All Chapters of Regretful Heart: CEO's Tears Over Her Pregnancy: Chapter 181 - Chapter 190

Vienna’s POVI turned around to face him. For a moment, I caught something raw and vulnerable in Raphaël’s amber eyes. A deep, heavy sadness. But then, just as quickly, he blinked it away."Hey," I said gently, trying to sound lighter than I felt. "I’ll still see you at school. And the bakery every weekend. It’s not like I’m disappearing from your life.""I know," he murmured, voice low. "But the apartment… it’s going to feel so empty without you."I swallowed hard. "Why don’t you get a new roommate?" I offered, though the words felt sharp in my own throat. The idea of someone else sleeping in my room, laughing in the kitchen, cuddling Bijou—it stung more than I expected.He gave a noncommittal shrug. "Maybe I should." His voice was quiet again, unreadable. Then, after a beat, he stepped forward, a little hesitantly. "Bye, V," he said.He pulled me into a quick, somewhat awkward hug. He kissed my cheeks in that typical French way—one side, then the other. His scent wrapped around me l

Vienna’s POVI was still reeling from the birth. It had all happened so fast, like a dream I hadn’t quite caught up to. My body ached, but my heart was overflowing. I couldn’t take my eyes off the tiny bundle curled against my chest.He was perfect. His soft, warm skin. That impossibly delicate nose. Ten minuscule fingers that curled instinctively around mine. Ten tiny toes, pink and wiggling. I kissed his downy head, inhaling his newborn scent. My son. I had a son.Zanele looked dazed—almost in awe—and didn’t say a word for a long time. Then she finally whispered, "That… that was incredible, Vienna. He came so quickly. Like he knew this world was ready for him."I gave her a grateful, exhausted smile. "I don’t even know how we made it to the hospital in time."Zanele chuckled softly. "Barely did. But somehow, it all worked out just right."Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door. It creaked open, and Célestine peeked in, her face alight with joy. Raphaël followed behind her,

Vienna’s POVAfter spending a few days in the hospital, I finally came home with little Oliver nestled in my arms. Célestine was radiant with joy, practically dancing around the house at the presence of a baby under her roof. "The sweetest blessing," she kept calling him, her eyes misting over every time she peeked into his crib.I spent most of my days in bed, wrapped in layers of soft blankets, recovering with Oliver curled against my chest. Célestine brought me everything I needed—warm meals, herbal teas, fresh juices, gentle hands, and quiet encouragement. She mothered me while I mothered him.Zanele dropped by every single day, always with a grin, arms full of notebooks, assignments, and the latest gossip from school."You didn’t miss much," she always said, then proceed to tell me everything. Her visits became a lifeline, a little bridge to the outside world while I floated in this strange, vulnerable cocoon of early motherhood.The days melted into each other—cloud nine highs

Vienna’s POVThere was a soft knock on the door."Vienna?" Fred’s voice came through, tentative and gentle. "Can I come in?"I sniffled and wiped the tears from my cheeks, forcing myself to breathe evenly. "Sure," I managed.The door creaked open, and Fred stepped inside quietly, closing it behind him. He glanced at me, then at the crib where Oliver lay sleeping peacefully. He crouched beside me. "Oh, Vienna," he whispered, his voice full of awe. "He’s perfect. My precious little nephew."I sighed. "Sorry for all the drama, brother. Not exactly the celebration I had planned."Fred sat down beside me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You don’t have to apologize for anything. Do you want to talk about it?""What’s there to say?" I muttered. "Célestine is my mother. My mother, Fred. And she knew the whole time. She looked me in the eye for months and didn’t say a damn word."Fred nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "Yeah… that’s a lot, V. You must be completely overwhelmed."

Vienna’s POV"Your mother?" I stared at Fred, incredulous. "The villa? Fred… the last time I saw her there didn’t exactly end well."He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know. But you and Oliver need a roof over your heads. And whether Eleanor likes it or not, you're family."I looked down at my sleeping baby and exhaled slowly. "She made it very clear I wasn’t welcome, remember?"Fred met my gaze, calm but firm. "Everything’s different now. You’ve had a baby. You’re exhausted. She might not be the warmest person alive, but she’s not heartless."I wasn’t so sure.Still, I gave him a slow nod, gathering the last of my strength. After finishing our drinks, we walked in silence to his car and drove through the winding roads that led to the McAllister estate. As the villa came into view, my stomach coiled with nostalgia and dread.This was where my journey in Paris had begun. And yet, the last time I saw this place, I was kicked out like trash by the woman who awaited us inside.Wh