All Chapters of After 18 Years, Mr. CEO Wants Me Back: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

The next morning, I woke up earlier than Damian. I gazed at his sleeping face, looking peaceful and calm. There was a small smile at the corner of his lips, as if he was having a beautiful dream. I smiled faintly, then got out of bed carefully. Today was my first surgery day after the drama with Charles, and I couldn't let any distractions affect my performance.I showered, put on a clean white work suit, and styled my hair neatly. In the mirror, I saw a woman who was professional, firm, and confident. There were no traces of tears or doubt from last night. Those were all masks I wore for Damian. Now, it was time to put on another mask, the mask of a competent and dedicated plastic surgeon.Damian was still asleep when I left the house. I left a small note on the kitchen table:"Gone to the hospital. Surgery today. I'll be home tonight. —A."I didn't add any sweet words or love signs. That would be too much.The drive to the hospital felt short. I drove myself, enjoying the refreshing

As we lay in bed, Damian held me from behind, his arms wrapped around my waist. I felt his steady breath on the back of my neck, and slowly he fell asleep. But I stayed awake, staring out the window at the dark night sky.I had come too far to turn back. I had played my role perfectly, and I wouldn't let Damian stop me now. If he couldn't give me what I wanted, I would find another way.Suddenly, my phone vibrated on the nightstand. I grabbed it quickly, not wanting to wake Damian. The screen showed Louis's name. I answered in a whisper."Louis? What's wrong? It's late.""Mom..." Louis's voice sounded weak and trembling. "I have a fever, really high. I'm shivering badly and I can't stop. I can't get out of bed."I sat up straight immediately, my heart pounding."Where are you? At your apartment?""Yes, Mom. I tried to take medicine but I threw up. I don't know what to do.""Stay there. I'm coming right now!" I said in a panic.I hung up and immediately shook Damian's shoulder."Damian

The next morning, sunlight began to stream through the gap in the treatment room curtains. I woke up from my uncomfortable sleeping position on the chair beside Louis's bed. My neck felt stiff and my eyes were still heavy, but I immediately became alert when I saw the scene in front of me.Damian was sitting on the edge of Louis's bed, his hand gently stroking their son's head. Damian's face looked tired, with visible bags under his eyes, as if he hadn't slept all night. His red eyes looked at Louis with genuine affection.I was silent, watching the two of them. For a moment, my heart felt strange. There was a warmth spreading in my chest, a feeling I hadn't felt in a long time. Seeing Damian being so gentle with Louis, stroking his hair so attentively, reminded me of what should have happened eighteen years ago. Damian should have been here, taking care of Louis since he was a baby. They should have had a strong father-son bond. But all of that was lost because of Damian's foolish de

After Damian had fallen into a deep sleep in our bedroom, I sat alone in the living room. My phone vibrated on the table, the screen showing my cousin's name, Reina. I answered with curiosity."Alissa? Are you still awake?" Reina's voice sounded anxious."Yes, what's wrong?" I asked."I have bad news. About Uncle Hendrik."I felt my chest tighten. Uncle Hendrik was my father's younger brother, the man who had kicked me out of the family home when I came back heavily pregnant eighteen years ago. The man who said I had brought shame to the family, that I didn't deserve to be called his niece, that I better leave and never come back."What happened to him?" I asked."He had a severe stroke. The doctor said he might not be able to walk again, and his speech is also affected. He's in the hospital now. My mother told me to let you know."I was silent, processing the news. Uncle Hendrik, the man I once respected so much, who I always considered a second father after my father passed away, wa

The drive home felt silent. I kept staring out the window, letting the city scenery pass by without really seeing it. Damian occasionally glanced at me, but he didn't try to speak. He gave me the space I needed.When we arrived home, Louis was already asleep in his room. Damian whispered to me that he would check on Louis for a moment, then he went to Louis's room. I stood in the living room, feeling a strange emptiness. All the emotions I had suppressed for years seemed to have exploded today, and I didn't know how to deal with them.I walked to the master bathroom. I turned on the faucet, letting hot water flow into the large bathtub. Steam began to rise, filling the room with warmth. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, seeing a tired woman who had been carrying a burden for too long.I took off my clothes slowly, letting them fall to the floor. I stepped into the bathtub, feeling the hot water welcome my body. I closed my eyes, trying to calm my chaotic mind.But the memories