Novels by Cacabayu127

Anya brought back her doll and placed it on Jessica's lap. "This is for the baby. When the baby arrives, this doll will be the first gift."Jessica was stunned, then hugged Anya tightly. "You're so sweet, honey. Thank you." Jonas, sitting beside her, watched the scene with warm eyes. He knew this simple moment would linger. It wasn't just about congratulations, but also about a small bridge being built between their past, present, and future.After a while, Kevin finally stood up. "We have to say goodbye. It's time for Anya to rest."Jessica nodded, still holding Anya's small hand. "Thank you for coming. I'm happy to share this news with you."Kevin smiled. "We're happy to hear it."Anya hugged Jessica once more, then whispered innocently, "Auntie, take good care of the baby."Jessica nearly shed tears. "Yes, honey. I promise."As they left, the house fell silent. Jessica stared at the newly closed door and then leaned against Jonas. "It feels so good I can finally say that calmly. S

Laughter occasionally filled the room, making the house feel more alive than usual. Nothing was rushed, nothing too serious. Everything flowed like a calm river, carrying small waves of joy.In a quiet moment, Jessica looked at her father with deep eyes. “Dad, I want my child to really know you. I want them to grow up hearing stories about my childhood, about how you always protected me.”Mr. Randy held her gaze, then slowly nodded. “Of course, sweetheart. I’ll make sure my grandchild knows how amazing their mother is. How much love has already surrounded them, even before they were born.”Jonas felt a warmth he couldn’t put into words. He realized this was one of those memories they would carry forever. A simple beginning, but filled with meaning.When they finally got ready to leave, Mr. Randy hugged his daughter again, tight, as if reluctant to let her go. “Take good care of yourself, Jessica. Remember, you&rsq

They finished their dessert with smiles that never faded. That little restaurant stood witness to how two people celebrated their new beginning not with a grand party, but with glances, handholds, and genuine laughter.As they rose to leave, Jessica squeezed Jonas’s hand once more. “I’ll always remember this day. The first day we truly celebrated our little one’s presence.”Jonas bent down, pressing a soft kiss to the back of her hand. “And this is only the beginning. We still have so many days to celebrate together.”They walked out of the restaurant, side by side. The city lights accompanied their steps, but the warmest glow came from the bond of their joined hands.“Jonas, I want to go to my father’s house to share this good news,” Jessica said.“Alright, let’s go there now.”The drive to Jessica’s father’s house felt different that time. The car mov

Jessica looked at him for a while, then let out a small laugh. “Are you serious? We just got the news, and you’re already thinking about celebrating?”“Yes,” Jonas nodded firmly. “Because today isn’t just an ordinary day. It’s the day we were given news that will change our lives. I don’t want to just let it pass.”The car drove on a little further until it finally stopped in front of a small restaurant tucked at the corner of the street. It wasn’t fancy, but it had a warm atmosphere, with soft golden lights and large windows showing the simple wooden tables inside.Jessica smiled as soon as she saw it. “I love this place. It’s not over the top, but it feels cozy.”Jonas looked at her as he opened the car door. “That’s exactly the point. I want us to celebrate in a simple but meaningful way.”They stepped inside, greeted by the aroma of dishes rich

The first bite went into her mouth, making her wince and smile at the same time. “So sour but so good.”Jonas could only sigh, then kept driving. To his ears, the sound of Jessica chewing and occasionally giggling was music more beautiful than anything.The car crossed a small bridge. From above, a river flowed calmly. Jessica stared at it for a long while, then spoke softly, “I want us to walk by that river someday. Maybe with a child running beside us.”Jonas was silent for a moment, then glanced at her. His eyes softened. “I want that too.”Jessica exhaled slowly, as if imagining something distant yet so real. She unconsciously placed a hand on her stomach, then turned back to the window.The road grew busier. Other vehicles moved around them, yet inside the car, time seemed to run more slowly. Jonas switched on the radio, and soft music filled the cabin. Jessica hummed along lightly, making Jonas smile withou

Jonas stood behind her, his hand resting on her shoulder. He didn’t ask what she meant. He knew Jessica was speaking not only to the plant, but to something greater within herself.They returned inside with lighter hearts. No parties, no celebrations just quiet gratitude. They closed the day leaning against each other, without excessive promises.Jessica turned on the small lamp in the living room, its soft yellow glow spreading around them. The house felt warm not because of the temperature, but because of the togetherness that filled every corner. Jonas sat on the sofa, while Jessica walked briefly into the kitchen, returning with two glasses of warm water.“To close the day,” she said simply, handing one glass to Jonas.Jonas accepted it with a small nod. They sipped slowly, exchanging smiles that needed no explanation.When the glasses were empty, Jessica rose first. She walked toward the bedroom, flicking her hair as if brush

