CHAPTER 14"No you are not!" A sudden rage cursed through me and I stood up and hit the table hard in anger Frustration surged through me as I leaned forward, my voice laced with bitterness. "Best for us? Tell me, what part of your grand plan involved spending quality time with me and my sister? What part included being there when we needed a mother's love and support?"She flinched at my words, her facade of indifference crumbling. Her voice trembled as she struggled to respond. "Alexander, I admit I made mistakes. But I love you both, and I'm willing to make amends. We can rebuild what has been broken."A scoff was my reply to that followed by a smile that played upon my lips. "Rebuild? That's easier said than done, Mother. Trust isn't easily repaired, and forgiveness cannot be demanded. It must be earned."We fell into a heavy silence, the weight of our shattered relationship hanging heavy in the air. In that moment, I realized that the truth had
CHAPTER 15With renewed energy, I walked through the living room, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Leaving the living room behind, as I walked into the kitchen, the savory aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air. Natalie and Laila were bustling around, setting up the table with utmost care and precision. Plates, glasses, and silverware were meticulously arranged. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my two dear friends working together, their laughter and banter filling the room. "Hey, Em, come on in!" Natalie called out, flashing me a wide grin. "We're almost ready!" Laila looked up from her task and waved at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Emma, come sit at the table, seat at the edge." My heart swelled with warmth and gratitude. These incredible women had been my pillars of strength since the moment I told them about my pregnancy. They had showered me with love, support, and endless kindness. And now, they were going above
CHAPTER 16Her words resonated deep within me, reminding me that I had a network of love and understanding surrounding me. It was a reminder that I didn't have to face this journey alone.As the conversation faded into a contemplative silence, we continued our meal, each lost in our own thoughts. The taste of the food mingled with the bittersweet yearning in my heart. I imagined Alexander's reaction, his face contorting with surprise, anger, or perhaps even disappointment. It was an unanswerable question, one that I would have to confront in due time.In that moment, surrounded by the warmth of friendship and the support of Natalie and Laila, I found solace. I realized that no matter the outcome of my conversation with Alexander, I had made a choice that felt right for me and my unborn child.With renewed determination, I pushed aside the uncertainties and focused on the present. I savored each bite of the meal, relishing the care and love that had gone
CHAPTER 17Time seemed to stand still as I became an invisible observer in their world. I laughed with Isabella during moments of sheer joy, my heart swelled with her newfound love. And when the bitter winds of adversity blew, and their love was tested, I shed tears alongside her, my heart aching with every setback, every cruel twist of fate that threatened to tear them apart.In the corners of my reality, the sounds of the bustling city and the mundane tasks waiting for my attention faded into insignificance. All that mattered was the story unfolding in my hands, the emotions that surged through me with each word. The world outside ceased to exist as I willingly surrendered myself to the intoxicating allure of this enchanting tale. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the room, I reluctantly closed the book, the final pages whispering a bittersweet farewell. Isabella and Lewis story had reached its conclusion, leaving
CHAPTER 18Natalie huffed but reluctantly nodded, realizing that getting worked up wouldn't solve anything. Laila's calm demeanor always had a soothing effect on both of us. We hurriedly made our way to my room, throwing open my closet doors and scouring through the clothes.Laila held up a dress. "This one will look great on you, Emma. Quick, put it on!"Natalie rummaged through my shoe collection, finding a pair that matched perfectly. "And these heels will complete the look."Within minutes, I had changed into the dress and slipped on the heels, my friends offering encouraging words and gentle reminders to breathe. With their assistance, I managed to pull myself together, and soon I was dashing out the door, my heart pounding in my chest.As I hurried down the street towards Elm Cafe, my mind raced with thoughts of what I would say to Alexander. I hoped he would understand my forgetfulness and not be too upset with me. I mentally rehearsed apologies a
CHAPTER 19I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by it all. We barely knew each other but it seems that it was all destiny work, our love grew strong. E should've realized it sooner, our instant connection at the gallery opening came as a shock to me as I rarely spent time with the opposite gender, but something about Alexander pulled me in and that resulted into this being in my belly. But still nothing could have prepared me for this moment, for the sheer intensity of emotions that flooded through me when Alexander dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife.The ring on my finger made it feel weightier than ever before. It was a symbol of commitment, a promise of forever. And as we continued our leisurely walk, I couldn't help but steal glances at it, marveling at its beauty and the significance it held. Each time the moonlight caught the diamond, it sparkled.The world around me had transformed. It was as if love had painted everything in vivid co
CHAPTER 20The words hung heavily in the air, punctuating the stark reality of our situation. "But what about the child?" Emma's voice quivered, barely above a whisper. "Are you saying we will raise a child together without any love between us?"My expression softened, my voice laced with sincerity. "I may not love you that way, but I will honor my responsibilities as a father. Our child deserves to grow up in a stable and loving environment. We can provide that, even if our own relationship is built on different foundations."Tears welled up in Emma's eyes as she grappled with the harsh reality of their circumstances. She had to consider the well-being of her unborn child, even if it meant sacrificing her own desires and dreams.With a heavy heart, Emma nodded slowly, accepting the path that had been thrust upon her. "I understand," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "If it's for the sake of our child, then I will do what needs to be done.
