NoahThe words fell like a stone in the room. My heart stuttered as I looked between her and Raymond, my grip tightening around his hand. โWhatโฆ what kind of complication?โThe midwife took a steadying breath. โIt seems your baby may be in a posterior positionโfacing up, rather than down. This can make labor slower and a bit more challenging.โA wave of worry swept over me, and I felt my breaths quicken. Cassandra placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. โHey, Noah, breathe. She didnโt say impossibleโjust more challenging.โThe midwife nodded, her tone reassuring. โWeโll try some different positions, some movements that might help encourage her to turn. This happens often enough, and there are ways we can support the process.โI nodded, feeling the tension ease a fraction as I met Raymondโs eyes. He gave me a brave smile, squeezing my hand. โWeโve got this,โ he murmured. โWeโll help her get into position, and soon, weโll be meeting our little girl.โThe midwife guided me through some po
NoahCassandraโs labor dragged on, stretching through two long days. I felt every minute of it from my room. My worry and helplessness coiled tighter with each update. The doctor had ordered me to stay in bed. Although it felt good to rest, I hated that I couldnโt be there for her. Sheโd been such a support to me during my own labor with Rosie. Her words had steadied me through every contraction and every wave of pain. Now, here I was, stuck in bed while she struggled on her own.Little Rosie was my solace. Every time I looked at her, I felt a soft warmth spread through me, all the worry and exhaustion melting away. She was a tiny, perfect miracle with her miniature fingers and rosy cheeks. I couldn't stop staring at her. Raymond was wonderful too. He moved back and forth between rooms to check on Cassandra and then back to me, sharing gentle updates that kept me grounded.On his fourth or fifth return, Raymondโs expression was strained. He sat by my bed, taking my hand gently. โShe
NoahAs I looked at Evelyn, her gentle smile seemed to melt the tension in my shoulders. Her eyes, always so full of determination, held a glimmer of joy as she spoke.โDonโt worry, Noah. Itโs good news.โA breath I hadnโt realized I was holding escaped me. โGood news?โ My voice was barely a whisper.She nodded, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. โThe doctor saidโฆ well, they said thereโs a chance Iโll walk again. The prognosis is good if I keep exercising, eating healthy, and pushing myself.โMy relief quickly turned into a grin as the magnitude of her words hit me. โMom, thatโs amazing!โShe wheeled closer, her hand finding mine. Her touch was warm and filled with the quiet strength that Iโd come to admire even more through her recovery. โI know, right?โ She laughed, her voice tinged with the thrill of newfound hope. โI canโt wait for the day I can pick up Rosie all on my own, to hold her without limits.โWe sat there, both smiling, both overwhelmed by the idea that she migh
NoahThe grand hall was resplendent, draped in soft whites, blush pinks, and touches of gold. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the orchestra played a melody that filled the air with romance and elegance. I took a deep breath, looking out over the sea of familiar faces, and then my eyes found Raymondโs.He stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze fixed on me, his smile both proud and tender. The love in his eyes was so deep, so steady, that my nerves began to melt away, replaced by a warmth that filled my entire being.With every step, my heart beat faster, the anticipation building with each note of the music. Raymondโs gaze never wavered, and as I drew closer, I could see the emotion glistening in his eyes.Finally, we reached him. My mother released my hand and turned to Raymond, her own eyes shimmering. She placed my hand in his, her voice choked with emotion. โTake good care of her,โ she said softly, her words laced with love and a hint of the strength that had carried us both.Ra
NoahI opened the box, and there it wasโa delicate golden necklace with a teardrop-shaped ruby nestled at the center. It caught the light with a soft, familiar glow.โWait a minuteโฆ Is thisโฆ?โRaymondโs smile widened. โThe necklace Owen gave you after you saved his life as a child? It sure is.โI shook my head in disbelief, my fingers brushing over the rubyโs multifaceted surface. This was the necklace that had started it allโthe one that ended my relationship with Owen, fractured my friendship with Josie, and, in the end, brought Raymond and me together.โNo wayโฆ Where did you find it?โ I asked breathlessly.He took my hand. โI went to Josieโs apartment after she passed away and found it tucked away in a jewelry box. I remembered the story you told me about it. I just knew you should have it back.โOverwhelmed, I looked up at him, my eyes filling with gratitude. He held my gaze, and we shared a lingering, tender kiss. One that was filled with years of love and unspoken promises. As
NoahThis wasnโt the first time I received photos of Owen cheating on me. The blonde hair and slender build of the woman kissing him reminded me of my best friend Josie. Could it beโฆ? No, she would never do that to me! With trembling fingers, I dropped my phone. How could my husband cheat on me?! I thought I was the most important person in his life.After 7 horrible years at the orphanage, I was adopted by Owenโs family. I saved Owen's life when we were young. His family was so grateful that they took me in. How could Owen betray me after everything we went through?! We grew up together and were always inseparable. We fell in love and got married when we were 22 years old. I canโt believe that was almost 3 years ago now.But Owen had been acting very strange lately. These photos seemed to explain whyโฆ I had to confront him. โOwen?โ I called out. โOwen, where are you?โ He didn't answer. He must be upstairs.I walked up the stairs and heard him talking to his friend Simon on the pho
