence always a comforting balm against the weight of my thoughts.“Good morning, Evelyn,” she said with a smile, sitting at the edge of my bed.“Morning, Claire,” I replied, setting the cup down on the nightstand. My hands instinctively rested on my belly as I leaned back.“How are you feeling today? Did you sleep well?”I nodded. “I did, actually. Yesterday was just… a lot. I guess I was more drained than I realized.”Claire tilted her head slightly. “I noticed you went straight to your room when you came back. We didn’t want to disturb you.”I offered a faint smile. “Thanks for that. I needed the rest. The baby was a little fussy and kept me on my toes for most of the evening.”“Well, at least you’re up now,” Claire said warmly. “Come on, let’s head downstairs. Be
Chapter 18: Redemption As I descended the stairs of the administration building, my stomach growled loudly, reminding me of how long it had been since I last ate. The day’s activities had taken their toll, and I had been so focused on completing the necessary processes that I had barely noticed my hunger. Now, it hit me with full force.“Could this baby not be a little patient?” I muttered to myself as I rubbed my belly. “We’re almost done, I promise.”Locating the car park, I walked briskly, scanning the rows of vehicles for the familiar black car. When I spotted it, I knocked gently on the driver’s window to get his attention.The older man quickly rolled down the window, his eyes lighting up with recognition. He stepped out immediately, adjusting his uniform. “Oh, ma’am, I’m so sorry I didn’t see you approaching. Please forgive me.”I waved off his apology with a tired smile. “It’s okay, really. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I didn’t know the process would take this long.
Chapter 39Carlos led me through the different sections of Karolinska, narrating everything with the energy of a tour guide who took his job way too seriously.“This right here,” he gestured dramatically to a modern, glass-walled building, “is the simulation lab. You know, where they make you sweat through high-pressure emergency scenarios that will have you questioning every life decision you’ve ever made.”I smirked. “Sounds promising.”“Oh, it is,” he said, tossing his hair back with a flourish. “They even have artificial intelligence programs for patient interactions. It’s both mind-blowing and mildly terrifying.”We moved through the central study hub, an architectural masterpiece with state-of-the-art learning spaces, voice-activated systems, and holographic medical models projected in mid-air.“Tell me,” Carlos leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “On a scale of one to completely shook, how overwhelmed are you?”I exhaled slowly, my gaze sweeping over the high-tech s
Chapter 38 (Evelyn’s POV)I sat on the edge of my bed, watching Cecily’s tiny chest rise and fall with each breath. The soft glow of morning sunlight bathed her delicate features, making her look even more angelic. My heart ached at the thought of leaving her for the first time.I had known this day would come, but now that it was here, I wasn’t sure I was ready.With a quiet sigh, I stood up and made my way to the closet, picking out something simple yet professional for my first day black slacks, a fitted blouse, and a warm coat. The Swedish winter was unforgiving, and I had no intention of freezing on my way to class.After dressing, I slipped into the kitchen, where the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Mrs. Lindholm was already busy, arranging breakfast on the counter. She glanced up and gave me a knowing smile.“Good morning, dear. You’re up early.”I nodded. “Big day today.”She set down a bowl of fruit and folded her arms. “And a tough one, I imagine.”
Chapter 37The faint buzz of my alarm stirred me from sleep. I blinked against the soft morning light seeping through the curtains and turned to see Cecily sound asleep in her bassinet. Her tiny chest rose and fell in perfect rhythm, her face serene. She looked so peaceful, so completely unaware of the whirlwind of emotions her mother was battling.I sat up slowly, careful not to make any noise that might wake her, and reached for my phone. A message from Dad was waiting for me:Ready for your first day? Let’s talk.A small smile tugged at my lips. Even though I’d spent years navigating life without him, I couldn’t imagine getting through this moment without his guidance. I slipped out of bed, pulled on my robe, and tiptoed into the living room where my laptop was already set up.As soon as I opened the video call, Dad’s face appeared on the screen. He looked calm and reassuring, the way he always did, like the weight of the world couldn’t faze him.“Good morning, Dad,” I greeted, my
Chapter 35The low hum of the airplane’s engines had become a comforting white noise as I leaned back in my seat, glancing at Cecily. Her tiny fingers clutched at her blanket, her lips parted slightly in sleep. She looked peaceful, oblivious to the magnitude of the change awaiting us.With a smile, I snapped a quick picture of her, careful not to wake her, and sent it off to the family group chat Mr. Harrington had insisted on creating.Me: We’re settled in. Cecily’s already knocked out. Thank you for everything.Almost immediately, the replies started rolling in:Claire: Oh, look at her! Evelyn, don’t forget to rest too!Dad: Call me if you need anything. Keep me updated.Bennett: Safe flight, Dr. Summers. Don’t let Cecily start ordering champagne up there.I chuckled softly at Bennett’s message, shaking my head. The comfort of their presence even through a phone screen made the journey feel less daunting.A Few Hours LaterThe seatbelt sign blinked on, jolting me out of a half-aslee
