Chapter 9: Something More Important

Something more important.

Alexander's words continued to echo in Emily's mind.

It hadn't sounded as though he was talking about business.

For one strange moment, she'd almost felt as if he were talking about her.

But that couldn't possibly be true.

Until today, she'd been nothing more than a waitress at a small café.

Alexander was a customer. A kind, considerate regular, certainly, but still just a customer.

Why would someone like him rearrange his entire work schedule for her?

The more she thought about it, the less sense it made.

"Is something bothering you?"

Alexander's gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Oh, no..."

Emily quickly shook her head.

"It's nothing."

He didn't press her.

"Your soup is getting cold."

"Ah, right."

She picked up her spoon again.

The warm soup soothed her throat, and with each mouthful, she felt a little of the tension leave her body.

It was strange how something so simple could make such a difference.

Only a few hours ago, she'd been standing outside a hospital examination room, holding an ultrasound photograph and believing she had wonderful news to share.

Now she was sitting in a luxury hotel suite, afraid to return to her own home.

Her entire life had changed in a single afternoon.

"You haven't eaten anything since yesterday, have you?" Alexander asked.

"Now that you mention it..."

Emily paused.

She hadn't eaten anything since learning she was pregnant.

With everything that had happened, she'd completely forgotten about food.

She looked down at the half-empty bowl.

She'd spent so much time worrying about Ryan, about the café, and about what would happen next that she'd neglected even her most basic needs.

"Your little one needs nourishment, too," Alexander said gently.

Emily instinctively rested a hand against her stomach.

There was a tiny life growing inside her.

A life that depended on her.

Until this morning, she'd imagined sharing the joy of becoming parents with Ryan.

She'd pictured his smile, his excitement, perhaps even the way he would place his hand over hers.

Those dreams were gone now.

But the baby was still here.

And whatever happened next, she wanted to protect this child.

"I need to make sure I eat properly," she murmured. "For the baby's sake."

Alexander smiled.

"That's a good place to start."

Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Excuse me."

The hotel manager entered, pushing a small cart.

"I've brought some additional refreshments."

The delicate fragrance of freshly brewed tea filled the room.

"Thank you," Alexander said.

The manager bowed politely.

"Please enjoy your stay."

He was about to leave when he paused and turned back.

"Mr. Sterling, if you need anything at all, day or night, please don't hesitate to contact me directly."

"I appreciate it."

It was a brief exchange, but Emily couldn't help tilting her head.

"The manager really goes out of his way for you, doesn't he?"

Alexander gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

"I've been staying here for years."

"Oh, I see."

Emily nodded.

Perhaps he was simply a particularly valued regular guest.

After all, some customers at the café received special attention because they'd been coming for years.

Maybe luxury hotels worked the same way.

She decided not to think too deeply about it.

For now, she was grateful simply to have somewhere safe to stay.

Then—

Bzzzz.

Her phone vibrated on the table.

Emily's entire body stiffened.

Her heart began pounding before she even looked at the screen.

Ryan again?

She hesitated, almost afraid to check.

But when she finally glanced down, she saw a different name.

Robert Mitchell.

"Robert...?"

Alexander gave her an encouraging nod.

"Go ahead. Answer it."

Emily took a deep breath and accepted the call.

"Hello, Robert—"

"Emily, sweetheart, listen to me carefully."

Something in his voice made her freeze.

Robert was usually so cheerful, even when the café was at its busiest.

But now there was none of his familiar brightness.

His voice was low and strained.

"Robert...? What's wrong?"

There was a brief silence.

Then he spoke.

"That husband of yours... He came back to the café a little while ago."