NoahMy heart sank when Owen picked up the phone. The screen clearly said โJosieโ. He answered: โHello? Yes, of course, sir. I can take a look at those documents for you.โI couldn't believe Owen was lying to my face. He glanced at me, then quickly walked over to the kitchen.When he thought I couldn't hear him, his voice softened. He sounded so sweet. Although I couldnโt hear his words, the way he spoke to Josie reminded me of the beginning of our romance.Owen was still trying to hide his betrayal from me. He must have forgotten that he gave away his secret last night, when he called me Josie. Those pictures on my phone left no doubt. He was cheating on me, with my best friend.I leaned up against the wall. I felt weakened by my fever and this emotional rollercoaster. I stared at my husband as he came back inside the living room. He avoided my eyes.It felt as if he had become a stranger. In the past, he wouldโve never let me suffer like this.โIโll pick you up later.โ Owen said, re
NoahRaymond quickly let go of me as Owen approached us. Just before taking a step back.I stumbled over to my husband. I wanted to lean on him for support, but he didnโt seem to care about me at all. All I could read on his face was anger. I tried to be strong and stand by myself, shivering with fever.โSo, youโve got a new love, huh? I saw you flirting with my uncle!โ Owen spat his angry words at me. I turned pale. How could he say this to me? Especially after what he had done? I wasnโt the one who couldnโt be trusted!โOwen! How dare you talk to her like that! Itโs not our familyโs manner!โ Raymond berated him. He was fuming with rage at the injustice. He also knew about Owen's betrayal.Owen was a little timid when Raymond got angry. Although Raymond was only 31 years old, he had become a successful CEO. He had idolized Raymond when he was a child. And now, Raymond was also his boss. Owen had recently started working at his company.Raymondโs fists were clenched and his tense musc
NoahI opened the box, and there it wasโa delicate golden necklace with a teardrop-shaped ruby nestled at the center. It caught the light with a soft, familiar glow.โWait a minuteโฆ Is thisโฆ?โRaymondโs smile widened. โThe necklace Owen gave you after you saved his life as a child? It sure is.โI shook my head in disbelief, my fingers brushing over the rubyโs multifaceted surface. This was the necklace that had started it allโthe one that ended my relationship with Owen, fractured my friendship with Josie, and, in the end, brought Raymond and me together.โNo wayโฆ Where did you find it?โ I asked breathlessly.He took my hand. โI went to Josieโs apartment after she passed away and found it tucked away in a jewelry box. I remembered the story you told me about it. I just knew you should have it back.โOverwhelmed, I looked up at him, my eyes filling with gratitude. He held my gaze, and we shared a lingering, tender kiss. One that was filled with years of love and unspoken promises. As
NoahThe grand hall was resplendent, draped in soft whites, blush pinks, and touches of gold. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, and the orchestra played a melody that filled the air with romance and elegance. I took a deep breath, looking out over the sea of familiar faces, and then my eyes found Raymondโs.He stood at the end of the aisle, his gaze fixed on me, his smile both proud and tender. The love in his eyes was so deep, so steady, that my nerves began to melt away, replaced by a warmth that filled my entire being.With every step, my heart beat faster, the anticipation building with each note of the music. Raymondโs gaze never wavered, and as I drew closer, I could see the emotion glistening in his eyes.Finally, we reached him. My mother released my hand and turned to Raymond, her own eyes shimmering. She placed my hand in his, her voice choked with emotion. โTake good care of her,โ she said softly, her words laced with love and a hint of the strength that had carried us both.Ra
NoahAs I looked at Evelyn, her gentle smile seemed to melt the tension in my shoulders. Her eyes, always so full of determination, held a glimmer of joy as she spoke.โDonโt worry, Noah. Itโs good news.โA breath I hadnโt realized I was holding escaped me. โGood news?โ My voice was barely a whisper.She nodded, a spark of excitement lighting up her face. โThe doctor saidโฆ well, they said thereโs a chance Iโll walk again. The prognosis is good if I keep exercising, eating healthy, and pushing myself.โMy relief quickly turned into a grin as the magnitude of her words hit me. โMom, thatโs amazing!โShe wheeled closer, her hand finding mine. Her touch was warm and filled with the quiet strength that Iโd come to admire even more through her recovery. โI know, right?โ She laughed, her voice tinged with the thrill of newfound hope. โI canโt wait for the day I can pick up Rosie all on my own, to hold her without limits.โWe sat there, both smiling, both overwhelmed by the idea that she migh
