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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 17 (Evelynâs 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.âGood morning, Evelyn,â she said with a smile, sitting at the edge of my bed.âMorning, Claire,â I replied, setting the cup down on the nightstand. My hands instinctively rested on my belly as I leaned back.âHow are you feeling today? Did you sleep well?âI nodded. âI did, actually. Yesterday was just⌠a lot. I guess I was more drained than I realized.âClaire tilted her head slightly. âI noticed you went straight to your room when you came back. We didnât want to disturb you.âI offered a faint smile. âThanks for that. I needed the rest. The baby was a little fussy and kept me on my toes for most of the evening.ââWell, at least youâre up now,â Claire said warmly. âCome on, letâs head downstairs. Be
Chapter43: The Executive Meeting at Harrington MedicalThird person PovThe morning sunlight spilled through the expansive windows of Harrington Medical, the heart of Lumina Global. It was a building that commanded both respect and admiration, modern, sleek, and a symbol of cutting-edge medical innovation.As Mr. Harrington, Evelyn, and Carlos arrived, the board members were already seated, waiting for the meeting to commence. The moment Mr. Harrington stepped inside, every person in the room instinctively rose to their feet a silent acknowledgment of the power and legacy he carried. Evelyn and Carlos walked in right behind him, their presence exuding quiet confidence.Among the board members was Martin Caldwell, Mr. Harringtonâs right-hand man, a seasoned figure who had been with Lumina since its inception. A man of unwavering loyalty and sharp business acumen, Martin was the one who oversaw day-to-day operations when Mr. Harrington was focused on larger endeavors. His presence in t
Chapter 42: A New Legacy Unfolds(Evelynâs POV)The morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the Harrington estate, casting a golden glow over the dining hall. The long mahogany table, adorned with fresh flowers and an array of breakfast dishes, felt like the center of a long-awaited family reunion.Cecily, ever the little star, was perched in her high chair between Mr. Harrington and Bennett, her tiny fork clumsily spearing pieces of fruit. Every little giggle, every innocent comment she made sent waves of adoration through the room.âGrandpa, eat your pancakes!â she ordered, pushing a small piece toward Mr. Harrington.Mr. Harrington, the once-stoic medical mogul, now a devoted grandfather, chuckled and indulged her by taking a bite. âHappy now, my little princess?âShe nodded, satisfied, before turning her attention back to Bennett. âUncle Benny, more syrup!âBennett smirked, dramatically pouring a heavy drizzle of syrup over her pancakes. Claire rolled her eyes. âBennett
Chapter 41 â A Homecoming Like No Other(Evelynâs POV â Three Years Later)The moment we stepped into the private terminal, Cecily wriggled excitedly in Carlosâs arms, her eyes darting around until they landed on the familiar figures waiting ahead.âGrandpa!â she squealed.Mr. Harrington, who had always maintained an air of composure in public, visibly softened the instant Cecily called out to him. His entire demeanor changed as he took long strides toward us, his usual reserved expression melting into something rare pure joy.Bennett and Claire werenât far behind, their faces alight with excitement.Cecily practically leaped out of Carlosâs hold the moment Mr. Harrington reached us, launching herself into his arms. He caught her effortlessly, lifting her high before pulling her into a tight embrace.âMy little princess,â he murmured, his voice unusually tender. âIâve missed you so much.âCecily giggled, her tiny hands cupping his face. âI missed you more, Grandpa.âMr. Harrington chu
Chapter 40: The Prodigal Return(Evelynâs POV â Three Years Later)The moment the plane touched down at JFK Airport, a strange feeling settled over me. It wasnât anxiety, and it wasnât quite exciting either. It was something deeper, heavier than the weight of returning home after so many years away.Three years. Three years of relentless work, of pushing myself beyond every imaginable limit, of becoming someone I never thought I could be. And now, I am back. Not as the broken woman who had left New York behind, but as someone reborn.I shifted my gaze to the sleeping figure beside me. Cecily, curled up under a small blanket, her tiny chest rising and falling in soft, rhythmic breaths. My heart swelled at the sight of her my beautiful, brilliant daughter, the reason I had fought so hard. At just three years old, she was already too smart for her age, sharp and observant, with a mischievous streak she had no doubt inherited from her grandfather.âDr. Harrington,â a familiar voice called
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