Carissa's POV I wondered if Dylan had ever imagined such a simple life—flowers on the table, small laughs in the living room, light conversations without the shadow of secrets?Until finally, I sat down on the sofa, writing again in my diary. I wrote about Dylan, about how one small sentence from him could change the feeling in my chest. About how I learned to love not from grand promises, but from the small presence he gave me.The writing stopped when I heard the key turn in the lock. My heart pounded. Dylan rarely came home early, but this time was different.He walked in slowly, setting his bag on the table. His face was serious, but there was a sense of determination in his eyes.“What’s wrong?” I asked.He sat beside me, looked down for a moment, and then said, “I can’t promise I can tell you everything now. But I don’t want you to continue to feel like a stranger in my life.”I was stunned. Those words were more profound than anything he had ever said before.“Dylan…” my voic

Carissa's POV A small smile appeared on his lips, a smile I’d rarely seen lately. A smile that made me want to believe that whatever he was hiding, I could bear it with him.We finished our meal in a warmer silence. Afterward, Dylan reached for my hand across the table, his grip tightening. There were no additional words, just a touch that spoke louder than anything else.I let the silence envelop us, feeling that perhaps this was his way of showing love, even in secret, even in fear.His hand remained in mine as he took a deep breath. For a moment, I thought he would return to his usual silence. But then, he loosened his grip, looked down, and then looked up hesitantly.“I was thinking,” he said, his voice heavy. “About my work.”I raised an eyebrow, trying to suppress my surprise. Dylan rarely talked about his work directly. Usually, it was just a brief, necessary answer.I waited without interrupting. “Sometimes…” he paused, his finger tapping lightly on the table surface, “…some

Carissa's POV I paused for a moment in front of the door, feeling the cool air from the slowly rotating fan. My heart felt as if I had just found something I had been searching for.“Welcome,” a woman’s soft voice greeted me. She stood behind the counter, wearing a simple cream-colored apron. Her smile was friendly, her eyes serene.I nodded slowly.“Hello. The flowers are beautiful.”“Please take a look around. If anything catches your eye, let me know.”I walked slowly, down the small aisle between the shelves. My eyes moved from one flower to another. There was something serene about the room. It was as if the world outside had stopped for a moment, replaced by a mix of colors and fragrances.My hand stopped on a white rose. Its petals were tight and soft. I imagined it on the table in the living room. But I felt hesitant, roses were too formal, too full of symbols I might not be ready to embrace.I shifted, and my eyes fell on a sunflower. The yellow was so bright, the stem sturd

Carissa's POVI just smiled faintly, staring at my reflection in the mirror in front of me. My hair was wet, sticking to my skin. The faint circles under my eyes were becoming more visible.“But your hair is nice,” she said again, “thick, easy to manage. It’s just a bit dry at the end. You straighten it often.”I turned my head slightly.“Rarely. I tie it up more often. Sometimes I forget to use vitamins.”“Yeah, that’s normal. Most people do that. We’ll give it vitamins to make it softer. It’s a shame to let your hair dry out if it’s long.”I took a deep breath.“Yes, you can. Thanks.”There was a moment of silence. I felt strange because I usually don't like to talk much during treatments. But there was something about the

Carissa's POVDylan left early today. The shirt he’d ironed the night before still clung to his shoulders, his hair neatly combed, his face focused. I could only watch from the dining table as he sipped his coffee, his steps occasionally hurried as if something were chasing him.“I’ll go now,” he said curtly.I nodded, trying to hide my mixed feelings. “Be careful, okay?”He paused briefly in front of the door, looking at me as if wanting to add something. But then he just smiled faintly, then left. The door closed softly, leaving a long silence.I sat in the chair for a long time, staring at his coffee cup, still faintly steaming. There was a part of me that wanted to chase him, hug him from behind, tell him I could be his home anytime. But there was also a part that chose to remain silent, to let Dylan have his space.Since Raiha

