Chapter 126

The moment Sophia stepped into the dimly lit hospital corridor, her pulse quickened.

The sterile scent of antiseptic filled the air, sharp and unforgiving.

Her fingers trembled as she clutched her coat tighter around herself.

Liam had been rushed here after the accident.

Her mind replayed the phone call—Ethan’s voice, strained and urgent.

"Sophia, it's Liam. There's been an accident."

Her breath hitched.

She rounded the corner, her heels clicking against the linoleum floor.

The waiting area was eerily quiet, save for the distant hum of a vending machine.

Ethan stood by the window, his broad shoulders tense.

He turned at the sound of her footsteps, his dark eyes shadowed with exhaustion.

Sophia didn’t hesitate.

She crossed the distance in seconds, her hands reaching for his.

"Where is he?" Her voice was barely a whisper.

Ethan exhaled sharply.

"Still in surgery."

Her stomach twisted.

Surgery meant it was serious.

She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay composed.

Liam needed her to be strong.

Ethan’s grip on her hands tightened, as if he could sense her spiraling thoughts.

"He’s going to be okay," he murmured.

Sophia wanted to believe him.

But the fear gnawing at her chest refused to ease.

Just then, the doors at the end of the hall swung open.

A surgeon in scrubs approached, his expression unreadable.

Sophia’s heart stopped.

Time slowed to a crawl.

The doctor stopped before them, his gaze shifting between her and Ethan.

"Mr. Blackwood? Mrs. Blackwood?"

Sophia’s breath caught.

She hadn’t been called that in years.

Ethan’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t correct him.

Instead, he nodded.

"How is our son?"

The doctor’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"It was touch and go for a while, but he’s stable now."

Relief crashed over Sophia like a wave.

Her knees nearly buckled.

Ethan’s arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her.

The doctor continued, his tone cautious.

"There’s something else."

Sophia’s relief evaporated.

Her fingers dug into Ethan’s sleeve.

The doctor hesitated.

Then, quietly, he said the words that shattered her world all over again.

"We found something unexpected in his bloodwork."

Sophia’s blood ran cold.

Ethan stiffened beside her.

"What do you mean?" His voice was dangerously low.

The doctor’s gaze flickered to Sophia.

Then back to Ethan.

"It appears Liam was poisoned."

I'm cleaning the house. A deep, thorough cleaning to distract myself from the whirlwind of thoughts in my head.

I still haven’t fully processed the fact that I’m pregnant.

When Ethan rejected the idea of us having another child, I had given up hope of ever giving Liam a sibling.

Now, here I am, carrying another baby—unexpected, unplanned—and I don’t even know how to feel about it.

My phone rings. Normally, I’d ignore it, but not today. Pushing everyone away hasn’t helped me.

"Hi, Amelia," I murmur, sinking onto the couch.

Lately, I’ve been exhausted. I should’ve known something was different.

"Oh my God, you actually answered!" she shrieks before her voice cracks. "I missed you. It’s been weeks."

"I’m sorry," I exhale. "I didn’t know how to handle everything, so I just… shut everyone out."

I’ve never been good with emotions. When things get overwhelming, I bury them. Pretend they don’t exist.

Because feeling them? That’s terrifying.

But I’m learning—slowly—that ignoring them isn’t the answer.

"Are you okay now?" she asks softly.

"Not completely," I admit. "But I will be."

I don’t know how yet, but I refuse to stay broken.

I still can’t believe I ever considered ending my life—and this baby’s.

This child is mine. Just like Liam is. And no matter what happens, I will be a good mother to them.

I shake my head, forcing the dark thoughts away. I don’t want to remember how low I sank.

"I’m pregnant," I whisper when the silence stretches too long.

"What?" Her gasp is sharp. "Since when?"

"A week ago."

Just like with Liam, this wasn’t planned. But that doesn’t change anything.

I wanted another child. Even if I can’t stand their father right now, that’s not this baby’s fault.

"Oh, sweetheart… congratulations," she says, surprise melting into warmth.

"You sound happy. I thought you’d be upset, considering who the father is."

"I am happy. A baby is a blessing, Sophia. And maybe… maybe this is exactly what you need to pull you through everything."

Her voice thickens.

"You were drowning. I saw it. We all did. And I think this baby has done what none of us could—pull you back from the edge."

I let her words sink in.

She’s right.

It’s because of Liam and this baby that I want to heal. That I’m finally willing to get help.

"Thank you," I whisper, my throat tight. "For not giving up on me, even when I pushed you away."

Everything makes me emotional these days.

"You’re my best friend. Of course I wouldn’t give up on you."

We talk for a while longer, shifting to lighter topics. By the time we hang up, I feel… lighter.

I hadn’t realized how much I missed her. How lonely I’d been.

I’m not fully me yet, but I’m getting there.

Exhausted, I collapse onto the sofa just as the front door swings open.

I frown. Who just walks into someone’s house without knocking?

Then I hear his voice—bright, excited—and my heart soars.

"Mommy! Mommy, I’m home!"

A grin breaks across my face as I rush toward the entryway.

"Liam!"