Claiming her babies

Monica’s POVUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

I wasn’t happy that Nicholas wasn’t at the hospital to pick me up and when I asked his driver where he was, he said Nicholas was at the office but seeing him standing here with a bouquet for me, I couldn’t help but blush.

As we walked through the front door, he glanced at me and I knew he was trying to gauge my mood. “I hope you’re feeling better,” he said, his voice low and filled with genuine concern.

I nodded, my eyes still wary but softening slightly. “A bit. I still feel pain here and there but the doctor assured me that I will get myself back.”

“I’m sorry for everything, Monica,” he said, stopping at the entrance of the and turning to face me. “I know I haven’t been the best husband, friend, or even partner, and I’ve made things difficult for you. But I want to change that. I want to make it up to you.”

I looked at him, my eyes searching his for sincerity. “Nicholas, I don’t know if words are enough anymore. I’ve been through so much, and I don’t want to get hurt again.”

“I understand,” he replied, his voice trembling slightly with a lot of emotions in his eyes, emotions I couldn’t understand. “But I’m not just saying this. I want to prove it to you. I want to be there for you and our baby. I want to be the husband you deserve.”

“Our baby? It’s my baby, not ours Nicholas. I’m not interested in this contract anymore Nicholas and till I leave this place, this baby is mine, not ours” I uttered sternly as tears welled up in my eyes, and I looked away, biting my lip.

“I understand Monica but give me a chance to prove myself. I want to be with you, Monica”

“It’s hard to believe that after everything,” I said.

“I know it is,” he said, stepping closer and gently taking my hand. “But please, give me a chance to show you. Let me earn your trust again.” Nicholas’s words made me look back at him, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and hope.

“I don’t know about that Nicholas. I can’t_”

“Please please just one chance ” Nicholas’ soft gaze melted the walls I was beginning to build around my heart.

“All right, Nicholas. I’ll give you a chance. But you have to understand, this is your last one. If you hurt me again, I won’t stay.” I uttered softly.

“I promise, Monica. I’ll do everything I can to make this work,” Nicholas uttered with a hint of determination. “Thank you,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Thank you for giving me this chance.”

I didn’t respond but stood frozen because I wasn’t expecting a kiss on my forehead. His touch lingered, leaving me both shocked and touched.

“Oh, Monica, thank goodness you’re all right,” Aunt Elsa walked towards us with her arms wide open. As soon as she reached me, she engulfed me in a warm hug. “I’m happy you’re okay, dear,” she uttered cheerfully.

“Thank you, Aunt,” I replied, a small smile forming on my face despite the tiredness inside me.

“Come, dear, I’ve prepared a lot of dishes for you,” she said, gesturing for me to follow her into the house. I glanced back at Nicholas, who gave me an encouraging nod, before following Aunt Elsa inside.

As we entered the dining room, the delicious aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air. Uncle Karl was already seated at the table, a welcoming smile on his face.

“How are you feeling, dear?” he asked warmly.

“I’m fine, Uncle,” I replied, taking a seat across from him.

“We’re both sorry for Nicholas and Greg’s behavior. Please don’t take their actions to heart, dear,” he said sincerely.

I glanced at Nicholas, who had followed us into the room and was now standing awkwardly by the door. His eyes met mine, filled with a mix of regret. It was clear he was trying to prove himself to me, but the wounds of the past still lingered in my heart.

“It’s all right, Uncle. I’m trying to move past it,” I said, offering a reassuring smile.

Aunt Elsa began serving the dishes, and the table was soon filled with an array of delicious food. “You need to eat well and regain your strength,” she said, placing a bowl of steaming soup in front of me.

As we began to eat, the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Aunt Elsa and Uncle Karl kept the conversation light and cheerful, trying to create a sense of normalcy. Nicholas, sitting next to me, occasionally glanced my way, his presence a constant reminder of the promise he had made.

“So, Monica,” Aunt Elsa said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, “tell us, what are your plans now? Honeymoon or just to stay behind or_”

I hesitated, glancing at Nicholas before answering. “I think I need some time to figure things out,” I said honestly. “It’s been a lot to process.”

“Take all the time you need, dear,” Uncle Karl said, his tone gentle. “We’re here for you.”

Nicholas reached under the table and gently squeezed my hand. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. I looked at him, and for the first time, I saw a glimpse of the man he could be-the man he wanted to be for me.

“Thank you,” he said softly and that made my heart warm slightly but I didn’t want to believe him, not now. I needed to see that he had changed. I can’t afford to get hurt again. I was tired of it.

After lunch, Aunt Elsa insisted I rest. “You’ve been through a lot, Monica. Go upstairs and lie down for a while.”

I nodded, grateful for her concern. As I made my way to the bedroom, Nicholas followed me. “Monica,” he called softly, stopping me at the foot of the stairs. “If there’s anything you need, anything at all, just let me know.”

I met his gaze, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. “I will, Nicholas. Thank you.”

As I lay down, exhaustion finally catching up with me, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things could change between us.