All Chapters of HIS PAST: HIS BRIDE: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

I find my way to the doctor’s office, my heart lodged somewhere in my throat, beating so loudly it feels like it might burst out at any second and every step I take feels heavier than the last, like my legs are weighed down by fear and uncertainty. I silently pray to God, to the universe, to whatever force might be listening that the news waiting for me behind that door is good. That it’s hopeful because if it’s not… I don’t even want to imagine what comes next, I don’t think I could survive it.The hallway smells faintly of antiseptic, that sharp, clean scent hospitals never seem to lose and it does nothing to calm me, in short if anything, it makes everything feel more real, like too real.I finally get to the office and notice a desk just outside it, seated behind it is a beautiful, plump woman, her posture straight and composed and her fingers move swiftly across the keyboard in front of her, and for a brief moment, I wonder how she can look so calm in a place where lives hang in

It has been a week since the incident with Mom, and somehow, we are finally back home, safe, breathing, and trying to settle into something that almost resembles normal again.The house hasn’t been quiet for long, though and ever since we returned, it feels like the entire town has taken turns stopping by to check on her. Neighbors, old friends, distant acquaintances, people I barely even remember all coming in with concern written on their faces and food containers in their hands. It’s overwhelming, but in a strange way, comforting too, it reminds me that even in the chaos of life, we are not completely alone.Right now, Mom is resting in her room, the doctor said she needs as much peace and quiet as possible, and for once, everyone seems to be respecting that.I’m in the nursery, gently rocking Ella in my arms, trying to get her to sleep, she’s been fussy all afternoon, and the last thing I want is for her crying to wake Mom and the twins are finally bac

I place the file neatly on Tabitha’s desk, taking a brief moment to align it with the others before stepping back. Her office feels unusually still without her presence with it being too quiet, too orderly, I move toward the door, turning off the lights and locking it carefully behind me.She had traveled for an important assignment that required her presence on Monday, and ever since she left, I’ve been trying to keep things running smoothly, I’ve been dropping off files that need her signature in her office, sorting documents, and sending emails for anything that requires urgent attention. It’s only been a day, but somehow, the absence feels much longer.Work hasn’t been the same without her.I didn’t realize how much I had grown used to her constant presence until now, her frequent check-ins, her subtle but persistent way of making sure everything was in order, from her “annoying” habit of calling me into her office to discuss the smallest wor

“I didn’t realize you were in town,” I say to him when I finally gain control over my speech. For a moment there, my brain had completely short-circuited cause of all the people I expected to see tonight, Cole was not one of them. “Yeah,” he replies, his voice calm, almost too calm for the effect his presence is having on me. “I came in a few days ago.” We naturally fall into rhythm, our bodies moving like we’ve done this a thousand times before, there’s no awkwardness, no hesitation just an easy, familiar sync that feels both comforting and dangerously misleading. “Had to meet up with my older brother,” he continues, his expression shifting slightly, like there’s a weight behind his words. “And I realized he had a whole family it was just a huge mess back there.” He exhales softly before adding, “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more when your mom wasn’t fine.” His apology catches me off

I get to the hospital and head straight for the pediatric unit and my heart is pounding so hard it feels like it might burst out of my chest and the smell of antiseptic fills my nose, sharp and cold, making everything feel more real than I want it to be. My eyes scan the waiting area frantically until they land on Mom.She’s pacing, her hands are clasped together tightly, her steps quick and uneven, like she’s trying to outrun her thoughts and the sight alone sends a fresh wave of panic crashing through me.I rush toward her without thinking.“Mom, what’s going on?” I ask, grabbing her arms to stop her movement, my voice is shaking, uneven, and I can barely catch my breath.She turns to me immediately, her expression softening the moment she sees my face. “The doctor said it’s nothing serious, Bella,” she says quickly, almost like she’s trying to calm me before I completely lose it. “Sorry for spoiling your date. He’s sleeping now, I was just anxi