SarahVincent pushes open the hospital's double doors, and we step out into the sunlight. I keep Bryce close to my chest as he wheels me toward his car."We will be home soon," Vincent says."Feels surreal," I murmur, watching Vincent put Bryce in his car seat.We are finally taking our baby home. I slide in next to him. Bryce's tiny hand wraps around my fingertip, and my heart does a somersault.Vincent catches my eye in the rearview mirror as we drive off, his usual confidence replaced by a silent understanding of the delicate situation we've been thrust into. We exchange a look that says, 'We can do this,' without uttering a word.The drive home was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the engine and the occasional beep from the portable monitor that now accompanied Bryce everywhere. He is still not completely stable, but just enough to go home with us.Once home, we had to turn the baby room into a mini ICU. A small oxygen tank is standing in the corner, and nasal cannulas are at the
Sarah"Vincent, you don't have to do this," I croak out as he canceled yet another one of his meetings with a client."Yes, I do," he says."No, you don't. I am fine on my own. Jennifer is here and...""Sarah, stop," he says, his voice firm yet lined with a tenderness that wasn't part of his usual attitude. He smooths back the hair sticking to my forehead. "You need me here."I open my mouth to protest once again, but the piercing intensity in his eyes brings me to a halt. It's the same unwavering look he always gives when he has made up his mind about something, leaving no room for argument."Your health is still fragile," Vincent insists, flashing a warm smile that sends a rush of warmth through my chest, "You need someone here to take care of you.""I know, but Jennifer is already here. She can help with Bryce, and Sophia said she can come over too. You don't have to leave your office just to be here with me," I retort.Even though I am overjoyed to have him by my side, there is a
SarahI glance at my phone as it buzzed, a piece of cookie halfway to my mouth. The screen flashes with Vincent's name, and a grin tugs at my lips before I even read the message."Meet me in the garden. Now."I've been ready for this promised date ever since Bryce had settled down with his Nanny. But Vincent told me to be patient and wait for his signal.What is Mr. grumpy up to this time?I step inside the garden, and there he is—Vincent, looking dapper in a charcoal suit that hugged his shoulders just right, his dark hair neatly combed, yet one rebellious lock insists on falling over his brow. That mischievous smile played on his lips, the one that told me he was up to something wonderfully ridiculous."Vincent," I say, feigning exasperation. "What is all this?" In front of me is a table set for two, draped in a white linen cloth that fluttered slightly in the evening breeze. Candles flickering in the dimming light. A bottle of what I assumed was expensive wine chilled in a bucket
VincentThe moment the call comes in, I know there's no time to waste. I snatch my car keys and dash toward the car.When I finally skid into the warehouse parking lot, it feels like stepping onto the set of some disaster movie.Smoke covers the sky with a threatening shade of gray, the kind you'd associate with foreboding or bad omens.I flinch at the sight. There are firetrucks everywhere, with firefighters fighting to put the blaze out."Mr. Sterling! Over here!" someone calls out, but their voice is barely audible through crackling flames and commanding shouts.Nathan is by my side within minutes, his face ashen."Status report," I demand, my voice steady despite the adrenaline tap-dancing through my veins."Northeast corner's compromised, but we've contained most of the blaze to the south wing," he quickly briefs me."Evacuation?" My eyes scan for exits, for signs that my people are safe."Complete, but you've got a couple of injuries," he adds."Show me."He leads me over to whe
Vincent"Alright, everybody, drop what you're doing. Meeting, now," I bark into the phone. My fingers drum impatiently on the desk, and urgency knotting in my stomach. The warehouse fire incident isn't just a blip—it's a five-alarm problem screaming for attention.I stride into the meeting room and wait for all my staff to get together."Listen up," I start, my gaze sweeping over the sea of faces. We've got a situation—a serious one. Someone deliberately set fire to the warehouse."A faint gasp ripples through the crowd."I reviewed the security footage with Hal earlier. There was a man, his face obscured, who broke into the warehouse through a side door right before the fire started. He knew the code and disabled the alarm. This was calculated," I say, looking around the room.Murmurs ripple around the table as the staff exchange uneasy glances.I clear my throat before continuing. "I've asked you here because I need your help. You all know our operations inside and out. If anyone ha
SarahSix days until Christmas. Oh god, I'm so excited!Bryce is now two months old, and he looks healthier than ever despite being so small. The little guy has brought so much joy into our lives, and this will be his first Christmas. I can't wait to see his reaction to the lights and the decorations!I am running around the house, adding final touches to the decorations. In two months, I also regained my health, feeling stronger and more energized each day.I take a moment to admire the scene, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. After everything we've been through recently, this moment of peace feels even more precious.I walk over to the crib where Bryce is lying, watching the mobile spin slowly above him. His big eyes are wide with wonder, and he coos softly."Hey there, buddy," I whisper, leaning down to gently stroke his tiny hand. "Ready for your first Christmas?"Bryce's fingers curl around mine, and I can't help but smile.I feel a presence behind me, but I don't turn ar
Vincent"Humph!"Sarah mutters under her breath, but I hear it clearly.My lips quirk into a mischievous grin as I revel in her obvious discontent.Meanwhile, Lucy remains blissfully unaware of Sarah's disapproval, flashing a toothy smile my way."Vince! Oh, it's so good to see you again. I've missed you," Lucy says.She had rushed towards me, wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace earlier right in front of Sarah.Oh, boy. I'll be in trouble later.Jennifer's daughter Lucy towered over Sarah, her long and slender frame accentuated by the ash blonde locks cascading down her back. Her piercing light grey eyes seemed to radiate an intense energy.Right now, we are all sitting in the living room. Jennifer served us coffee and some snacks so we can catch up with Lucy."My god, Vince. I can't believe you got married. And to someone so...young at that," Lucy says, looking at Sarah."I am not that young," Sarah nearly barks, her tone defensive and her eyes narrowing.Lucy raises an eye
SarahI scowl as I see Lucy striding toward me in the garden.Should I pretend like I didn't see her and walk back inside the house?No, that's just silly. Besides, I have no reason to be this hostile to her. She hasn't done anything to me to deserve such treatment. If anything, it's my insecurity that's the real problem!"Sarah! Hi!" She says cheerfully as she finally caught up with me."H-hi," I say, holding Bryce pressed against my chest. He is finally able to breathe without oxygen tube and is healthy enough to see some sunlight. So I had him wrapped inside one of those baby slings so I can walk with him in the garden.Lucy's grey eyes warm as she looks at Bryce. "Oh my goodness, he's adorable! How's he doing?""He's doing great," I reply, my initial tension easing a bit. "He's come a long way.""I'm so glad to hear that," Lucy says, her smile warm and genuine. "You must be so relieved.""I am," I admit, my voice softening. "It's been a tough few months, but seeing him like this m