I Came Back As A CEO의 모든 챕터: 챕터 21 - 챕터 30

The air was thick with the scent of fresh espresso and baked bread as Jessica stepped out of Café Bliss. The paper bag in her left arm crinkled against her chest, still warm from the pastries Marina insisted she bring home. Her right hand clutched a to-go cup, steam curling lazily from the lid into the heavy city night. She took one step onto the crosswalk when a sharp hiss escaped her lips. The coffee sloshed from the lid and splattered down the front of her coat, stinging her chest and soaking through the fabric in a rush of heat. Jessica gasped, stumbling forward as she tried to steady the cup, but her knee buckled from the jolt of pain, and the paper bag slipped from her grasp. She bent to catch it, but headlights swept across her body like a spotlight. A car. Fast. Close. She froze...only for a second—but it was enough. Tires screeched. The SUV swerved hard, skidding to a stop just feet away. Its tires kissed the curb. Jessica’s heartbeat thundered in her ears

Jessica moved quickly behind the counter, sliding the cup onto the tray along with a slice of caramel cake. It was almost noon, and Café Bliss was packed. Orders kept coming in. Her legs were tired, but she had a good rhythm going. At least for now.She glanced at the receipt again. Table 7. Hot latte with oat milk, two shots of espresso. No sugar. Extra hot.She carefully balanced the tray and made her way through the crowd. Her grip was tight, her steps focused.“Excuse me,” she said softly as she passed a group of students near the counter. One of them laughed too loud, bumping into her side. Her tray jolted.She managed to keep it steady.Just a few more steps.The woman at Table 7 sat with two other people. Well-dressed, mid-30s, with sharp eyes and sharper voices. She wore a crisp white blouse and red lipstick, phone in hand, barely glancing up.Jessica offered a small smile. “Your latte, ma’am.”The moment she leaned forward to set the cup down, her foot slid on something wet.

Natalie stepped out of the elevator like she owned the place. Because, in a way, she did. Her heels clicked softly on the polished floor as she walked through the executive wing of Henderson Group. Everyone she passed greeted her with polite nods or brief smiles. No one dared to be too casual, but there was no fear either. Just respect. Measured, professional respect. She wore a muted lavender blouse tucked into high-waisted charcoal trousers, her long hair twisted into a loose knot. Everything about her was clean, deliberate, composed. Her office door opened before she even reached for the handle. Mel, her assistant, stood ready with her coffee and tablet in hand. “Your morning reports,” Mel said. “And your coffee—extra hot, half shot, no sweetener.” Natalie accepted the cup and stepped inside without breaking stride. “Thank you, Mel. Let’s keep today clean and smooth, yes?” “Yes, Ms. Mills. No interruptions until after your ten-thirty.” Natalie nodded, setting her thing

The quiet hum of late morning settled over Café Bliss. Most of the breakfast crowd had gone, and only a few regulars lingered by the windows with second cups of coffee or laptops open. Jessica liked this part of the day best, when the chaos faded and everything slowed to a rhythm she could breathe in. She wiped down the last table in the corner, humming faintly to herself. The booth had been occupied earlier, but she hadn’t had time to check beneath the cushions. As she crouched to sweep a few crumbs from the floor, her hand bumped into something hard and heavy, wedged under the seat. She paused. It wasn’t a wallet or phone. Whatever it was had a strange weight to it. Curious, she reached further under and pulled it out. A soft black cloth pouch, velvety and folded neatly at the edges. She frowned. Someone had left something important. She glanced around. No one was watching. Slowly, she unfolded the cloth. Her breath caught. It was a nameplate. Not plastic. Not steel.

Tuesday morning arrived soft and quiet, sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains as Natalie stood in front of her mirror holding a pale blue blouse against her chest. It was silk, with delicate buttons and a gentle curve at the waist. She paired it with tailored slacks, picturing herself sitting in Dr. Lee’s office, composed and glowing.

She tilted her body to the side, running her palm down her stomach. There was no bump yet, but she could imagine one. She smiled quietly to herself.

Then she sighed.

Dr. Lee’s voice from last night echoed in her mind. “Since you’re skipping the test kit and going straight to confirmation, I might need to do a transvaginal ultrasound. Wear something comfortable, something that lifts easily.”

Natalie stared at the outfit in her hands for a moment longer before gently placing it back on the bed. She stepped out of the slacks, unbuttoned the blouse, and folded them both with care.

She reached for the soft cotton dress hanging on her closet door.

As