LOGINMadeline's mind did not obey. She heard the voices again recordings from last night, from that tense meeting. Sonia’s words are filled with hatred. The silence of the people in the room. Nathaniel’s cautious gaze. And herself standing in the middle, exposing every fact that had long been buried.
Madeline gripped the edge of the sofa, her body stiffening. “I never wanted to hurt her.” Even though she knew it was true, guilt still gnawed at her chest, making every
Without waiting, Nathaniel helped Madeline walk to the car. Every step felt heavy for her, her breath coming in short gasps, yet she tried to stay calm beside her husband. Nathaniel held her hand tightly throughout the drive, glancing at her now and then with undisguised worry.“Breathe slowly, love. We’re almost there,” he said, trying to sound calm, though his eyes revealed deep anxiety.When they arrived at the hospital, nurses immediately greeted them and rushed Madeline to the delivery room. Nathaniel walked alongside the gurney, his gaze fixed on his wife’s face, fear and happiness mingling in his eyes.Not long after, Madeline’s parents, Risha and Adhitama, arrived, their faces filled with emotion.“How is Madeline?” Risha asked, her voice trembling.“She’s strong, Mom,” Nathaniel replied, forcing a smile even as his heart raced.Time seemed to crawl. Nathaniel waited outside
That morning, sunlight slipped through the bedroom curtains, brushing against Madeline’s face as she lay half-awake. Nathaniel had just stepped out of the bathroom, his hair still slightly damp, yet his hands were already busy arranging a light breakfast on a small tray of whole wheat bread, slices of fruit, and a glass of warm milk.“Good morning, my beautiful mom-to-be,” he greeted her with a charming smile.Madeline chuckled softly. “You don’t have to go to all this trouble every morning, Nathaniel.”Nathaniel simply shook his head as he sat on the edge of the bed. “I want to make sure you eat properly. The doctor said you need plenty of rest and enough nutrients. I don’t want to take any risks.”Madeline looked at him gently, warmth spreading through her chest. She knew Nathaniel had once been known as distant and consumed by work, but now, every moment of his seemed to belong to her.
The door opened slowly. Risha came in carrying a glass of warm water, followed by Adhitama with a small bag containing the test results. “The doctor said Madeline can go home after this,” Risha said, her voice still trembling with emotion. “As long as she really rests.”Madeline nodded obediently. “I’ll follow all the rules,” she said with a smile this time more confident.Adhitama looked at Nathaniel, his expression turning more worried, but resolute. “You heard that,” he said. “Starting today, priorities change.”Nathaniel met his gaze without hesitation. “I understand, sir. And I’m ready.”A few minutes later, Madeline was helped out of bed. Nathaniel quickly draped a light jacket over her shoulders even though the hospital air was warm. He walked half a step ahead, making sure every step she took was safe.Risha watched from the side, her hand occasionally
Adhitama, who had been silent until now, finally spoke in a firm but controlled tone. “Go to the nearest general hospital. Don’t take a detour.”“I know,” Nathaniel replied shortly. He turned onto a quieter road, picking up speed slightly as the way cleared.Inside the car, only the sound of the engine and Madeline’s uneven breathing could be heard. Nathaniel kept holding her hand, occasionally rubbing her back with his thumb, a small gesture filled with silent prayers.“I’m sorry.” Madeline suddenly whispered, her eyes still closed.“For what?” Nathaniel swallowed hard.“For making everyone panic.”Nathaniel shook his head, even though she couldn’t see it. “Don’t apologize. You’ve done nothing wrong. Just focus on holding on.”The car finally turned onto the main road leading to the hospital. In the distance, the hospital sign
The next day, sunlight filtered softly through the car’s window curtains. The fresh air marked the beginning of a new day, and in the passenger seat, Madeline sat gazing out the window, savoring a feeling she had rarely experienced lately. Beside her, Nathaniel looked relaxed, occasionally glancing at his wife with a small, meaningful smile.“It’s been a long time since we came here,” Madeline said softly, her voice gentle but trembling with nostalgia.Nathaniel glanced over. “Far too long. Let today be a family day, all right?”Madeline nodded with a smile. The drive to her parents’ house passed peacefully. As soon as their car stopped in the yard, the front door opened. Risha and Adhitama Madeline’s parents were already standing there, their faces warm and full of longing.“Madeline, sweetheart!” Risha called out as she hurried toward her daughter. She pulled Madeline into a tight embrace, as if afraid her girl might disappear again. “You finally came home.”Madeline laughed softl
Nathaniel placed his hand over Madeline’s. “Everything is different now. We’ve made it through the hardest times. Maybe this is the moment to begin again not just for business, but for family too.”Madeline looked at Nathaniel for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “You’re right.”Madeline leaned deeper into the sofa. The steam from the tea continued to rise, thin and calming, as if easing the small knots in her head. She took a slow sip, letting the warmth linger in her mouth before settling in her chest.“You look very tired,” Nathaniel said softly, his thumb brushing the back of Madeline’s hand in a small, almost imperceptible motion.“Not the bad kind of tired,” Madeline answered honestly. “More like tired after a full day.”Nathaniel nodded. He stood, took a light blanket from the back of the chair, and draped it over Madeline’s shoulders without a word.







