Lahat ng Kabanata ng Regretful Heart: CEO's Tears Over Her Pregnancy: Kabanata 281 - Kabanata 290

Vienna’s POV"Mommy? When can I see Daddy again?"The question came so suddenly that I nearly choked on my spoonful of granola. Oliver was sitting across from me, swinging his little legs under the chair, eyes wide with innocent curiosity.He hadn’t mentioned Warren for weeks—not since Lily and the orphanage had filled his days with games, stories, and laughter. I’d been grateful for the break. But now, just like that, he brought the ache back to the surface."I… I don’t know, honey," I said gently, clearing my throat and forcing a small smile. "Daddy and I aren’t really talking at the moment."Oliver’s little face fell. "Oh…" His bottom lip jutted out in one of his signature pouts. "Can’t he come with us today? To the park?"I reached over, brushing a crumb from his cheek. "What about Lily, Bella, and Noah? They’re coming with us. You love playing with them, don’t you?"He sighed dramatically, leaning his chin into his tiny hand. "But I wanna see Daddy again. He makes funny faces. An

Vienna’s POVI was still staring at the phone, my hands trembling slightly, when Edward returned from the bathrooms."Vienna?" His voice was gentle but alarmed. "What’s wrong?"I blinked, quickly locking my phone and slipping it into my purse. "Oh, it’s nothing. Just, uh… a strange message."He frowned, pulling out his chair. "Another one? Like those photos?" His expression darkened. "What did Warren do this time?"I shook my head quickly. "No, no—it’s not him." I forced a weak laugh, but it came out hollow. "It’s just… a long story.""I have time," he said softly, his gaze steady, patient. "Tell me."Something in his tone—that calm, steady warmth—broke through my hesitation. I sighed. "It’s about Ashley."He tilted his head. "Ashley? The one we had dinner with? Who works at your bakery?""The one and only," I said grimly.He leaned back, frowning slightly. "What about her?"I hesitated before answering, glancing around the bar as if someone might overhear. "We have… history.""Histor

Vienna’s POVThe next morning, the lab team arrived right on time. A white van parked neatly in front of Petit Paris just as the sun was rising. Two technicians stepped out, Melissa among them, carrying small boxes and a clipboard.My stomach churned as I let them in through the back door. "Morning," I greeted, trying to sound bright. "Thank you for coming so early.""Of course," Melissa said warmly. "Won’t take long. We’ll just gather everyone and explain what we’re doing."By the time my team arrived, Melissa was already setting up a little testing station near the kitchen door."Morning, everyone!" she announced cheerfully. "We’re from Kingsford Diagnostics. Your manager, Vienna, has agreed to let us run a routine workplace screening for illegal substances."There was a beat of stunned silence. Then Zoey laughed. "You mean, like… we all have to pee in a cup?"Melissa smiled. "Exactly that."A few chuckles rippled through the group, but Ashley didn’t laugh. While Melissa and her pa

Ashley’s POVI stared at Vienna, unable to breathe for a moment. "Y–you’re firing me?"Her eyes were cold. "You bet I am."The paper crumpled slightly in her hand as she shoved it toward Fred. "There. See for yourself whether you really want an addict—and worse, a liar—for a fiancée."Fred blinked, his mouth parting slightly as the words sank in. Before either of us could respond, Vienna spun around and stormed back into the bakery, the door slamming shut behind her.The sound echoed in the still morning air.Fred just stood there, frozen, staring down at the sheet in his hand. The paper trembled slightly between his fingers. I could see the black letters from here—positive for amphetamines. My stomach twisted. Somehow, that lab must’ve made a mistake. Because I hadn’t touched anything, not even alcohol, since rehab."Fred…" I said softly, placing a hand on his arm. He stiffened under my touch, and didn’t look at me."Please," I whispered. "Don’t tell me you believe this."For a long

Vienna’s POVEdward showed up earlier than expected, with a mischievous grin on his face and his arms full. Flowers in one hand, a bottle of whiskey in the other."Well, you sure know how to make an entrance," I teased, meeting him at the door.He winked. "I aim to impress. I thought I’d start with your parents."My mother, Celestine, appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Oh, you must be Edward! Vienna’s told us about you.""Only good things, I hope," he said with that disarming smile, offering her the bouquet. "These are for you."Celestine practically melted on the spot. "Oh, my! Aren’t you charming? Come in, come in."My father, Harold, was more reserved but his eyes softened when Edward handed him the whiskey. "A man of good taste," Harold said, appraising the label. "You’re welcome here anytime."Edward laughed. "That’s good to hear. I’d hate to be chased off with a broom before the party even starts."Meanwhile, Oliver was tearing through the garden in hi