Chapter 35: The Day of the JourneyEvelyn’s POVA sharp knock at the door jolted me awake, followed by Claire’s familiar voice. “Evelyn, it’s time to get ready. We don’t want to keep your dad waiting!”For a second, I blinked into the dim room, disoriented, until Cecily stirred in her crib beside me. Her soft whimper pulled me back to reality, and I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.“Coming!” I called back, my voice hoarse from sleep. I stood and reached for Cecily, who immediately settled the moment I held her close. She always did that found peace in my arms, as if she trusted me to make everything in her tiny world okay.Claire pushed the door open and stepped inside, a bright smile lighting up her face. “Good morning, sleepyhead. You’ve got quite the journey ahead of you.”I nodded, yawning as I swayed with Cecily in my arms. “I still can’t believe today is the day.”Claire walked over and ran a gentle hand over Cecily’s back. “You’ve been thr
Chapter 34Evelyn’s POVA month had passed since Cecily was born, and today was finally the day we were being discharged from the hospital. The weight of relief was indescribable. Cecily’s cries, once tinged with frailty, were now strong and vibrant, filling my heart with joy. She was healthy, perfect, and everything I ever prayed for.I sat on the hospital bed, cradling her in my arms while Claire bustled about, packing my belongings into the duffel bag we brought when we first arrived. The room felt oddly quiet now, void of the anxious energy that had consumed me since Cecily’s premature arrival.“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Claire asked, zipping up the bag and glancing over at me. Her eyes were warm and filled with the same maternal affection she had shown me since the day she entered my life.I nodded, brushing a finger gently over Cecily’s tiny cheek. “As ready as I’ll ever be. It’s a little surreal, honestly. Walking out of here with her feels like a dream.”Claire smiled. “It’s
Chapter 33THREE WEEKS LATEREvelyn’s POVThe morning light spilled into the room, warm and soft as it painted golden streaks across the walls. I sat by the window, Cecily cradled in my arms as she nursed. Her tiny fingers gripped my robe with surprising strength, her little face half-buried against me. Every small sound she made soft sighs and faint gulps was music to my ears.She is my world.I couldn’t stop marveling at her, detailing every little feature as though I needed to commit it all to memory: the curve of her nose, the gentle sweep of her eyelashes, the way her small fists curled so tightly. How could something so tiny hold such a massive part of my heart?“You’re beautiful,” I whispered, brushing a fingertip against her velvety cheek.A lump formed in my throat. I felt a strange mixture of joy and fear, the overwhelming love for her tangled with a quiet voice in the back of my mind, wondering if I’d ever truly be enough for her. But as Cecily squirmed and let out a soft s
Chapter 32: Renewal and UnityEvelyn’s POV The room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft hum of the NICU. I let the moment linger, holding my father’s hand, our shared grief and joy swirling in the air like an unspoken prayer. There were no words to fully capture what we had just shared: the pain of his past, the hope of the present, and the promise of my daughter’s future.I glanced at him through tear-blurred eyes. His gaze was fixed on her, his expression a mix of pride and quiet reverence. Despite the harsh fluorescent lights above us, he seemed almost at peace.“Dad,” I began softly, my voice still shaky from emotion.He turned to me, his brow lifting slightly. “Yes, Evelyn?”I swallowed, gathering my thoughts. “I’ve been thinking… about her name.”A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Have you chosen one?”I shook my head, a small laugh escaping me. “Not yet. I didn’t want to decide until I saw her. And even now, I feel… I don’t know. Like I’m not ready to make
Chapter 31Evelyn’s POVThe first thing I noticed when I opened my eyes was the dull ache spreading through my entire body, a reminder of the battle I had just fought. My limbs feel heavy, my head groggy, and every breath I take feels deliberate. Yet, amidst the physical exhaustion, a strange warmth settled in my chest. My baby was here too early, yes but here nonetheless.I shifted slightly, wincing at the discomfort. The room was dimly lit, the soft hum of machines filling the silence. My gaze fell to Claire, who sat beside my bed, her head resting on the edge of the mattress. Her even breathing told me she had fallen asleep. I smiled faintly. She must have been here the entire time, her loyalty unwavering.Slowly, I reached out and placed a hand on Claire’s shoulder. “Claire,” I whispered, my voice raspy.Her eyes fluttered open instantly, and she straightened, blinking rapidly as though trying to shake off her drowsiness. “Evelyn,” she breathed, relief flooding her expression. “You