Billionaire Regret: Gone with Our Newborn のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 21 - チャプター 30

Evelyn's POV"Mommy?" Sophie's small voice pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. "What's wrong? You look funny."I forced my expression back to normal, smoothing down her dark hair with trembling fingers. "Nothing's wrong, sweetheart. I just have a little more work to finish up tonight."Sophie nodded seriously, as if she understood the weight of adult responsibilities. "Should I go to bed now? I can read my book quietly so you can concentrate."My heart clenched at her consideration, this beautiful child trying to be helpful even when she didn't understand the storm raging in my mind."That sounds perfect, baby."She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. "Good night, Mommy. I love you.""I love you too, Sophie. More than you'll ever know."After she disappeared into the bedroom, I sat alone in the darkening hotel suite, my hands clasped so tightly in my lap that my knuckles went white.Sophie was the only family I had left in this world. My father was go

Evelyn's POVThe familiar timbre of Sebastian's voice filled the small hotel room."Sophie? What's wrong, sweetheart?"He used the voice he reserved only for her—a soft, patient tone."Daddy!" Sophie's face lit up with pure joy at hearing his voice. "Nothing's wrong! I just wanted to ask you something super important!""Of course, darling. I'm always here to listen. What do you need?"The patience in his voice was infinite, unmarred by any hint of irritation at being interrupted during what I knew must be a busy workday. Sebastian Hawthorne, who could make grown men tremble in boardrooms, who commanded billion-dollar empires with ruthless efficiency, became someone entirely different when speaking to his daughter.I found myself leaning forward unconsciously, drawn to this version of him despite everything that had happened between us."Can we spend this weekend together? Like a real family weekend?" Sophie's request tumbled out in an excited rush. "I really, really want to!""Absolut

Evelyn's POVMy heart was pounding so hard I was certain everyone in the elegant waiting area could hear it. I kept standing up from the plush leather chair, then sitting back down, then standing again. My hands were trembling, and I found myself walking in small circles near the floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city below.This was insane. What I was planning to do was absolutely insane.But I had no choice. The desperate plan I'd conceived was the only way to ensure I'd never have to live without a child again, the only way to guarantee that some part of my future would be entirely mine. After last night, after feeling Sophie's arms around my neck and knowing she still loved me, I was more certain than ever. This was the only way. But certainty didn't stop the shame that burned in my gut as I thought about what I was about to do.The waiting area was positioned where several hallways converged, and I could feel curious eyes on me as employees passe

Evelyn's POVThe moment I stepped into Sebastian's office, I was struck by the sheer magnitude of the space and the golden afternoon light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.Sebastian stood silhouetted against the brilliant light. He was less a man and more a symbol of raw power, of generations of Hawthorne wealth. It took my breath away. The sunlight seemed to catch on every detail - the platinum threads in his dark hair, the expensive weave of his perfectly tailored suit, the subtle gleam of his wedding ring as he gestured toward a chair.I had barely taken two steps forward when his voice cut through my awestruck silence."Why do you want to resign?"The question caught me completely off guard. I stared at him, my prepared speech evaporating from my mind."Are you too tired? Is the workload too demanding?" His voice carried genuine concern, not the cold professionalism I'd expected. "If that's the case, we can discuss reassigning you to a different department. Someth

Evelyn's POVBlair swept into the office with practiced elegance. Her perfectly coiffed blonde hair caught the afternoon light, and her red lips curved into a smile that held no warmth.She paused just inside the doorway, taking in the scene before her with calculating eyes. Her gaze lingered on my position in Sebastian's chair, on the way his hands still rested at my waist."Well," she said, her voice dripping with false refinement, "what exactly is the meaning of this little display?"She moved deeper into the office with fluid grace, each step radiating superiority. She tapped a perfectly manicured nail against her designer handbag."I have to say, Evelyn," Blair continued, her voice taking on a condescending tone, "all those years pretending to be the doting housewife... you must be exhausted. Tell me, what exactly have you contributed to this marriage besides warming Sebastian's bed and spending his money?"My hands trembled slightly in my lap, but I forced myself to remain stil