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? Letâs talk.A small smile tugged at my lips. Even though Iâd spent years navigating life without him, I couldnât 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, Dadâs face appeared on the screen. He looked calm and reassuring, the way he always did, like the weight of the world couldnât faze him.âGood morning, Dad,â I greeted, my
Chapter 38 (Evelynâs POV)I sat on the edge of my bed, watching Cecilyâs 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 wasnât 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.âGood morning, dear. Youâre up early.âI nodded. âBig day today.âShe set down a bowl of fruit and folded her arms. âAnd a tough one, I imagine.â
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.âThis right here,â he gestured dramatically to a modern, glass-walled building, âis the simulation lab. You know, where they make you sweat through high-pressure emergency scenarios that will have you questioning every life decision youâve ever made.âI smirked. âSounds promising.ââOh, it is,â he said, tossing his hair back with a flourish. âThey even have artificial intelligence programs for patient interactions. Itâs both mind-blowing and mildly terrifying.âWe 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.âTell me,â Carlos leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. âOn a scale of one to completely shook, how overwhelmed are you?âI exhaled slowly, my gaze sweeping over the high-tech s
Evelyn 's pov"Jade Holland?!" I read out the invitation list one last time. The name was not on the list the last time I checked. And the fact that it was this particular name, the name I disliked even though I knew nothing of the owner."Kate, do you have any idea who put this name on the list?" I asked my personal assistant."Mr. Byers gave me the list earlier," she hinted and I paused from this disbelief.I turned on my heels, trudging over to my husband's study, a place he found solace than the comfort of my company.He was on a phone call when I walked in, his back to the room.Sensing my presence, he momentarily glanced over his shoulders and continued with his discussion over the phone ignoring that I had come to see him.This was his routine and I always made sure to be invisible to him.After he was done with his call, he cleared his throat and turned to with a questioning look."Is there a problem, Evelyn?" He dryly asked."Did you taper with the list before now?" I return
Evelyn's povI coughed out water from my mouth as I laid on the cold floor. Someone else saved me and my husband...he was crotched to his ex-girlfriend's side holding her protectively.Hot tears formed in my eyes as I watched him care for another woman.âWhat about me Landon? Am I not good enough for you? Why do you care about someone like her? Is my love for you not enough for you?' I pondered in my mind, shivering from the cold.His ex-girlfriend sat up and leaned on his chest crying like a bereaved."Oh, Lan. I shouldn't have come here if I knew that I would face a near death experience. Your wife pushed me into the pool just because I wanted to exchange pleasantries with her. What did I do to deserve this?" Jade lied against me.Landon turned to me with a cold glare that pierced my heart. I could feel his burning hatred for me under his murderous gaze."I...I... didn't do such a thing, Landon. She...""She pushed herself? There are witnesses, Evelyn and all of them saw you push he
Evelyn's pov After the doctor's announcement on my pregnancy, my smile has never left my face since I left the hospital.This was a miraculous news to me. It was clear to me that Landon and I were destined to have a new beginning. A beginning where our first child would be the light in our lives.I can't wait to share the news with him once I get back to the house. He would definitely bounce with joy.Maybe, Landon will learn to be warm towards me. No more cold nights of being alone and abandoned. I have always prayed for the blessing of the womb. And that one day, I will be able to carry Landon's child.I took out my little note from my purse and wrote down today's date as the precious day I found out about my pregnancy.The taxi driver threw me a quick glance through the rear mirror of his car and I smiled at him."Something good must have happened today, Miss?" He broke the silence between us starting up a conversation between us.There was no reason not to share the good news wit
Evelyn's pov"You are pregnant?" Landon repeated softly and she nodded with a smile on her face. Landon's mother turned to me and said. "I guess the infidel one was you. You made my son marry you when you are a vagabond who can't get pregnant!"I closed my eyes, pressing my lips together as pain and anger hammered my chest. Jade was definitely staging her pregnancy just to keep me off from making my announcement.She was the devil's subordinate in physical form. I looked at Landon and saw he was smiling at her instead of explaining to me what she meant by the mistake they made last night."Landon...did..." I found it difficult to ask him because of the hump that formed in my throat. "It was a mistake Evelyn. We were under the influence of alcohol and you know, some past feelings Rekindled in between," Jade said through her teeth. This was her telling me to back off like a coward. But I refuse to go down without a proper fight."Are you sure that you are actually pregnant? Or are you
