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I could only watch as my best friend moved back and forth. She looked distressed, but I was starting to feel dizzy.

And to think I felt bad about being sad, but Chloé's attitude was beginning to make me desperate and uneasy.

"Chloé, stop it! Why are you so nervous?"

"My trip is approaching, I have my suitcases almost ready, but..."

"What's wrong, dear friend? You can still change your mind about the trip if you're not sure,” I say with a grimace.

"It's just that now I realize how much I'm going to miss my parents. I've never been separated from them," she says with teary eyes.

"You told me yourself it's just a five-month trip. Seize this opportunity and enjoy it," I encourage her, seeing her sad.

"You're right. With some contacts from my father, I managed to secure a teaching job. It's a language center in Canada."

"Will you be a Spanish teacher?" 

"Exactly, my friend. I'm really excited. There are people from different nationalities at that center. I think I'll learn a lot about other cultures," she says this time with a smile.

"I'm happy for you, Chloé," I give her a hug. "Alright, I'll leave you to finish packing. Remember that Gérard and I will take you to the airport."

"Thank you, dear. Take care of yourself and the little nephew," she gives my belly a kiss that makes me laugh.

Well, it seems there's no turning back. My best friend is going to Canada, and I feel quite nostalgic. Seeing her with her suitcases and ticket in hand makes me feel emptiness. I just have to smile; I don't want to cry and see her sad.

"Chloé, I'm going to miss you. Always remember to call me, no matter the time. I'll always be available," it's the most painful hug I've ever had to give. I really hate goodbyes.

"Thanks, Juliette," she reciprocates. "I love you a lot, and remember that I'll be back soon. Now promise me you'll take good care of yourself."

"Don't worry, Chloé," my husband intervenes. "I'll make sure my wife and son have everything they need. Have a safe trip."

"Thank you, Gérard. I love you both very much," she says, wiping away a tear, taking a look around.

It seems like she's looking for someone, and I think I know who it is, but that man is stubborn and determined to play with her happiness.

I just hope that when he decides, it won't be too late. Chloé is stubborn too and hates feeling unsure. She won't easily accept Vincent now.

I watch her depart and wave her off with a big smile. When she can't see me anymore, tears I can't control start flowing from my eyes.

I'm probably emotional due to the pregnancy or maybe because I really will miss my best friend.

"My little Julie, don't be sad. Chloé will be back in a few months. She needs to start enjoying new experiences in her life," my husband tells me, hugging me.

"I know that, dear, but I can't help feeling sad. I really hope she does well in Canada."

"She will, you'll see," he says, kissing my forehead.



The days went by, and Chloé told me her new apartment is a bit small but comfortable. She also mentioned that the weather is colder than in Italy, but she's not complaining for now. It's summer and the snow hasn't arrived yet.

My sister was visiting the house; we had some matters to discuss.

"Sophie, how are your classes going?"

"Pretty well, Julie," she responds with a smile. "I'm really putting in effort. I want to excel in this career. I know it's not easy, but I'm sure I can do it."

"Everything will be fine, and you have Gérard's support... well, the whole Durand family's support, after all, you're one of them."

"It's true, although to be honest, I don't feel entirely like part of the Durand family. I can't complain, Grandpa Simon treats me well. I think I should be grateful for life; now I have two families."

"That's true, and both families adore you."

"It took me a while to understand that, but now I recognize how fortunate I am," she says happily.

"So, are you planning to change your last name?"

"I guess sooner or later it'll have to happen. After all, they're my blood family, but I'll wait a bit longer. I don't want to go public as a Durand just yet."

"Why? What bothers you?"

"If people know I'm a Durand, they'll assume I'm an untalented actress, that I'm only in the industry due to family influence. I want to prove first that I have what it takes to be a great actress."

"I support you, Sophie. I believe in your talent, and I'll always be by your side, just like our parents," I give her a hug.

"Thank you, Julie."

I'm enjoying my married life a lot. My belly is getting bigger, and it's wonderful to know that a life is growing inside me. Feeling my little Claude's kicks, hearing his heartbeat during each hospital checkup is amazing. I can't wait to meet my baby.

"Are you tired?" Gérard asks me solicitously.

"A little bit. The baby keeps getting heavier."

"We'll be parents soon; the whole family is so excited."

"I know, my parents are already counting down the days until our son's birth," I say with a smile. "Sweetie, after Claude is born, I'd like to go back to work. What do you think?"

I knew it was a topic he didn't want to discuss, but Gérard is very accommodating, and I need to take advantage of that. I'm getting bored being at home.

"I support whatever decision you make. I can hire a nanny for our son's care," he says, kissing my forehead.

"Don't worry about it; my mom offered to take care of the baby. Plus, I'd feel more at ease if Mom looks after our little Claude. I'll wait a few months after his birth too; I want to enjoy my motherhood."

Time passed incredibly quickly, and there I was in the hospital, holding my tiny baby.

He's so beautiful, he looks just like his father. He's going to be a very handsome man. Becoming a mother is the best experience of my life.