Ch.96

Ch.96
Ayanna's POV

After spending five days in Paris, I asked that we return home. I missed my daughter too much.

The moment we arrived back in New York, Irene came running toward me, her little feet moving as fast as they could. I barely had time to drop my handbag before she threw herself into my arms.

"Mommy!" she squealed, hugging me tightly.

I lifted her, inhaling the sweet scent of her shampoo. "I missed you so much, baby," I whispered, holding her close.

She pouted. "I missed you more, Mommy. You and Daddy went away for so long!"

Travis chuckled beside me, ruffling her hair. "We weren't gone that long, princess."

"Yes, you were!" she huffed, then turned to me. "Grandma said I could call you, but I didn't want to disturb you. Were you having fun?"

I exchanged a glance with my mother, who stood by the doorway with a warm smile. "Of course, I had fun, but I still missed you every second," I reassured her. "Did you have fun with Grandma?"

Irene nodded excitedly. "Grandma let me bake cookies! And I helped her water the flowers. Oh, and I made you something!"

She wriggled out of my arms and dashed inside. My mother shook her head, chuckling. "She was counting down the days until you got back. Every morning, she'd ask me, 'Is today the day Mommy comes home?'"

I smiled. "I felt the same way about coming home to her."

"You both are lucky to have each other," my mother said, studying me carefully. Then, she sighed. "And you? How are you holding up?"

I knew exactly what she was referring to. She always worries about me, especially after what I had been through. But I forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom. Really."

Before she could press further, Irene came running back with a small, colorful piece of paper. "Look, Mommy! I made a drawing of us!"

I took the paper and studied it. The drawing was a little wobbly, but it was clear enough-three stick figures standing under a bright sun, holding hands. "It's beautiful, sweetheart," I said, kissing her forehead.

"Daddy, do you like it?" she asked, looking up at Travis.

Travis picked her up and twirled her around. "I love it! I think we should frame it."

Irene giggled in delight. "Yay! Mommy, let's put it in the living room!"

I laughed. "Of course, baby. We'll do that as soon as we get home."

After chatting with my mother a little longer, we finally left, heading to our house.

Every morning, I woke up to see Travis and Irene bonding, and every morning, I wished for the same thing-to give Travis another child. I knew it was impossible. He loved me, that much I was sure of, but he had missed out on Irene's early years and was trying to make up for it. I wanted to give him that chance, but I couldn't. I could never get pregnant again.

From where I sat by the pool, I watched them play. Travis must have noticed my distance because he walked over to me.

"Come on, Aya," he said, crouching beside me. "Are you okay? What are you thinking about?"

I forced a smile. "Nothing. I'm not thinking about anything. Just watching you guys. It's heartwarming to see."

He studied me for a moment. "Why don't you join us?"

I shook my head. "I'm seriously tired. That reminds me-I'm going out with Jenny later today, so I need all the energy I can get. You know how your sister is," I teased.

"Fine, fine," he sighed. "Just sit and relax. We won't bother you. But be careful when you go out-I don't want anything happening to you again." He bent down to kiss my cheek before running off to Irene, who was already pouting.

Later, I went inside to get ready for my outing with Jenny. When I was done, I came downstairs, expecting to meet just the driver, but Travis insisted that one of the bodyguards accompany me to Jenny's boutique, Fashion Nova.

Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, I was there. Jenny was standing outside, waving.

"What are you doing outside? Were you waiting for me?" I asked.

"Oh, no, no! I just walked a customer out. You happened to arrive right after she left. I saw your car from a distance and figured I'd wait," she explained.

"Okay, let's go inside," I said, following her in.

Once inside, she smiled. "I wanted to show you some designs I made for Irene's dress. And also... I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Okay... what is it?" I asked, feeling slightly uneasy.

She hesitated before blurting out, "You know, it's been almost a year and a half since you and my brother got married, but... you haven't had another baby. Do you not want more kids with him? I mean, I'm really looking forward to having a nephew."

Her question hit me like a punch. I nearly cried. But could I blame her? She didn't know. Travis had never told his family.

I swallowed hard. "It's not that I don't want to give Travis another child... It's just that I can't get pregnant."

Jenny's brows furrowed. "I don't understand. Are you taking contraceptives?"

I sighed. "Gosh, no. Were you even listening to me?"

"Sorry, sorry! Go on, I won't interrupt again," she promised, raising her hands in surrender.

I took a deep breath. "During my pregnancy with Irene, I had complications while giving birth. The doctor told me it would be impossible for me to conceive again."

Jenny's face softened. "Did you seek a second opinion?"

I shook my head. "No. I just accepted what the doctor said. I mean... it must be true, right? It's been over a year, and I haven't gotten pregnant."

"I'm not saying the doctor was wrong," Jenny said carefully. "I just think maybe you should get checked again. Just because you can't conceive naturally doesn't mean you can't have another baby."

I frowned. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"Maybe consider surrogacy?"

"Surrogacy? No, I won't do that."

She sighed. "You're misunderstanding me. The baby would still be yours-your eggs, Travis's sperm. You should at least check if you can still produce viable eggs."

I fell silent. Her suggestion wasn't bad, but... would Travis agree to it?

Realizing I had spent more time at Jenny's boutique than I had planned, I quickly gathered my things. "I need to go. I told Travis I'd be back by now."

Jenny looked concerned. "Are you leaving because of what I said? Did I upset you?"

"No, not at all. I just lost track of time," I assured her.

"Alright, let me walk you out."

"No, don't worry about it. My bodyguard is outside. I'll call you when I get home."

I rushed out of the store, rummaging through my bag for something-though I wasn't even sure what.

Then, I suddenly bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry," a voice said.

I looked up, ready to dismiss it-until I saw his face. My breath caught in my throat.

"Henry Holt?"

What was he doing here?

"Are you following me?