NoahCassandraโs labor dragged on, stretching through two long days. I felt every minute of it from my room. My worry and helplessness coiled tighter with each update. The doctor had ordered me to stay in bed. Although it felt good to rest, I hated that I couldnโt be there for her. Sheโd been such a support to me during my own labor with Rosie. Her words had steadied me through every contraction and every wave of pain. Now, here I was, stuck in bed while she struggled on her own.Little Rosie was my solace. Every time I looked at her, I felt a soft warmth spread through me, all the worry and exhaustion melting away. She was a tiny, perfect miracle with her miniature fingers and rosy cheeks. I couldn't stop staring at her. Raymond was wonderful too. He moved back and forth between rooms to check on Cassandra and then back to me, sharing gentle updates that kept me grounded.On his fourth or fifth return, Raymondโs expression was strained. He sat by my bed, taking my hand gently. โShe
NoahThe words fell like a stone in the room. My heart stuttered as I looked between her and Raymond, my grip tightening around his hand. โWhatโฆ what kind of complication?โThe midwife took a steadying breath. โIt seems your baby may be in a posterior positionโfacing up, rather than down. This can make labor slower and a bit more challenging.โA wave of worry swept over me, and I felt my breaths quicken. Cassandra placed a steadying hand on my shoulder. โHey, Noah, breathe. She didnโt say impossibleโjust more challenging.โThe midwife nodded, her tone reassuring. โWeโll try some different positions, some movements that might help encourage her to turn. This happens often enough, and there are ways we can support the process.โI nodded, feeling the tension ease a fraction as I met Raymondโs eyes. He gave me a brave smile, squeezing my hand. โWeโve got this,โ he murmured. โWeโll help her get into position, and soon, weโll be meeting our little girl.โThe midwife guided me through some po
NoahI stared, slightly panicked, down at the small puddle forming beneath me. Cassandra brought her hand to rest gently on my arm. โIt will be fine, Noah. Looks like your little girl has her own schedule,โ she said with a reassuring smile. Her voice was calm and warm. Her words broke through my anxiety. I managed a shaky laugh, nodding in agreement.An employee approached, casting an understanding look at the situation. โDonโt worry about a thingโweโll clean it up,โ she said, a gentle smile on her face. โGood luck!โ She gave a supportive nod as we carefully made our way out of the store. Cassandra held my arm to steady me.Once we were outside, Cassandra reminded me, โYou donโt need to rush to the hospital just yet. They usually want you to wait until active labor is in full swing.โ Her calm certainty helped, but I still felt jittery. I immediately grabbed my phone, dialing Raymondโs number. He picked up after the first ring.โRaymond?โ I began, my voice trembling slightly. โItโs ha
NoahThe room erupted in cheers and joyful shouts as pink confetti rained down around us. It took a second to sink in: we were having a girl. Barely containing my smile, I felt Raymondโs strong arms wrap around me from behind. He leaned his head close, his voice a low, gentle murmur. โA little girl, Noahโฆ our little girl.โMy heart swelled as I looked at Neil, who was watching the confetti with wide eyes. He had a look of pure wonder on his face. It was the brightest smile Iโd seen on him since everything that happened, and I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. He was still healing. But moments like these, surrounded by love, felt like the very first steps toward a new beginning.Evelyn rolled over, her eyes filled with emotion as she held out her hands to us. Slowly but surely, she was regaining control over her muscles. I leaned down to her, and she wrapped her arms around both Neil and me. โOh, a little girl,โ she whispered, her voice thick with joy. โOur family just keeps grow
NoahThe house buzzed with excitement and laughter as we invited everyone inside. Each new arrival was greeted with hugs and cheers. Cassandra's friendsโHarper, Lila, and Giaโwere here, their faces lighting up when they spotted me. Our trip to Vegas and Cassโs wedding had bonded us. Seeing them again brought a sense of closeness, comfort and normality after recent events. Raymondโs colleagues filled the space with their lively energy, and Simonโs friends mingled easily with Raymondโs parents, whose faces were aglow with anticipation.Neil quickly spotted his friends from school, darting over to hug a small girl with a sweet smile. I couldnโt help but smile knowingly; heโd mentioned her more than onceโhis little primary school girlfriend. Seeing him run and laugh, his face bright with joy despite the shadows of recent events, filled me with a deep, almost overwhelming sense of gratitude. After everything he had endured, there was hope that he might find his way back to himself. Seei
NoahโOh, Raymondโฆโ I murmured, my heart brimming with emotion as he knelt before me, the words barely forming in my mouth, tangled up with a happiness that felt almost surreal.He waited patiently, still on one knee. His hazel eyes sparkled with flecks of gold in the bright sunlight. His hand was steady, holding out the ring as if it were a promise. A reminder of how far weโd come. I glanced at my old engagement ring. My fingers trembled as I noticed the way this new ring was designed to nestle perfectly against the first one. It was so unmistakably Raymondโthoughtful, detailed, crafted to fit me like a missing piece.โYes,โ I finally said, smiling through my tears. โOf course, I will marry youโฆ again.โHis face lit up with a joy I hadnโt seen in years. He slid the ring into place, its sleek band clicking softly as it nestled against my old ring. The two pieces formed a sparkling whole. As the diamonds caught the golden glow of sunset, it felt like the most perfect reflection of usโ