Book To Read
75
New York, Mia
Life in New York had resumed its bustling pace, a stark contrast to the serene tranquility of the Maldives that now felt like a distant dream. The memories of our Maldivian adventure had become an oasis in the midst of my hectic daily routine.
I had returned to my job, a career in the fast-paced world of client meetings and deadlines. However, things were different now, and I wasn’t just juggling work commitments. My belly had grown in the weeks since our Maldivian escapade, a visible sign of the new chapter in our lives.
The bump, a testament to the life growing within me, was now unmistakable. It had its own personality, nudging me gently from time to time, as if reassuring me that it was there. And with this beautiful transformation came an adjustment in my daily life.
As I finished my last client meeting of the day, I couldn’t help but heave a sigh of relief. Work had become a little more challenging now that my energy reserves were more limited. I used to be able to manage a full schedule of clients, but now I found myself having to limit the number I could see each day. My body reminded me that rest was essential, and I had to heed its wisdom.
Today had been particularly tiring. It started with an ultrasound appointment, where we got to see a glimpse of our little one on the monitor. That brief moment of connection, of seeing a tiny, moving figure, was enough to fill my heart with joy. It made the exhaustion worth it.
After the appointment, I had to rush for a quick grocery shopping session. The cravings and appetite changes that came with pregnancy meant that I had to stock up on a variety of foods. It was an adventure in itself, discovering new tastes and ensuring that I had the right ingredients to satisfy my ever-changing palate.
Then, back at work, I had two client meetings to attend. Each meeting required a level of focus and engagement that, despite my best efforts, left me feeling drained. However, the support of my colleagues and the understanding of my clients made it easier to navigate this new phase of my professional life.
Despite the exhaustion, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the way things were falling into place. Life had taken on a new rhythm, and the anticipation of meeting our little one made every challenge worthwhile.
In the midst of my busy schedule, there was one particular moment that stood out in my memory. A few days ago, Sebastian’s dad had come over for lunch. It was a simple gathering, but it held a significant weight in our hearts.
His presence seemed different, lighter and happier than before. The reason was clear the divorce had been finalized. The burden that had weighed on him for some time was now lifted, and he could move forward with a newfound sense of freedom and happiness.
As the evening approached I found myself with a growling stomach. I decided to make a quick stop at our local pizza shop. The thought of a cheesy, satisfying dinner was motivation enough to brave the bustling city streets and the gathering twilight.
I walked into the welcoming warmth of the pizza shop, greeted by the familiar scent of freshly baked dough and savory tomato sauce. The friendly staff behind the counter were hard at work, sliding pizza pies in and out of the ovens. It was the kind of place where everybody seemed to know each other’s name. I decided to get pizza for Bella too.
I placed my order for two large pizzas, one with Bella’s favorite combination of toppings and another with my own. Our shared love for pizza was one of those simple pleasures that had brought us closer together. It was a tradition that had taken root from the early days of our relationship, and it was one we cherished.RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
As the staff busily prepared our order, I had a few minutes to spare. My phone buzzed in my bag, and I fished it out to check the notification. The caller ID displayed Sebastian’s name. I smiled, thinking he was probably just checking in, maybe sharing some updates from his day.
Just as I picked up the call, the moment was interrupted by the call from the counter. I walked over to collect our eagerly awaited pizzas, phone in one hand, dinner in the other, and greeted Sebastian with a casual “Hey, what’s up?”
The moment that followed was one of eerie silence, an uncharacteristic pause in a conversation that felt disconcerting. I couldn’t help but wonder if Sebastian had dialed my number by accident, causing an accidental call.
But then his voice came through, carrying words that shattered the ordinary evening. “Your father just got released from jail.”