Carissa's POVI woke up later than usual. The bed was still warm beside me, a sign that Dylan hadn't moved long ago. From the kitchen came faint sounds, plates touching, spoons scraping against glasses. I smiled slightly, got up, and walked over.Dylan was pouring hot water into two cups. His back was straight, but his movements were slow, as if he was careful not to make a loud noise.“It’s rare for you to go first,” I said, sitting down in the chair.He glanced over briefly, a faint smile appearing. “Take turns. You looked tired last night.”I chuckled. “I’m not that strong. Talking a lot, laughing a lot, can actually make you tired.”“Seems,” he replied briefly, then placed the cup in front of me. The aroma of tea wafted warmly. I stared at the steam rising, feeling a comfortable, if slightly awkward, sil

Amelia's POV“I wasn’t expecting this either," he confessed. "I’m willing to give it a shot. To get myself ready. To stand by you during it.”I exhaled nervously my eyes drifting to the cup of tea which continued to emit an aroma. "I’m worried I won’t succeed.”“You will succeed.”“You have no way of knowing that.”“I’m certain, about one thing." He moved closer ensuring my eyes met his. "No matter what challenges you’ve encountered you’ve endured. You remain upright. That’s not the sign of someone destined to fail.”I looked at him. "You never fail to say the thing do you?”"Not every time," he breathed out. "For you I will consistently make the effort."

“I wasn’t sure which brand was the most precise!" he justified himself. "I only wanted what was best, for you.”Xavier's genuineness filled my heart with more warmth.He perched on the bed’s edge. Didn’t immediately give me the box. Instead he glanced at me initially.“I understand you’re frightened," he said softly. "I feel the way. However we don’t need to confront it this moment or by ourselves.”I nibbled on my lip.“Would you like me to accompany you to the bathroom?" he inquired, uncertain.My mind immediately rejected the idea not because I opposed his presence. Because this felt too intimate. Too exposed.“I am able to handle it myself," I replied quietly.He gave a nod. "In that case I’ll remain here.”No pressu

Amelia's POVXavier never demanded that I fall asleep. Rather his fingers softly glided through my hair forming a calming pattern on my scalp. I attempted to shut my eyes. My body remained too conscious of his presence. So close, to me. Remaining.“Quit staring at me that way,” I whispered, my eyes still shut."I can't," he murmured in response. "I'm still trying to come to terms with the fact that you could be expecting our baby."The words our child caused me to halt.I opened my eyes. He looked at me with an expression I had never seen from him previously a mix of fear, protectiveness and a fresh kind of hope he hadn’t yet found the courage to acknowledge.“Xavier," I was at a loss for words.He moved in nearer. "I understand this is overwhelming, for you. For both of us. Amelia if it turns out to be true I will cherish

Amelia's POVMy hand naturally settles on my abdomen a movement, yet sufficient for Xavier to observe.He inclines his head a bit. "Amelia?”I swiftly pull my hand back. Put on a forced smile. "No it’s nothing.”His worry intensifies.“Are you able to stand?" he inquires softly.I agree with a nod. Attempt to rise. However as I move ahead the surroundings shift slightly. I almost fall over if Xavier hadn’t grabbed me around the waist.He acts instinctively.His hands heated, holding tightly as though I could vanish if he delayed a moment.“You’re not alright," he states, resolutely this time. "We’re heading home.”I have no grounds to dispute. Not now.He clasps my hand more firmer more confident and we head ba

Amelia's POVXavier gave a nod. "I won’t rush you. We proceed according to your speed."“But," I inhaled deeply, preparing for a choice "I’m also unwilling to quit.”There was a pause.A meaningful one.Then he replied, "I’ll go with you wherever you allow me to, Amelia.”I wished to smile. I wished to embrace him. I desired something, than words.Once finished we settled next, to each other on the balcony observing the afternoon sky shift its hues. The wind brought a scent of the ocean bringing back memories of last night.“Today seems like a start," I remarked.“Simply because it is," he answered, reclining in his seat.“Don’t you feel frightened?" I abruptly inquired.He rotated gradually. "Afraid of w

Amelia's POVXavier expressed it without any hesitation. As though everyone accepted that his role was to try to bring a smile to my face.I cast my eyes downward. Softly said, "You did it.”We dined silently. Occasionally our gazes locked. Neither of us flinched or averted our eyes. A fresh sense of ease existed between us.After I was done I grabbed my plate to carry it over to the sink.“Forget it," he said. "I’ll do the washing.”I cocked my head. "Are you attempting to make me fall for you that quickly?”He glanced at me.Seriously.“Certainly I am," he answered, completely serious.My legs almost buckled.I placed the plate gently. Moved a short step nearer. Then one more.“I can assist with the

