Chapter 8
Hazel
“Oh my goodness, look! It’s snowing outside.” I mused in excitement as I gazed through the window. I loved snow. I stroked my protruding belly gently and lovingly, feeling the gentle kicks from within. I couldn’t wait to meet my babies.
I stepped out to the balcony, the temperature had dropped, the air a little bit chilly. Still I felt warm and excited inside.
After
my divorce and rejection, I suffered severe emotional pain for a month. The pain of rejection was something I never anticipated. Even though Ethan and I weren’t fated mates, the rejection hurt deeply. Immediately after Adam dropped me off at that small hotel, that day, I went for a thorough medical test and scan. To my surprise and delight, the tests revealed two tiny heartbeats inside of me. Tears of joy welled up in my eyes as I listened to their precious heartbeats. After losing my parents, I felt utterly alone in the world, but now, I had a family of my own in the making.
I decided to leave the city and its pack life behind to start anew in a secluded small town. I knew that if I remained connected to any pack, Ethan might find me with his Alpha influence. So, I chose to go rogue, taking refuge in this tranquil town where I hoped to live peacefully with my unborn children.
Thankfully, I had enough money to sustain us, at least until I gave birth. Still, I couldn’t afford to take any chances. One evening, while strolling through the quiet streets, I spotted a job opening. My baby bump was still relatively small and hidden, so I decided to apply. This decision changed my life in ways I could never have predicted.
That’s when I met Chloe, my boss, and soon–to–be cherished friend. She welcomed me into her family’s business, a cozy cafe, and we quickly formed a close bond. Chloe soon demanded to be the godmother of the twins and offered unwavering support throughout my pregnancy, making me feel like I wasn’t alone anymore.
As the clock struck past six, I relished the beautiful view from my little home. Watching the sunset was one of my favorite pastimes, and the picturesque scenery from my window never failed to captivate me. The day was slowly turning into night, casting a warm orange glow across the room.
I heard the door open and close, signaling Chloe’s return. She entered the room with a cheerful smile and her usual playful tone.
“Hey, mama, how have you been?” Chloe said in her endearing manner, walking over to me. I smiled warmly at her and placed my hand on my belly. “How are my babies doing? You must be tired,” I said, feeling the reassuring movements from within.
Chloe chuckled and gently rubbed my belly. “Well, you’re a bit of a handful, aren’t you?” I let out a small giggle. “I’m a little exhausted, to be honest.”
My pregnancy had gone a bit longer than the usual nine months, and I was now a week past my due date. “The doctor mentioned that if the babies don’t arrive soon, they might need to induce labor,” I admitted with a small sigh.
Chloe responded with a playful scolding, “Oh, those kids. You’re so comfortable in your mom’s belly. Come out already!”
We both shared a laugh as Chloe playfully urged my unborn twins to make their grand
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entrance into the world. I couldn’t wait to hold them in my arms and shower them with all
the love I had.
Chloe’s eyes then fell on a vase of fresh flowers on the table. “Are these from Noah?” she asked, taking in the delicate fragrance.
I nodded with a fond smile. “Yes, he surprised me with these this morning.”
Chloe raised an eyebrow and teased, “He bought you flowers? That’s so cute. Someone’s getting attached,” she added, her expression suggestive.
I chuckled in response. “Noah’s a kind and gentle man, always willing to help. That’s all there is to it.”
But Chloe continued, her playful tone replaced with a hint of concern. “I know, Hazel, but don’t close yourself off to the possibility of romance. You’re still so young at just
twenty–three, and you have your whole life ahead of you. Who knows, you might even find your true mate someday.”
I sighed, my past heartbreak still fresh in my memory. “I don’t need anyone else. I have my babies, and I have you. We’ll be okay together, just us.”
Ethan had shattered my heart with his rejection. I had given up everything, followed him faithfully, only to be discarded like yesterday’s news. All that truly mattered to me now was my children; they were my anchor, my reason to keep moving forward.
Chloe, always perceptive, added, “But Noah seems to have a lot of secrets, doesn’t he?”
My curiosity was piqued. “Secrets? What do you mean?”
Chloe hesitated for a moment before sharing a surprising revelation. “He lost his mate and unborn pup in a tragic accident one snowy day!
I gasped, my eyes widening in shock. “Wait, are you serious?”
Chloe nodded solemnly. “Yes, Hazel. Noah carries a heavy burden of grief, just like you.” It all made sense the very first time we met. I had been a little clumsy, and Noah reached out, gently grabbing me, even scolding me. He was always so protective and caring.
The sadness that often clouded his eyes started to make sense. Sometimes, when he looked at me, I could see that lingering sadness. His wife had passed away while she was pregnant, which explained his sorrow. That was why he was so protective.
“He still hasn’t come to terms with her death, you know,” Chloe confided. “Noah doesn’t really belong in this small town. He’s the CEO of a company, but he met his wife here, so he returns every year. That’s how you crossed paths with him. Although I must say, he’s staying much longer than he usually does.” Chloe sighed as she spoke.
“I think
you
remind him of her. So he just wants to be sure you’re okay.” Chloe continued. I nodded in understanding. Noah, had been through a lot.
The next morning, as I strolled along, my thoughts wandered back to my conversation with Chloe about Noah. Suddenly, a sickening screech of metal pierced the peaceful morning. The world turned upside down as I found myself sprawled on the ground. My body felt weak and burdened with an unbearable heaviness. Agonizing pain tore through me, and the world blurred into a hazy, disorienting whirlwind.
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