Con

CHAPTER 28

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et weak v/madscharged fo e hospital, but also relieved to be leaving

Betve mega have a surprise for you “Dane said as he and a nurse helped me

en to the one wheelchair

looked at bin in surprise And before I could say anything, my best friend Kayla wetsed to the room with a huge sme here!” she exclaimed, rushing forward took me a quick hug Oh Ave missed you sO NICH.”

Tatared at her in disbalet “You didn’t tell me you were coming here! I thought you

Wel/worked double time to make it here earlier. And it turned out to be a good shine because look at you! You definitely need me here”

I gave her a faint smile, grateful for her friendship and concern. “The doctor said t wes/pot stressed out but I’m glad the baby’s okay*

The glad too. Well, did your pretend pregnancy termination plan work?”

Yeat Phnk so..st a little guy for lying and pretending, but it had to be done ! needed to keep Bligh away. “The stress and fatigue landed me in the hospital, but maybe it was all meant to happen.”

As they wheeled me out of the hospital, Kaya handed me a small, brightly wrapped package. “Daniel and I got you a little something.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have bothered” I said, astonished I opened the package to find a get well soon care Kit. Inside, there was a soft blanket, a scented candle, a journal, a box of chocolates, and a card signed by all my friends and colleagues. It was such a foughtful gesture, and it brought tears to my eyes

“Thank you so much, both of you,” I said, my voice choking with emotion.

Daniel smiled warmly. It’s the least we could do. We just want you to feel better.”

We headed over to my apartment, and as we walked in, I was greeted by more surprises. The apartment was decorated with balloons and streamers, and there was a delicious small coming from the kitchen.

“We thought we’d cook you a nice meal,” Kayla exclaimed, leading me to the table

ying is here without you“Dang sand apologetically. But remember

you gave me a spare key? That’s what used

is

On 2’s fre. The spot too much you germ really touched?”

thes

Isank into a chak fwding overwhelmed by her kindness. Despite everything had been though knew that with friends ke Kayla and Daniel by my side, I would be

et a sense of peace wash over me alleviating my stress and weakness, as the three of us enjoyed the delicious meal together.

So I saw Elijah and Serena at the airport,” Kayla mentioned casually, breaking the silence. But I didn’t bother saying hi I was a hurry to see you.*

I felt a pang of confusion at her words. I didn’t know what to make of it.

seems they’re leaving France already,” Kayla continued, oblivious to my confusion 1 guess they’re heading back home.”

“Oh, I see. “I didn’t know what else to say. I felt somewhat relieved that they wouldn’t be around to bother me anymore and I could finally get back to my new life.

Daniel looked glad and relieved too. He placed his hand over mine and rubbed it gently and briefly.

“So what are your plans in Paris, Kayla?” I asked, changing the subject. I wanted to veer away from the topic of Elijah. As of this moment, he was once again an insignificant thing of the past. “Are you just vacationing or is there something else you’re targeting?”

Kayla grinned. “Yes and yes! I intend to tour your campus and attend an upcoming conference for designers. So you better get well fast, so we can go together.”

After dinner, Daniel excused himself, mentioning that he had work to do. Kayla and then settled onto the sofa, feeling the heaviness of the day lift a little as we relaxed into each other’s company.

“You’ve really been through so much, Sophia,” Kayla said softly, her voice filled with empathy.

smiled weakly, grateful for her understanding. My face was paler than before, the exhaustion of the past few days and the stress of being in the hospital still evident. !

anningtentera merekee bedrestal

Passes for one layaecames with confidence Stegareneangard Chosenesses me that she would be with meeey sediteva, whether ve WETE IT USEIN he

Dus her my stone rang it was Treaks on avideo cal esting tow was the from myesssent that you were frissmaizet Pesse e forme tresive Tefore coming back to the stud

take

Tanks Soch But contintend to take to ong I want tack on ada

soon as possibe

In the background of his video, I could see some of the employess and mens free including Julia, waving at me and saying “Get well soon, Sogna” it was tu heartwarming and I couldn’t wait to get back

As I was about to say goodbye, I saw a familiar face in the distance approaching Julia Where did I meet this guy again?! Tracked my brain for a memory of him.

CHAPTER 28

+25 BONUS

“You’re Julia?” I heard him ask. “Hello, my name is Chris Baker.”

When I heard him say that, I froze. It hit me then. This was the guy who dropped by the studio recently with Elijah.

What did he want with Julia? And why was Elijah with him during that time?

Out of nowhere, a sharp pain pierced my abdomen. The color drained from my face as I dropped the phone and let out a scream