Chapter 5: Leaving the Past BehindI feel suffocated, like I canât breathe not because of the rain pouring down on me as I roam aimlessly, not from the cold, but from the betrayal burning a hole through my chest. Betrayal from the one person I gave my all to. I was a good wife to Landon, loyal to the point of self-destruction, and he still threw it all in my face. I canât even blame him. I should have seen it coming. From the very beginning, he made it clear that I was the only one truly married in this relationship.On our wedding day, I broke tradition. Instead of Landon waiting at the altar for me, I was the one waiting for him. My groom was missing, off chasing the supposed love of his life, Jade Holland. The night before we exchanged vows, he was in her arms, not mine. I knew it, yet I said nothing. I convinced myself that marriage would change him, that he would finally leave her in the past and focus on building a family with me. How foolish I was.On our wedding night, Landon m
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.âThis right here,â he gestured dramatically to a modern, glass-walled building, âis the simulation lab. You know, where they make you sweat through high-pressure emergency scenarios that will have you questioning every life decision youâve ever made.âI smirked. âSounds promising.ââOh, it is,â he said, tossing his hair back with a flourish. âThey even have artificial intelligence programs for patient interactions. Itâs both mind-blowing and mildly terrifying.âWe 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.âTell me,â Carlos leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. âOn a scale of one to completely shook, how overwhelmed are you?âI exhaled slowly, my gaze sweeping over the high-tech s
Chapter 38 (Evelynâs POV)I sat on the edge of my bed, watching Cecilyâs 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 wasnât 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.âGood morning, dear. Youâre up early.âI nodded. âBig day today.âShe set down a bowl of fruit and folded her arms. âAnd a tough one, I imagine.â
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? Letâs talk.A small smile tugged at my lips. Even though Iâd spent years navigating life without him, I couldnât 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, Dadâs face appeared on the screen. He looked calm and reassuring, the way he always did, like the weight of the world couldnât faze him.âGood morning, Dad,â I greeted, my
Chapter 35The low hum of the airplaneâs 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: Weâre settled in. Cecilyâs already knocked out. Thank you for everything.Almost immediately, the replies started rolling in:Claire: Oh, look at her! Evelyn, donât forget to rest too!Dad: Call me if you need anything. Keep me updated.Bennett: Safe flight, Dr. Summers. Donât let Cecily start ordering champagne up there.I chuckled softly at Bennettâs 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 JourneyEvelynâs POVA sharp knock at the door jolted me awake, followed by Claireâs familiar voice. âEvelyn, itâs time to get ready. We donât want to keep your dad waiting!âFor 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.âComing!â 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. âGood morning, sleepyhead. Youâve got quite the journey ahead of you.âI nodded, yawning as I swayed with Cecily in my arms. âI still canât believe today is the day.âClaire walked over and ran a gentle hand over Cecilyâs back. âYouâve been thr
Chapter 34Evelynâs 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. Cecilyâs 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 Cecilyâs premature arrival.âAre you ready, sweetheart?â 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 Cecilyâs tiny cheek. âAs ready as Iâll ever be. Itâs a little surreal, honestly. Walking out of here with her feels like a dream.âClaire smiled. âItâs
Chapter 33THREE WEEKS LATEREvelynâs 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 couldnât 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?âYouâre beautiful,â 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 Iâd ever truly be enough for her. But as Cecily squirmed and let out a soft s
Chapter 32: Renewal and UnityEvelynâs POV The room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft hum of the NICU. I let the moment linger, holding my fatherâs 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 daughterâs 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.âDad,â I began softly, my voice still shaky from emotion.He turned to me, his brow lifting slightly. âYes, Evelyn?âI swallowed, gathering my thoughts. âIâve been thinking⌠about her name.âA faint smile tugged at his lips. âHave you chosen one?âI shook my head, a small laugh escaping me. âNot yet. I didnât want to decide until I saw her. And even now, I feel⌠I donât know. Like Iâm not ready to make
Chapter 31Evelynâs 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 Claireâs shoulder. âClaire,â I whispered, my voice raspy.Her eyes fluttered open instantly, and she straightened, blinking rapidly as though trying to shake off her drowsiness. âEvelyn,â she breathed, relief flooding her expression. âYou