Was sup beautiful readers𤊠here is another interesting chapter. How did u enjoy it? What do you think will happen in the next chapter? I will be reading the comments đ
Chapter 9The morning light streamed through the kitchen window, casting warm golden hues over the cozy kitchen. I sat at the table, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. It was my first day at work, and I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubble in my chest. Claire had made a light breakfast for us, but I hardly touched it, my stomach too knotted with anticipation.After breakfast, Claire and Bennett both seemed calm, like theyâd done this a thousand times before. They spoke as if it was just another normal day at work, but I couldnât shake the feeling that this was more than just a job to me. This was my chance at rebuilding something. Anything.We left the house in the warmth of the early morning, driving through the quiet streets until we reached the restaurant. The small building was tucked away in a busy corner of the neighborhood, with a welcoming sign above the door. The soft hum of chatter and the clinking of plates inside told me it was already bustli
Chapter 10: A New Light The soft hum of the early morning filled the restaurant as I wiped down tables, my movements methodical and deliberate. Three months had passed since I started working here, and each day felt like a tiny step toward reclaiming myself. At five months pregnant, my belly had rounded, and with every fluttering kick, I felt a mix of awe and trepidation about the life growing inside me.Claire and Bennett had been my rock, their constant presence a soothing balm for my frayed spirit. They helped me with everything making sure I attended my antenatal appointments, reminding me to rest, and even insisting I take breaks during busy shifts. It wasnât just their kindness that sustained me, though; it was their belief in me.âEvelyn, youâre glowing,â Maggie teased as she passed me with a tray of steaming coffee.I smiled, glancing down at my bump. âItâs probably the baby doing all the hard work.ââNo,â Claire chimed in from the kitchen, poking her head out with a knowing
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. Harringtonâs words echoed in my mind, steady and grounding, like the pulse of a heartbeat I hadnât 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.âYouâre a hero, Evelyn!â she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me with surprising force.I blinked, startled. âWhat?âMaggie pulled back, her grin so wide it nearly split her face. âThe man you saved earlier! Wordâs spreading like wildfire. Everyoneâs talking about you how you brought him back. Itâs incredible!âBefore I could respond, Claire appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, her expression a mix of pride and awe.âEvelyn,â she said, her voice thick with emot
Chapter 12: Public Embarrassment Landon and Jadeâs povThe soft glow of morning sunlight streamed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows of Landonâs 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.âCan I get you anything else?â Landon asked, his voice laced with concern.Jade smiled sweetly, setting her glass down on the side table. âNo, darling. Youâre already doing so much.â She reached out to hold his hand, her fingers brushing over his knuckles. âBut I do need to talk to you about something.âLandon raised an eyebrow, folding his papers. âWhat is it?âJade hesitated, looking down as if searching for the right words. âItâs about⌠Evelyn.âAt the mention of her name, Landon stiffened. His jaw tightened, and his hand slid away from hers. âWhat about her?ââWell, itâs justâŚâ Jad
Chapter 13: Crossroads Evelynâs 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 couldnât shake off the memory of them at the hospital, their closeness a mockery of everything I had once believed in.Mr. Harringtonâs call from the night before replayed in my head. âYou have potential, Evelyn,â he had said, his voice calm yet commanding. âMeet me at my office tomorrow. We need to talk about your future.âHis words had stirred something in me, something I hadnât 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 wasnât 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. Harringtonâs desk, my hands trembling slightly. Everything felt like it was spiraling Landonâs insistence on finalizing the divorce, the mediaâs incessant focus on me, and the overwhelming offer from Mr. Harrington. My thoughts were jumbled, my emotions an indecipherable mess.âEvelyn.â Mr. Harringtonâs voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. His calm, composed demeanor helped me anchor myself, though my hands were still shaking slightly. âWhat did the lawyer say?âI swallowed hard, my voice shaky as I replied, âTheyâve set a meeting to finalize the divorce. They want me to sign the papers in person.âHis face darkened, his concern evident. âListen to me, Evelyn. Youâve been through enough at their hands. Thereâs 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. Donât 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 yesterdayâs conversations Mr. Harringtonâs offer, the looming reality of the divorce papers, and the ever-present weight of ensuring my babyâs 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.âEvelyn? Are you awake?â Claireâs voice, soft but firm, came from the other side.âYes, come in,â 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.âYou didnât come down for breakfast,â she said, brushing a strand of hair from my face. âDid 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. âEvelyn, itâs morning,â Claire called out. âI brought your tea.ââCome in,â 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.âGood morning,â she said with her usual cheerfulness.I sat up slowly, offering a faint smile. âMorning, Claire. Thank you.ââYou looked like you needed a little extra care after yesterday,â she said, her gaze scanning me with concern. âDid you sleep at all?âI took the cup, wrapping my hands around its warmth. âA little,â I admitted. âI had a lot to think about, butâŚIâve made some deci
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