บททั้งหมดของ Pregnant By My Ex-Boyfriend's Father: บทที่ 51 - บทที่ 60

Two weeks with a newborn was both the longest and shortest two weeks of my life.The days blurred together. Feed Luna. Change Luna. Try to sleep when Luna sleeps. Repeat every two hours."I haven't showered in three days," I told Victoria, who'd stopped by with groceries."You look... tired.""That's a polite way of saying I look like death.""You look like a new mom. Which is basically the same thing." She peered at Luna sleeping in the bassinet. "How's she doing?""Perfect. Eating well. Growing. The pediatrician says she's thriving." I yawned. "I, on the other hand, am barely surviving.""Where's Dad?""Conference call. He's been taking half-days to help, but the company needs him.""The company can wait. You need him more.""I know. But someone has to keep Sterling Corporation running."Victoria pulled out her phone. "I'm texting him. He's coming home. Now.""Victoria—""Don't argue.

The university lecture hall held two hundred students.I stood backstage, Luna in Alexander's arms, having a mild panic attack."I can't do this. What was I thinking?""You were thinking you're an expert in literacy intervention. Which you are.""I haven't taught in months. What if I forgot everything?""You didn't forget. You're just nervous." He kissed Luna's head. "Tell Mama she's going to be amazing."Luna yawned, completely unbothered."Even she thinks this is a bad idea.""She's four weeks old. She thinks everything is a bad idea except milk and sleep."Dr. Morrison appeared. "Bella! Ready?""Not even slightly.""You'll be fine. These students are here because they want to learn from you. Your work on phonemic awareness in at-risk populations is groundbreaking.""That research was two years ago—""And it's still relevant. Now go out there and remind everyone why you're brilliant."

October arrived with crisp air and difficult decisions.James had been in therapy for seven months. Consistent. No public outbursts. No threatening messages. Just regular, respectful updates."He's doing well," his therapist Dr. Morrison said during a phone call Alexander had arranged. "Genuinely engaged in treatment. Taking his medication consistently. Processing his behaviors and their impact on others.""Is he ready to meet Luna?" Alexander asked."I believe so. But with clear boundaries. Supervised visit. Limited time. And you maintain full control—if anything feels wrong, you leave."After the call, Alexander looked at me. "What do you think?""I think I'm terrified.""Me too."Luna was four months old now. Sitting up with support. Laughing. Babbling constantly. So trusting, so innocent."What if he hurts her?""We'll be right there. Victoria will be there. Catherine will be there. He won't get a chance."

Luna's half-birthday arrived with a milestone I wasn't ready for.Solid foods."She's ready," the pediatrician had said at her six-month checkup. "Start with single-ingredient purees. Rice cereal. Sweet potato. Banana.""But she's still so little.""She's sitting up unassisted. Showing interest in food. Grabbing at your plate. Those are readiness signs."So there we were, Luna in her high chair, a bowl of sweet potato puree in front of her, and me armed with a tiny spoon."Ready, baby girl? First food that's not milk!"Alexander had his phone out. "This is going in the baby book."I offered Luna a small spoonful.She grabbed the spoon, smeared sweet potato all over her face, and laughed."I don't think she understands the concept," I said."Give her time. Try again."Second attempt: sweet potato in her hair.Third attempt: sweet potato on me.Fourth attempt: actual sweet potato in her m

Rosa was right.At nine and a half months, Luna took her first independent steps.I almost missed it.I was in my home office, grading papers, when I heard Alexander shout."BELLA! GET IN HERE! NOW!"I ran to the living room, heart pounding. "What's wrong? Is she okay?"Alexander pointed. Luna stood in the middle of the room, wobbling slightly, ten feet from the couch."She let go," he said, voice shaking. "And she's just... standing there."We both held our breath.Luna looked at us. Looked at the couch. Looked at her feet.Then took one step.Two steps.Three steps.She fell on her bottom, looking surprised."DID YOU SEE THAT?" Alexander was crying. "She walked! She actually walked!"I was crying too. "Get your phone! We need to record this!"For the next hour, we coaxed Luna to walk again and again. Each time, she managed a few more steps before tumbling down."S