Chapter 6: Family Return

Malcolm Chapman carefully helped his elder sister settle back against the hospital bed. His movements were gentle, almost overly careful, like someone handling something fragile after fearing he had lost it forever.

His eyes shone with excitement.

For the first time in years, he had finally found her again.

Petra.

His long-lost sister.

The room was quiet except for the soft hum of the hospital machines and the faint breathing of the baby sleeping nearby. Malcolm stepped back slightly and cleared his throat.

Three women stood in a straight line a few steps away from the bed.

They looked calm, professional, and respectful.

Malcolm raised a hand and pointed toward the first woman.

“Petra,” he began warmly, “this is Mandy Moore. She’s going to be your personal nutritionist.”

Mandy stepped forward politely and bowed slightly, a gentle smile on her face.

“Starting today,” Malcolm continued proudly, “she’ll handle all your meals. Everything you eat will be planned properly so your body can recover well.”

Petra blinked slowly, looking from Mandy back to Malcolm.

Her heart felt strangely warm.

Malcolm then shifted his hand toward the second woman.

“And this is Rosa Shaw.”

Rosa nodded respectfully.

“She’s your personal rehab coach,” Malcolm said. “She’ll help you regain your strength and get you back in top shape.”

Petra’s lips parted slightly in surprise.

Malcolm then pointed to the last woman in line.

“And Silvia Navarro,” he said. “She’s your childcare specialist. She’ll take care of everything with the baby.”

Silvia bowed politely like the others.

All three women stood respectfully before Petra.

For a moment, Petra simply stared at them.

Her face slowly softened into a warm smile, but no words came out.

Her eyes began to glisten.

She felt overwhelmed.

Malcolm noticed the tears beginning to gather in her eyes. He stepped closer and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Petra,” he said gently, his voice full of reassurance, “if you need anything. Anything at all… just let them know.”

The words had barely settled when Petra suddenly lowered her head.

Then the tears came.

Soft at first.

Then uncontrollable.

She began to sob.

Malcolm blinked in confusion, tilting his head slightly as he looked at her.

He hadn’t expected that reaction.

Petra suddenly lifted her head again, still crying. She reached out and gave Malcolm a light slap on the stomach.

“What’s all this about?” she asked between tears and laughter.

Malcolm paused.

Then he burst into laughter too.

“Why the big deal?” Petra added, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

Malcolm smiled warmly and squeezed her hand.

“Not at all,” he said calmly. “You just gave birth. You need to rest.”

He turned toward the three women.

“Uh… you can step out for now.”

The women bowed politely again before quietly leaving the room one after the other.

The door clicked shut behind them.

Malcolm turned back to his sister and slipped one hand into his pocket.

He sighed softly.

“Petra,” he said slowly, “is this how Pete has been taking care of you?”

His voice carried clear disapproval.

“He’s the CEO of the company,” Malcolm continued, shaking his head. “And he won’t even pay for a nanny?”

Petra let out a sad chuckle.

“I was going to hire someone,” she admitted quietly. “But he said you can’t trust anyone to take proper care of the baby.”

Malcolm pressed his lips together, clearly annoyed.

Petra continued softly.

“He even said he’d help with the children.”

Malcolm’s eyes widened slightly.

“That’s what he said?” he asked sharply.

His expression darkened instantly.

“Where is he now?” Malcolm continued, his tone rising with anger. “He’s supposed to stay with you.”

Petra laughed again.

But this time it sounded empty.

“Stay with me,” she repeated softly.

“Our baby is three months old… and he hasn’t changed a single diaper.”

Malcolm’s fists clenched slowly.

“He spends all day hanging out with Zoe,” Petra added quietly.

“That bastard,” Malcolm cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair.

He walked closer again and placed his hand gently on her shoulder.

“Petra,” he said softly, “whatever you decide… I’ve got your back.”

That was all it took.

Petra broke down again.

Her shoulders shook as another wave of tears escaped.

Malcolm leaned forward and wrapped his arms around her.

“When you’re done with your IV,” he said gently, “I’ll treat you to a nice meal.”

Petra nodded slowly, biting her lower lip.

Then she stretched her arms out and pulled him into a tight hug.

Malcolm held her firmly, one hand gently rubbing her back. The hug lasted for a long moment.

***************************

Later that day.

The bright glass doors of a massive shopping mall slid open.

Petra walked slowly beside Malcolm as they entered. She looked around quietly.

The place was huge.

Elegant lights hung from the ceiling. Shiny floors reflected the movement of shoppers everywhere.

“Petra,” Malcolm said casually as they walked, one hand tucked inside his suit pocket. “I just invested in this mall.”

Petra stopped and turned to him in surprise.

“It opens today,” he added with a small proud smile.

They both looked ahead into the busy building.

Shops were filled with people.

Music played softly through the speakers.

“Whatever you want to eat later,” Malcolm continued warmly, “it’s my treat.”

Petra smiled.

For the first time since she got entangled with Pete, she felt something peaceful wash over her heart.

She turned her head slightly, glancing around the mall.

Then suddenly, her body froze.

Her eyes widened.

Inside another section of the mall, she saw a familiar figure walking through the crowd.

Zoe.

Petra’s heart skipped violently.

And beside her, Pete. Her husband. They were walking closely together, hand-in-hand.

Petra’s mouth slowly fell open in shock. Her breathing stopped for a moment.

Then instinctively, she began walking forward. Her footsteps quickened as she moved into the mall.

She reached a corner and stopped there, hiding slightly behind the wall as she looked again. There was no mistake.

It was them.

Pete and Zoe. Walking together like lovers.

Laughing and chatting like a newly married couple.

Petra’s chest tightened painfully.

Behind her, Malcolm walked closer. He followed her gaze.

Then he saw them too.

His eyebrows furrowed in utter shock.

Then anger slowly filled his face as he stared at the scene ahead.