Mommy for Billionaire's Baby

"Not quite like that, Tasya," Evelyn said as gently as possible. She also held Tasya's hand to prevent the girl from feeling disheartened. "That's why I need information about your family background. So that we can find a solution together. Why and what's going on with your mother."

"There's nothing special about my family, Doc. Except for having a gambling-addicted dad, I don't know where that came from. At that time, Dad's travel business was thriving and never quiet. My schooling was fine. Ronan and Robin too. There was no lack in our family back then." Tasya's eyes wandered far away. It was as if she had been thrown back to a sweet moment when all five of them gathered together. What she remembered was Robin being little. She could still tease her youngest sibling because of his slightly chubby build.

"Mama was an ordinary housewife. Warm, never got angry, always welcomed Dad home no matter what condition he was in. Well... even when he was drunk. We, as kids, were always surprised when Dad came home angry. From the way he talked a bit slurred, we didn't even know he was drunk. All we knew was that dad lost in gambling. From there, what we understood was that Dad was a gambler. That's it."

Evelyn nodded. "Have you ever heard of your mom being beaten? Or receiving your dad's outbursts?"

Tasya fell silent as she dug into her memories. "Not really, Doc. Does that have any effect?"

"It does. The emotions that linger in the heart don't fade easily. At first, when they're small, over time, because they happen so often, they clump together. Like cancer, Tasya. It spreads as time goes on." Evelyn paused for a moment. Her eyes searched Tasya's gaze, which was still fixed on her. "Sometimes, the brain processes those emotions in various ways. For example, cooking, running, sports, or most often, getting angry. Now, people's anger differs. Some use harsh words, some hit, some hurt themselves, and some get trapped in their thoughts."

Tasya quickly absorbed Evelyn's words, although there were still some things she didn't quite understand.

"The emotional wounds in each person are different, Tasya. It could be because of what you went through years ago has created its own wound, right? Luckily, you have activities outside and distractions. Otherwise, I think you would definitely be depressed because of this. Is that right?"

"I think so," Tasya said softly.

"Going back to your mother's problem. Maybe because you were busy with your own activities, you didn't know what your dad did to your mom in the past. Try... asking your sibling, Tasya. Who knows, there might be something you don't know."

Tasya nodded somewhat hesitantly.

"From the data I've read, your dad has passed away?"

"Yeah, with a mountain of debt that I have to bear." And now, added to that, the words from her mother that crossed her mind; did her father really cheat? When?

Evelyn smiled sympathetically. "I guess you don't need to hear words like 'be patient' anymore, right?" As she said that, Evelyn's hand gently rubbed Tasya's back. "You're amazing. I'm proud of you."

"I thought, if I fall, what about my two siblings? I can't rely on a mother like that. Who can't accept being suddenly bankrupt."

"The symptoms should have been recognized early, Tasya."

The girl with bangs fell silent.

"It might be hard to consult because it seems like it's just like this, should you consult? Does it seem like my mother is mentally ill? Or... my mother is healthy, right? Not depressed. She just hasn't moved on from Dad's death." Tasya sighed softly in response to Evelyn's words. She slowly pulled her hand away and looked down at the tips of her shoes.

"It's okay, Tasya. I understand. It's not easy to strengthen your heart and endure. I'm sure you're a devoted child to your parents and really care about Mother Abigail."

"Do you think... my mother can recover?"

"She can," Evelyn replied quickly. Her smile widened. "It just takes a long time to heal emotional wounds. And it requires a lot of support, including you."

***

Although she was once again observing her mother through the slightly open window, Tasya felt much more relieved. Her mother sat on the edge of the bed, eating her meal. There was no more look of anger or discomfort. Just normal. As if the incident earlier had never happened.

Tasya let out a soft sigh. "I came here with the intention of talking to Mom about my engagement and upcoming wedding. I want it to be really simple, Mom." The corners of Tasya's eyes welled up. "You're in every happy moment I have. I love you so much, no matter what. I'm sorry I still can't be the child you can be proud of."

At a moment like this, a hand gently rubbed her shoulder. It was offered to her as a sign of encouragement and the best support she could receive.

"I want Mom to get well soon," she said softly, trying to ignore the conversation she had just received. It felt like a dream. Moreover, it couldn't be the owner of the hand here. As far as Tasya knew, there was an important meeting with Robert as a new client.

"Of course, she'll get better, Tasya."

Tasya was clearly startled. "Nathan?"

The man just grinned without a hint of guilt. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Tasya. Why? Don't like it when your future husband comes to pick you up?"

"Aren't you supposed to be in a meeting?"

Nathan pursed his lips for a moment. "Whose boss am I, and who remembers whose meeting schedule?"

"You should be grateful for my not-so-easily-forgetful brain."

"Come on!" Nathan exclaimed in annoyance. "You even forgot about the dress fitting when we were about to get engaged."

"I'm serious, Daddy Raptor. How did your meeting go?" Tasya was genuinely curious now.

"Postponed. Mr. Robert had some business."

Tasya was thrilled. "Reschedule?"

"Nope." Nathan put his arm around Tasya to make her feel even closer to him. While he was at the office, he couldn't shake off a feeling of unease. He didn't know why. Everything he tried to do faced obstacles. His mind was focused solely on Tasya.

It wasn't just about Olivia. His gut told him that something was up with Tasya. That's why he chose to follow her here. He was well aware of Ronan, his future brother-in-law's, departure and leave permission.

"The collaboration is off?" Tasya asked, disbelief in her eyes. She loosened Nathan's embrace slightly, just to make sure she didn't mishear. But Nathan was still Nathan. He wasn't about to let Tasya create distance between them. Instead, he held onto her even tighter.

"Nathan, this is a hospital." Tasya's eyes widened in disbelief. Nathan had gone too far.

"Who said it was a restaurant?" Nathan laughed. He gently pushed Tasya to move away from the room where he believed his future mother-in-law was being treated. Although he wasn't sure what had happened, the bandage on Tasya's hand hinted at something. He would ask Tasya about it later. He couldn't afford to lose any part of Tasya's story, no matter what it was.

"Nathan, seriously! Let go!" Tasya continued to struggle to free herself. It was quite awkward with so many people watching their closeness. Nathan wondered why he was so shameless. "Why?" Nathan still maintained his grin.

"Embarrassing, seriously!"

"You're still wearing your clothes, Tasya. I look pretty cool, though. Wearing a blazer with a tie and all. Like those drama movies Mama watches. What's that called again? Oh... I forgot." Talking to Nathan was like talking to the wind. Useless.

"Besides, I need to make sure that smile on your face is always there, Tasya. Can't have any sadness or disappointment. Even if there are those two feelings, I have to get rid of them immediately." "You're such a cheesy guy," Tasya grumbled with a hint of annoyance.

"Because to me, Tasya," Nathan disregarded Tasya's previous comment, "your smile is priceless."

"Daddy Raptor, when you go into cheesy mode, it's really something to be wary of."

Nathan burst into laughter.

"But you love me, right?"

"No!" Tasya pushed Nathan slightly.

"Just admit it," Nathan pulled Tasya closer again.

"Nathan!" If only she could slap Nathan right now, she would have done it a long time ago. All Tasya could do was pinch Nathan's waist hard.

"I love you, no matter what," Nathan grinned while wincing in pain. "You're so mean, Tasya! It hurts!"