The reply came quickly, as if Madeline were smiling behind the screen.Good luck with your work. See you later.Nathaniel put his phone away. When the meeting room door opened and the sound of footsteps filled the space again, he stepped inside with quiet confidence.The meeting room slowly filled once more. Chairs were pulled back, paper brushed against paper, and low conversations floated through the air before finally settling.Nathaniel stood at the head of the table, waiting until all attention focused on him. The faces before him looked tired, yet focused a sign that the morning session had drained energy, but also built common ground.“All right,” he said, his voice calm but clear. “This afternoon session won’t be long. We’re focusing on one thing: making sure the foundation we built this morning is truly ready to be implemented.”He turned on the projector. T

The corridor felt quieter than it had that morning. Nathaniel’s footsteps echoed softly on the marble floor, steady but unhurried. He pressed the elevator button, loosening his tie slightly as he waited for the doors to open. For the first time since morning, he truly felt the weight on his shoulders begin to ease not disappearing, but redistributed in a more human way.The elevator descended slowly. Inside, he checked his afternoon agenda: a brief lunch with the core team, then a call with legal, followed by a review of vendor contracts before the afternoon session. Busy, yes but not suffocating. He remembered Madeline’s message don’t forget to eat a simple reminder he used to ignore, now feeling like an anchor.In the lobby, sunlight poured through the tall glass panels, reflecting off neatly arranged green plants. Nathaniel paused for a moment, took a breath. He decided to walk to a small restaurant across the building, not the private dining room

“All right,” said one of the board members, a middle-aged man with a cool tone. “Let’s talk about reputational risk. Sonia’s name has resurfaced in the project structure. We all know the history.”Several pairs of eyes immediately turned to Nathaniel.He did not rush to answer. His hands were neatly folded on the table, his posture upright. “I’m not blind to that,” he said at last. “Precisely because of that history, we’ve set clear boundaries. Her role is well defined, her responsibilities measurable, and all strategic decisions remain under the board’s authority.”“And if a conflict of interest arises?” another asked sharply.“We’ve prepared mitigation mechanisms,” Nathaniel replied calmly. “Independent audits, dual reporting lines, and a termination clause if standards are violated. There’s no gray area.”A brief silence

Nathaniel held her closer, and for the first time in a long while, he knew: today with all its pressure ended in the right place.They didn’t move right away. Time seemed to soften around them, letting the fatigue of the day fall away on its own. Nathaniel felt Madeline’s steady breathing against his chest, warm and real.He realized how rarely he allowed moments like this to last without feeling the need to do something, reply to messages, open a laptop, plan the next step.Now, he simply was.Madeline eventually shifted slightly, looking up at Nathaniel’s face from close range. “You seem more present tonight,” she said softly, as if afraid to disturb the moment.Nathaniel smiled faintly. “Because I am present. Not half my mind somewhere else.”Madeline nodded, her fingers unconsciously tracing small lines along Nathaniel’s arm. “I often worry,” she admitted honestly. “

Madeline finally released her grip and stood up slowly, as if unwilling to disturb the calm still lingering in the air. The morning light grew brighter, slipping through the gaps in the curtains and bathing the room in a soft, golden hue. Nathaniel remained lying there for a moment, watching Madeline’s back as she walked toward the small kitchen in the corner of the apartment.The aroma of coffee soon filled the space, simple, yet comforting. For Nathaniel, that scent had always marked the beginning of the day not as a reminder of work burdens, but as the rhythm of a life he could still enjoy.He got up, straightened the shirt he had left draped over a chair the night before, and walked over to Madeline. He stood behind her without immediately embracing her, simply waiting, savoring the moment as it was.“You know,” Madeline said as she poured hot water, “a few years ago I always imagined mornings like this but they felt too far out of reach.”Nathaniel smiled. “And now?”“Now,” Made

Nathaniel nodded. “And tonight I just want to be your husband.”The words warmed Madeline’s chest. She took his hand, threading her fingers through his. “I don’t want you to lose yourself to the outside world,” she said honestly. “I want you to come home whole.”Nathaniel looked at their joined hands. “That’s why I need this,” he murmured. “Not to escape but to remember who I really am.”They fell silent again. Outside, the city sounds softened, as if the world itself was giving them space. Drowsiness slowly crept over Madeline, though her thoughts still wandered.“There’s something I’ve never asked you,” she said suddenly.Nathaniel raised an eyebrow slightly. “What is it?”“What are you most afraid of now?”He didn’t answer right away. He stared at the ceiling, then exhaled deeply. “I’m afra