Chapter 77: Crossing Paths
“Mom,” Cora said softly, “it’s late. Let’s get some rest.”
Zoy blinked out of her daze and nodded. “You’re right.”
That night, Cora refused to let her sleep alone. She crawled into her mother’s bed, curling up beside her like a child again.
“Mom, you’ve looked pale all day,” she whispered. “Is it because Gary got remarried?”
Zoy’s face tightened. She didn’t answer, but she didn’t have to. Cora understood. She’d loved before too — she knew what heartbreak felt like.
“Mom…” Cora wrapped her arms around her. She’d meant to comfort her, but the words caught in her throat.
Zoy stroked her daughter’s hair. “I’ll be fine. I just need time to… adjust.” Her voice trembled, but she forced a faint smile. “When Matt broke up with you, you must’ve felt like this too, right? I should’ve understood then, Cora. I’m sorry.”
Cora’s eyes filled instantly. She didn’t even try to stop the tears this time. Yes, it hurt. God, it hurt. But the pain had passed — she had survived.
Zoy wiped her daughter’s tears and said gently, “If my daughter can be this strong, what excuse do I have to stay broken? Better to see the truth now than grow old still being dragged down by the Devs.”
Cora smiled through her tears. “I’m just glad you see it that way. Rest for a while, okay? You’ve earned it.”
“I will,” Zoy promised. Then she paused, studying her daughter. “Isn’t your next prenatal checkup soon?”
Cora placed a hand on her belly. “Yeah. Tomorrow, actually. I didn’t bring my usual doctor since I thought we’d be back already, but it’s fine — I’ll just go to the local hospital.” She frowned, glancing down. “Though… isn’t it weird that my belly still doesn’t show? I’m over three months.”
Zoy laughed softly. “I never had children myself, but I remember reading that you don’t really show until the fourth month.”
Cora let out a relieved sigh. “Good. For a second I thought I was starving the poor thing.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Zoy tapped her forehead, smiling. “Now go to sleep. I’ll go with you tomorrow.”
With her daughter beside her, Zoy’s heart felt lighter. They lay in bed trading old stories until they both drifted off.
—
When Cora woke the next morning, the other side of the bed was empty.
“Mom?”
Zoy appeared moments later — fully dressed, makeup done, hair styled. She looked radiant.
“Wow,” Cora breathed. “Mom, you look amazing.”
Zoy blushed faintly. The fitted black-and-red dress hugged her graceful figure; she looked elegant, confident — herself again.
After breakfast, Austin drove the two of them to the hospital for the checkup. The waiting area was crowded, all women and expectant husbands or in-laws.
Austin handled the registration, apologizing as he returned. “Mrs. Watson, I’m so sorry. We didn’t bring your private doctor — I know this is a step down from what you’re used to.”
Cora smiled. “Don’t apologize. It’s just a routine checkup.”
Zoy squeezed her hand. “Exactly. Once we’re back home, you can do a full one.”
They sat chatting in the waiting line, drawing curious looks. Several people assumed they were a mother-in-law, son, and pregnant wife.
By the fourth mistaken comment, Cora was laughing so hard she nearly cried.
But before she could correct anyone, a loud, too-familiar voice cut through the air.
“Cora? What are you doing here?”
She froze.
“I told you,” the man continued sharply, “don’t show up in front of me again! I’m not changing my mind!”
Cora turned slowly — and her breath caught.
Gary was walking toward them, hand protectively on the arm of a heavily pregnant woman. He wore his smugness like a crown; the woman at his side looked just as pleased with herself.
Zoy’s face drained of all color.
Austin stood up immediately. “Mrs. Watson, let’s head in. People like that aren’t worth your attention.”
Cora nodded and let him guide her, but Zoy straightened, squaring her shoulders. Her pride was all she had left.
So this is the new wife, Cora thought, eyes flicking briefly to the woman’s swollen stomach. She tugged at her mother’s sleeve — don’t engage him.
Zoy understood. Without a word, she took Austin’s place and helped her daughter inside.
Gary, meanwhile, was feeling invincible — newly married, soon to be a father, and free of his old obligations. He looked at Austin and puffed up even more.
“Why hasn’t she gone back yet?” he snapped. “She’s married! What kind of woman hangs around her mother’s place? Makes the whole Dev family look bad.”
Austin’s expression didn’t change.
Gary’s new wife tugged his sleeve, sensing the danger. “Let’s go, honey. Don’t waste time with them.”
He allowed himself to be pulled away, still muttering.
Austin watched them disappear down the hall, his lips curving faintly. He stepped aside and pulled out his phone.
“Everything in place?”
A voice answered on the other end, obsequious and confident. “Yes, sir. They’ve taken the bait.”
“Good,” Austin said evenly. “Keep it clean.”
“Of course, Mr. Watson’s orders will be done.”
He hung up, checked the time, and smiled to himself. Tomorrow, the boss comes home.
—
The checkup went smoothly.
“The baby’s growing beautifully,” the doctor said. “You can move around a little more now, but don’t overexert yourself. And—” the doctor hesitated before adding delicately, “when you’re… intimate, be gentle.”
Cora’s ears went scarlet. She nodded frantically while Zoy tried to suppress a laugh.
Still, hearing that the baby was healthy brought an unmistakable glow to her mother’s face.
—
Meanwhile, across town, Laura’s father was losing his mind — and everything else — in a smoky backroom card game.
“I don’t believe it!” he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. His eyes were bloodshot; the room reeked of alcohol and desperation.
He’d been gambling for three straight days.
Day one, he’d won big — a few grand in an hour. Greed whispered louder than sense, and he stayed. By the end of the night, every cent was gone.
He told himself he’d win it back.
Two sleepless nights later, he’d lost not only his money but also the savings his wife had begged him to deposit.
“Bad luck, pal,” said the bald man across from him, slapping down his cards with a grin. “Guess it’s just not your day.”