Chapter 189 Break The Ice

Chapter 189 Break The Ice
Cora's POV

I felt frustrated watching Ellie stubbornly call for her father. I knew how smart she was; she learned everything faster than usual. However, the speed with which she recognised Spencer as her parent gave me a bittersweet feeling. 
I tried to wait, hoping she would be sleepy enough to lie down and sleep, but my efforts were in vain. I had no choice but to call for Spencer. Defeated, I wanted to leave them in the room, but I closed my eyes in disbelief when I heard Ellie calling me in the cutest voice. 
I gritted my teeth and got into bed next to her. The cosy atmosphere created by her parents' closeness made her fall asleep within minutes. I wanted to escape this situation as soon as possible, but my mind recalled when Ethan told us that Uncle Ryan wanted to join the fight on his brother's side. 
I remembered what Miss Turner said — that many people were willing to testify against Ray and that we had so much evidence — yet it still couldn't calm me down. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ellie. What would happen to her if Ray somehow succeeded on that day? What would happen to her if he could send me back to prison or make me leave again, possibly to a place where I couldn't return?
When I put Ellie into her bed and covered her up, it was the right moment to discuss this with Spencer. I moved back into bed, surprising him. When I called his name, his gaze showed hope, but I guessed he was thinking of something entirely different.
"Spencer?" I started.
"Yes," he answered.
"I've been thinking a lot since Ethan told us about Uncle Ryan."
His expression showed slight disappointment, but he didn’t stop listening. 
"What is on your mind, Cora?" 
"I don't know how this will end, but if the worst were to happen, would you take care of Ellie for me?" 
He sighed and looked into my eyes. 
"Cora, nothing will happen. They can't win this trial. That is impossible." 
"But what if they can? I mean, two wealthy and influential people together—one of them could even kill to get what he wants. How can I not worry about that?"
"Cora, we are here, and no one in the family would allow them to touch you or Ellie." 
I shook my head. "That isn't up to you. Even if everyone were around me, he managed to remove me from the family and could arrange my murder in jail. Why do you think he can't do that again?" 
Spencer shook his head. "This time, he is playing with his freedom. If he still wants to control the narrative, all we need to do is turn to the media." 
I shook my head again. "That would ruin Mum."
Spencer sighed and held my hand. For some reason, I didn’t pull away. 
"Cora, we're all here for you. Mum, too. Even if the situation hurts her, she deserves someone who truly loves and cares for her." 
I smiled slightly. "True. So, will you promise me?" 
I looked at him, and he rolled his eyes before meeting my gaze again. 
"I promise, if anything happens to you, I'll take care of Ellie." 
I nodded and glanced at Ellie. It wasn't that I needed to check on her; I didn’t want to look into his eyes any longer. I worried that it might lead me to do something I would regret later. 
"Cora?" I heard him say, so I looked at him again.
"Why did you name her Ellie?" he asked. 
I shrugged. "I don't know. I just liked the name. I even called her Ellie while she was still in my belly."
He glanced at Ellie, who was sleeping peacefully. 
"I'm so sorry, Cora. I feel terrible that you have to do this all alone."
I shrugged again. "That's not your fault."
"Yes, it is my fault," he replied, his voice filled with regret. "I'll never forgive myself for missing so much of her life. I guess this is my punishment for my mistakes."
Hearing him say that made my heart ache. I truly believed it wasn't his fault. I had something on my mind, so I picked up my phone and scrolled through the pictures before handing it to him.
The first few pictures I took were of myself; I snapped a few mirror selfies highlighting my growing belly. After that, I captured some adorable shots of Ellie as a newborn. I felt terrible about showing him pictures of the little apartment I rented in Manhattan, as it hinted at my situation. I also shared some images taken there of Ellie.
He smiled as he checked them, but I could see a deep sorrow behind that smile. "Did it hurt to give birth?"
He asked me after he finished reviewing the pictures. I chuckled. 
"Are you joking?" I asked, but Spencer didn't seem to understand. He worried that he had asked me the wrong question. 
"I thought I wouldn't survive. I had no idea it would hurt so badly," I shrugged again, "but it's worth it." Then I glanced at Ellie's sleeping figure once more. 
"Evan, taking care of a baby comes with a lot of trouble, but the moment she smiles at me, I forget all the bad things that have ever happened to me." 
Spencer smiled wider. "I know. I felt that when I was taking care of her during the few days you were in the hospital." 
I smiled back. Even though I felt the ice had broken between us, I didn't want to push it further. So, I sighed and got out of bed. I noticed the disappointment on his face, but he followed me. 
"I think it's time to join Ethan and Mum." 
"Yes," he agreed. He took one last look at Ellie before following me out. 
"Did the princess fall asleep?" Ethan asked as we settled down in the living room. 
"Yes," I answered. 
"Great," he said, then glanced at Mum. "We had a little conversation with Mum." 
"I'll talk to Miss Turner tomorrow and ask her to speak to Ryan herself. Let's see what he says when he hears the entire case from an expert." 
Spencer frowned. "Why do you think that would work?" 
Mum shrugged. "Because he's only heard about the case from one side." 
I looked at Mum, intrigued, because I sensed something was off in her tone. 
"Yes, he also told me who contacted him." 
She glanced at Spencer, who suddenly looked up in disbelief. 
"Fucking bitch!" he exclaimed.