Sienna’s POV
I shook my head firmly. “Don’t ever think that. You’re a wonderful mother to Charlie. Even though you didn’t experience nausea, fatigue, or cravings like other pregnant women, you still gave birth to a healthy and perfect Charlie. That was an incredible sacrifice.”Tears welled up in Hazel’s eyes. She tried to smile, but it faltered. “But I was gone.”I looked at her more deeply, tightening my grip. “Yes, you were gone. But look at him now. Charlie has you, Nicholas, and me. He has more love than any other child out there. He knows his mother is there for him. You’re back, Hazel. And that’s all that matters.”Hazel covered her mouth with her hand, holding back the tears that threatened to break out. I knew those words had been lingering in her heart for a long time, waiting to be said, but always held back by guilt.I stroked the back of her hand. “Don’t beat yourself up, Hazel. Charlie doesn’t see you as the one who left him. HSienna’s POV I instinctively turned to Hazel, who was serving another customer. Her face changed slightly when she saw Nicholas and me enter, then she quickly completed the transaction with a smile. A moment later, she approached me.“Sabrina!” she called softly, as if worried her voice might disturb me. “You here?”I held up the cake box in my hand. “I brought some cake. I was passing by earlier and stopped by. You probably haven’t had a chance to eat anything sweet, right?”Hazel’s face immediately lit up. “Oh my gosh, thank you. You know I haven’t had a chance to buy anything.”I smiled, but my gaze drifted back to the handsome man still busy with his choices. Curiously, I asked, “Hey, Hazel, why is there a man in your boutique? Aren’t most of your customers women?”Hazel glanced briefly at the man, then leaned closer to me, lowering her voice to a whisper. “He’s been coming in often for a month. He said he’s always buying
Sienna’s POV As soon as I arrived at the health center, I could see several other couples had arrived, some already sitting in the waiting room with their large bellies. Some looked nervous, some smiled, and others were busy chatting with their husbands. It was heartwarming to see so many couples eagerly awaiting the arrival of their baby.We entered a spacious hall. The floor was covered with colorful mats, and at the front stood an instructor with a friendly smile. Nicholas and I chose a spot in the middle. Nicholas carefully helped me sit down, even setting up a small pillow behind me.The instructor began by greeting me, introducing herself, and then briefly explaining the benefits of prenatal exercises. She said these exercises would help the body relax, improve breathing, and prepare the muscles for labor. I listened intently, though secretly I felt nervous; my body was already quite stiff, and I worried I wouldn't be able to follow the movements p
Sabrina's POV I woke up with a sore body. It felt like every inch of my back was screaming to be stretched, and my growing belly made it difficult to roll over, let alone get out of bed. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my strength. I held onto the edge of the bed several times and slowly lifted myself up. I barely managed to sit up, but I already felt a little out of breath.I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was still early in the morning, but a commotion could be heard coming from the kitchen: the sound of pans clanking, plates being set, and Charlie's loud, low laughter mixed with Nicholas's voice. I smiled weakly.Since I became pregnant, Nicholas had forbidden me from going into the kitchen, even to get a glass of water. He said my job was to rest and take care of the pregnancy. He and Charlie would handle all household chores, even the simplest ones.I slowly got out of bed. My walking was slow, each step heavy. As soon as I
Sienna’s POV That day, the house looked completely different. Full of color, full of laughter, full of life. I was now seven months pregnant, and somehow time had flown by so quickly. It seemed like just yesterday I was experiencing those first bouts of morning sickness that had everyone worried. Now, I was standing in a living room filled with blue and pink balloons, streamers hanging from the ceiling, and a large table decorated with fresh flowers.Nicholas was busy pacing back and forth, making sure everyone was seated comfortably. Charlie had been running around, his bright blue shirt making his little face even more radiant. Hazel looked beautiful in a simple pink dress, her hair down, and a constant smile on her face.Nicholas and I chose white. He said it would be neutral and a sign that we would accept the gender of our baby. I agreed. White was peaceful, pure, and full of hope, just like I felt every time my baby kicked gently from my belly.
Sabrina's POV I stood in front of Hazel's boutique, carrying a paper bag containing two lunch boxes. The midday sun was quite hot, but a strange sense of excitement made my steps feel light. Since this morning, after Nicholas and Charlie left, the house had been eerily quiet. Usually, the sound of Hazel pacing in the kitchen or Charlie's laughter filled the room. Now, it was just me, an empty chair, and the slow ticking of the clock.I took a deep breath, tried reading a book, turning on the television, even lying down for a while. But everything felt empty. Finally, I decided I had to go out, I had to see Hazel. Not only because I missed her, but because staying home was making me even more anxious.As I pushed open the boutique door, the small bell above it rang loudly. Hazel, who had been talking to a customer, turned around, and her eyes widened.“Sabrina?” she called out, surprised and relieved.I smiled, holding up the paper bag I was c
Sienna’s POV I shook my head firmly. “Don’t ever think that. You’re a wonderful mother to Charlie. Even though you didn’t experience nausea, fatigue, or cravings like other pregnant women, you still gave birth to a healthy and perfect Charlie. That was an incredible sacrifice.”Tears welled up in Hazel’s eyes. She tried to smile, but it faltered. “But I was gone.”I looked at her more deeply, tightening my grip. “Yes, you were gone. But look at him now. Charlie has you, Nicholas, and me. He has more love than any other child out there. He knows his mother is there for him. You’re back, Hazel. And that’s all that matters.”Hazel covered her mouth with her hand, holding back the tears that threatened to break out. I knew those words had been lingering in her heart for a long time, waiting to be said, but always held back by guilt.I stroked the back of her hand. “Don’t beat yourself up, Hazel. Charlie doesn’t see you as the one who left him. H