All Chapters of Pregnant After The Contract Ended : Chapter 171 - Chapter 180

Naomi stayed in the studio long after most of the students left.The evening sunlight entered through the tall windows and covered the room with a soft golden color. Paintings stood everywhere around her. Some were unfinished. Some were beautiful already. Some looked messy and confused.Just like life.Naomi stood quietly in front of her canvas with paint on her fingers and a small smile on her lips.For the first time in a long while, she was painting something that did not come from fear or sadness.It still carried emotion, but this time the emotion felt softer.Hope.Healing.The painting showed a woman standing near the ocean at sunrise. The sky behind her was still dark in some places, but light was slowly breaking through the clouds.Professor Evans walked past again and stopped beside her.“You changed your style a little,” he said softly.Naomi looked at the canvas.“I think I changed a little too.”He smiled gently.“That usually happens together.”Naomi laughed quietly.“Yo

The charity gala was held in one of the most expensive hotels in the city.Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Cameras flashed everywhere. Famous business people, politicians, and celebrities filled the grand hall.Valentina stood in front of a mirror while a stylist made the final adjustments to her dress.She looked beautiful.Everyone always said so.Beautiful.Elegant.Perfect.But lately, those words meant nothing to her.The reflection staring back at her looked tired.Very tired.The makeup covered it well, but she could still see it.The sleepless nights.The constant stress.The loneliness she carried inside.Her assistant smiled nervously."Everyone is already downstairs."Valentina nodded."I'm coming."As she walked toward the ballroom, she straightened her shoulders.No matter how she felt, she knew the rules.Smile.Stand tall.Pretend everything is fine.That was what people expected from an Ashford wife.The moment she entered the ballroom, cameras immediately t

The next morning, Lucas arrived at Ashford Group headquarters earlier than usual.The large glass building stood proudly in the center of the city. People often called it the crown of the Ashford Empire.To most people, it represented success.Power.Money.Influence.But lately, whenever Lucas looked at it, he felt tired.Very tired.He stepped out of his car and walked through the lobby. Employees greeted him respectfully as he passed."Good morning, Mr. Ashford.""Good morning, sir."Lucas nodded politely.Normally, he enjoyed work.Work was simple.Numbers made sense.Business deals made sense.People either accepted an offer or rejected it.But personal relationships?Those were much harder.And lately, his personal life had become more exhausting than any business negotiation.As he entered the executive elevator, his assistant hurried toward him."Good morning, Mr. Ashford."Lucas glanced at her."You look worried."The young woman forced a smile."There are... some concerns ab

The apartment became very quiet after Leo's question."I wish I could meet my father one day."Those words stayed in Naomi's heart long after they were spoken.For a few seconds, she simply looked at her son.Leo wasn't trying to hurt her.He wasn't accusing her of anything.He was only a little boy asking a simple question.A question that had been growing inside him for years.Naomi forced a small smile.Then she gently pulled him closer.Leo rested his head against her shoulder."Mama?""Yes?""Did I say something wrong?"Naomi immediately shook her head."No, sweetheart.""Then why do you look sad?"The innocence in his voice made her chest ache.She kissed his hair softly."I'm not sad."Leo looked unconvinced."You are a little sad."Naomi laughed quietly.Maybe children really did see everything."I'm just thinking.""About my father?"Naomi hesitated.Then she nodded."Yes."Leo seemed happy she answered honestly.The little boy looked down at his drawing again."I wasn't tryi

The next morning, Naomi woke up before her alarm.She lay in bed staring at the ceiling for a few moments.The competition was already underway.Somewhere in London, judges were looking at hundreds of paintings.Artists from different schools.Different backgrounds.Different countries.All hoping for the same thing.A chance.Naomi took a deep breath and sat up.She refused to spend the whole day worrying.There was nothing she could do now.The painting was already submitted.The decision no longer belonged to her.Still, a small nervous feeling remained in her chest.It was impossible to ignore completely.---At breakfast, Leo immediately noticed something."You are thinking."Naomi looked up from her coffee."What makes you say that?""You always make that face when you're thinking."Martha laughed."What face?"Leo copied Naomi's serious expression.The imitation was surprisingly accurate.Naomi groaned."I do not look like that.""You do.""I don't.""You do."Martha nearly spi