CHAPTER 21Relief washed over me, mingling with a surge of joy. I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, silently thanking her for taking this leap of faith with me."Goodbye then Emma" i said"Goodbye Alexander"As I stepped out of Emma's apartment building, ready to head back to my own thoughts, a woman's voice called out from the side of the road. I hesitated, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected interruption. Curiosity getting the better of me, I approached her cautiously."Excuse me, are you Alexander?" she asked, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern.I nodded, a touch of wariness seeping into my voice. "Yes, I am. Who are you?"The woman took a deep breath, her gaze steady. "I'm Laila, Emma's friend," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "I care deeply about her, and I need to talk to you about the relationship you're about to embark on for the sake of your child."Her words sent a shiver down m
CHAPTER 130Emma's POV Just like the wind, the days cane and flew by. Before I knew it, it was Asher's birthday. I've been trying my best to convince Alexander and Olivia to at least reach out to their mother but neither of them were willing to give me a listening ear. Turned out fyn Mrs Collins was actually so wrong about both of them. At first Olivia would walk away from me at the mention of her mother but then after I had told her the story Mrs Collins had told me, I noticed that she had warmed up a bit.I could easily tell that for Olivia, all it took was a face to face apology from her mother and all will be okay. She is most definitely going to forgive. But Alexander.....He was a case study, I once had to bind him for him to be able to hear me out. I spoke about all the things Mrs Collins had told me and even explained just how much I feel for her as a mother that I am too. But Alexander always had a reply that undermines mine.There was no
CHAPTER 129Emma's POV " Olivia was already in a coma. For three long years, she lay there, and I couldn't bring myself to come home. I felt so ashamed and guilty. I thought I had ruined my daughter's life. I did get the alimony and thought to redeem myself in both their eyes by the fact that Olivia at least got something off from the marriage."Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to Mrs Collins' heartbreaking confession. The weight of her guilt was palpable. She had made grave mistakes, but deep down, I could sense her love for Olivia.Mrs Collins looked at me, her eyes filled with regret. "Emma, during those years, I couldn't face Olivia, but I couldn't bear being away from both my children any longer. That's why I returned for Alexander. I wanted him to get married to a girl of my choice, someone I had thoroughly investigated and thought would be good for him. I knew it would be hard convincing him after all that happened with Olivia but I had
CHAPTER 128Emma's POV Mrs Collins nodded, her gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Emma. Your words give me hope. I've made many mistakes, in my life but the greatest of all was neglecting them. Making them live their lives like my little puppets. I want them to know how much I love them."She sat back on the bench and let out a huge depressed sigh. I wondered how many mistakes she had made to make Alexander and Olivia be so mad at her.As we sat quietly on the bench Mrs Collins and I, a question burned within me. I mustered up the courage to ask, "Mrs Collins, may I ask why you were this way with your children. I do not want to seem intrusive but, we're your parents the same way with you?"Mrs Collins sighed, a mix of sorrow and regret on her face. She turned to me and said, "Emma, I wish to tell you a story. Do you wanna hear it?" She asked and I nodded gently." We weren't always so wealthy, you see, my parents weren't that poor, we were comfortab
CHAPTER 127Emma's POV A years later....A full year had flown by, and our little Asher had grown into a lively and mischievous toddler. On this particular day, Maria, Olivia, and I found ourselves engaged in a playful chase, trying to catch Asher and get him to put on his clothes. But he giggled and ran about, refusing to cooperate."Come on, Asher! It's time to get dressed," I called out, feeling a mix of exhaustion and amusement.But Asher just giggled even louder, darting away from us with his tiny legs carrying him swiftly. I could feel my energy draining, and I was close to giving up when I noticed him heading straight for the entrance of the mansion. Panic surged through me, and I hurried to catch up to him, not wanting him to hurt himself on the stairs of the pavement.Just as I reached the entrance, my heart skipped a beat as I came face to face with a pair of feet in ruby shiny slippers. I followed the gaze up, and shock washed over me like a ti
