Chapter 186: Eva is Born

Chapter 186: Eva is Born
Eleanor left New York far behind. She chose a small, quiet town by the coast. It was the kind of place where she could start over. Alexander kept his word about providing for her. He had arranged a beautiful house and a car before she even arrived. Eleanor used her own savings to open a small flower shop on the main street.

Her days were simple. She spent her mornings arranging flowers and her afternoons painting. It was a peaceful life. Every month, a large sum of money appeared in her bank account. Every two weeks, a private doctor would visit her for a checkup. The doctor claimed it was a town service, but Eleanor knew Alexander was behind it. She didn't fight it. It made her feel safe.

Four months passed. Eleanor’s belly grew round, and her life became a steady routine. She missed Alexander every single night, but she stayed strong. One afternoon, Eleanor was in her shop. She was trying to lift a heavy crate of lilies onto a high shelf. Her balance was off because of the baby, and the crate started to slip.

"No!" she gasped, bracing for the impact.

But the crate didn't hit her. A pair of strong arms reached over her and caught it easily. Eleanor froze. She knew that scent. She knew that feeling. She turned around and found Alexander standing behind her. He was dressed casually, without his usual expensive suit.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, her heart racing.

"I was nearby," Alexander said. "I thought I’d stop by."

Eleanor looked at the crate. "Nearby? This town is hundreds of miles from New York."

"It’s a long neighborhood," he said with a small smile.

He didn't wait for her to invite him in. He started unpacking the flowers, his movements steady. Eleanor watched him for a moment before going to the back to get him a glass of water.

"Thank you," she said, handing him the glass.

"It’s nothing." Alexander’s eyes dropped to her stomach. He looked awestruck. "Can I feel?"

Eleanor took his hand and placed it on the curve of her belly. Alexander held his breath. A few seconds later, a strong kick hit his palm. His eyes widened.

"She’s a fighter," he whispered.

"She’s been active all day," Eleanor said.

They stood there for a long time, sharing the silence. For a moment, they were just a normal couple. But then Eleanor stepped back.

"It’s getting late," she said. "I have work to do. You should go, Mr. Prescott."

The disappointment returned to Alexander’s face, but he didn't argue. He nodded and left.

Over the next two months, Alexander became a regular visitor. He always had an excuse. One day he needed a specific bouquet. The next, he wanted to read a book to the baby. Eleanor tried to stay distant, but it was getting harder to stay angry.

One evening, after Alexander had left, Eleanor was closing the shop. She spilled some water on the floor and didn't see the puddle. Her foot slipped, and she went down hard. A sharp, searing pain shot through her back.

"Help!" she tried to scream, but her voice was weak.

She felt a rush of warm fluid. She lay on the cold floor, sweat pouring down her face. She tried to reach for her phone, but the pain was too much. As the darkness started to close in, she felt a sudden fear. She didn't want to die alone.

Suddenly, the front door was kicked open.

"Eleanor!"

Alexander ran into the room. He had been sitting in his car down the street, unable to drive away. He found her in a pool of water and blood. He scooped her up and ran for the door.

Eleanor drifted in and out of consciousness. The next few hours were a blur of sirens and hospital lights. The last thing she felt was Alexander’s hand squeezing hers before she went into surgery.

When she woke up, the room was quiet. She reached for her stomach. It was flat.

"The baby!" she gasped. "Where is my baby?"

"She’s right here."

Alexander walked into the room, carrying a small bundle. He looked exhausted, but he was smiling. He sat on the edge of the bed and placed the baby in Eleanor’s arms.

"She’s perfect," Alexander whispered. "She’s a bit early, but she’s healthy. It’s a girl."

Eleanor looked down at the tiny, wrinkled face. The baby had Alexander’s nose. Eleanor burst into tears of relief.

"I was so scared," she sobbed.

"I’m here," Alexander said. "I’m never leaving again. Come back to the city with me, Eleanor. I need to protect you both. I promise I will never lie to you again."

Eleanor looked at the baby, then at Alexander. She was tired of being alone. She was tired of the silence.

"One chance," she said. "If you break my heart again, I will disappear forever."

"I won't," Alexander promised. He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

They named the baby Eva.

Four Years Later

"Daddy! Catch me!"

A tiny girl with dark curls ran across the grass and jumped into Alexander’s arms. Alexander caught her, laughing as he swung her around.

"Did you finish your painting?" he asked.

"Mama said I’m a genius!" Eva shouted.

Eleanor walked out of her studio, smiling. The last four years had been full of peace.

"She’s not a genius yet," Eleanor joked. "She almost ruined my favorite brushes. Maybe she should learn how to run a company instead."

Alexander laughed, pulling Eleanor into a hug. "You wanted her to be an artist. Now you want to give her my job?"

They were walking through the city center, heading to a bakery. Eva wanted a strawberry cake for her birthday. They were a perfect family, and people turned to look at them as they passed.

But then, Eleanor saw two figures in the distance. Her smile faded. It was Sebastian and Theodore.

Theodore had grown tall, but he looked sickly. His face was pale, and his eyes were full of a quiet anger. He didn't look like a happy child. Next to him, Sebastian looked like a ghost. He walked with a heavy limp, and his clothes were cheap and worn.

The contrast between the two families was painful. Sebastian’s eyes filled with hate when he saw Eleanor. He started to walk toward her, but Theodore grabbed his arm.

"Don't," Theodore said. His voice was cold. "Let’s just go."

Theodore looked at Eleanor for a long moment. There was no love in his eyes. He turned away, dragging his father with him. Eleanor felt a sharp pang in her chest. No matter what happened, Theodore was her son. Seeing him like this was a heavy weight.

"I’ll have someone look after him secretly," Alexander whispered, sensing her pain.

"Thank you," Eleanor murmured.

They continued to the mall, but Eleanor was distracted. While she was on the phone with a friend, she let go of Eva’s hand for a second. When she looked back, Eva was gone.

"Eva?" Eleanor called out.

She searched everywhere, her heart racing. Finally, she heard crying in the park area. She ran toward the sound and found Eva sitting on the ground, sobbing. Theodore was standing over her, shouting. He reached out his hand toward Eva’s face.

"Stop!" Eleanor screamed.

She rushed forward and pushed Theodore back, pulling Eva into her arms.

"Theodore! If you hate me, hurt me! Don't you dare touch your sister!"

Theodore looked shocked. He stared at Eleanor, his face twisting with rage.

"I hate you!" he screamed. "Dad was right. You’re a bad woman!"

He turned and ran into the crowd, leaving Eleanor standing there, trembling with grief.