CHAPTER 126Emma's POV "This is for you, Emma. We thought it would be perfect for those late-night feedings and soothing moments."I sat down in the rocking chair, feeling its smooth wood against my back. "Thank you, Alexander. It's just what I need to cuddle and bond with Asher."He smiled warmly. "And see that shelf over there? It's filled with all the books Olivia and I loved reading when we were kids. We want Asher to grow up surrounded by stories and imagination. Who knows, he could be an artist like the both of us or be a writer like Olivia had always dreamed of being."I walked over to the shelf, tracing my fingers along the spines of the books. "Oh, I can't wait to read to him every night."The room was complete with a changing table, adorned with soft, fluffy towels and neatly organized diapers and baby products. There was also a small dresser for Asher's tiny clothes, each item carefully folded and arranged."Everything is ready for our little p
CHAPTER 1253rd person POV Dr. Johnson offered a faint smile, touched by his devotion. "That's the spirit. Remember, miracles do happen, and we're going to fight with everything we have to give Olivia the best chance at recovery."As the doctor turned to leave, he paused and looked back at Alexander and James. "Take care of yourselves too. It's important to stay strong for her. I'll be back to update you as soon as there are any changes."With that, Dr. Johnson disappeared down the corridor, leaving Alexander and James alone with their thoughts and worries. "She'll be fine, am sure of it," Alexander whispered, his voice filled with determination. "She has to be. She's not leaving me this way."James squeezed his hand, his voice filled with hope. "She won't. This is the most cowardly way to die giving Olivia's personality."And so, with heavy hearts and unwavering love, Alexander and James prepared themselves for the long and uncertain hours ahead. Wit
CHAPTER 1243rd person POVA week before...After Olivia had gotten shot and passed out to the ground, James kept trying his best to wake her up, he was slapping lightly at her face as tears streamed down his cheeks. He had never looked or felt so vulnerable in his entire life.Meanwhile Lance was raging in anger as the policies had caught up to him and Alexander followed. He glared at Alexander like he wanted to chop him into pieces at that exact moment."Alexander! You fool! What do you think will happen to your company? Your fucking life work? Do you think just because you turned yourself in means you won't get punished? I will reveal it all! I will!." She yelled non stop but Alexander had his cool emotionless face on the whole time. Slowly he leaned into Lance."Do you really think I had no idea about these consequences? And don't forget, I also know the most darkest of your secrets. Do you remember that Andrew?" He said and pulled away.There was a
Chapter 123Olivia's POV Just as I was lost in my thoughts, the door suddenly swung open, and Alexander walked in, cradling a precious bundle in his arms. It was Asher, Emma and Alexander's baby. I watched as surprise flashed across his face when he noticed me sitting there. He looked overwhelmed, but there was something else in his eyes, something I couldn't quite place."Olivia?" Alexander's voice quivered with astonishment. " You're finally awake? Since when? What are you doing here?""Alexander" I called, standing up and taking a few steps toward him. "I... I wanted to see Emma. I've missed her so much."His gaze shifted from me to Emma, and that's when he saw the tear stains on her face. His eyes widened, and he hurriedly made his way to her side, gently passing Asher into my waiting arms."Emma, my love," Alexander whispered, his voice filled with longing and concern. "I've missed you more than words can express. Please, come back to me. I've made everything okay. I fixed it a
Chapter 122Olivia's POV After the examination, the doctor looked satisfied. "Everything looks good, Olivia. You've come a long way, and it's great to see you awake and well. We'll keep you for a little longer for observation, but if all goes well, you should be able to go home soon."I frleanedt so relieved to hear that. Home sounded like the best place to be right now, I didn't like the hospital smell or the food here.As the doctor left the room, I turned to James, gratitude shining in my eyes. "Thank you for being here, James. And thank you all for never giving up on me."James held my hand tightly, his voice filled with emotion. "Olivia, you scared me so much. I couldn't bear the thought of losing you."Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized the impact my absence had on him. "I'm so sorry, James. I didn't mean to worry you."He shook his head, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and sadness. "It's not your fault, Olivia. Just promise me you'll take care of yourself from