The chapter opens with the narrator recovering, wrapped in a comforting blanket as Tessa, a caring figure with a stethoscope, checks her vital signs and confirms she is improving steadily. The atmosphere is lighthearted, especially with Abel nearby, who is humorously focused on eating fruit but also attentive to the narrator, encouraging her to eat more. Their playful interaction highlights the warmth and support between them.
When Tessa returns with their newborn daughter, Snow, the narrator is overwhelmed with emotion, marveling at the baby’s delicate features that blend both her and Abel’s traits. Abel’s tenderness and love are evident as he offers reassurance and affection, and they share a quiet, intimate moment as new parents. The baby’s presence brings a profound sense of peace and hope after previous turmoil.
As they settle into this new chapter, Abel gently broaches the subject of marriage, and the narrator surprises him by accepting without hesitation, emphasizing that their bond was already decided. She asks for simplicity over grand gestures, wanting only to be together from now on. This heartfelt exchange reveals their deep commitment and healing after past struggles.
Their emotional reunion is interrupted by their baby’s cries, which lightens the mood and brings laughter amid tears. They acknowledge the hardships they have endured but express genuine happiness and determination to live joyfully together. The chapter ends on a hopeful note, with Abel promising to ensure their future happiness.
Chapter 395: From Now On
I leaned back against the headboard, cocooned in a warm, soft blanket that offered a comforting weight. Beside me, Tessa stood with her stethoscope casually draped around her neck, her bright smile illuminating the room as she carefully checked my vital signs.
“You’re improving with every passing minute,” she remarked cheerfully, securing the cuff around my arm one final time before studying the numbers. Her smile grew even wider.
“How do the rest of my vitals look?” I asked, holding my breath in anticipation, eager for her assessment.
“All perfectly normal,” she replied confidently.
“Really?” I echoed, surprised and hopeful.
“Absolutely!” she laughed. “It’s as if you were never sick at all. You just need to eat more, that’s all.”
A soft chuckle escaped me as I exhaled, realizing I’d been holding my breath without knowing it. “Eat more,” I repeated with a playful shake of my head.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Abel nearby, utterly devouring the fruit basket. Fruit peels were scattered everywhere, but he had carefully arranged the segments on a plate with a strange kind of order.
“I think I’ll be back to full strength in no time,” I said quietly, a faint smile tugging at my lips as I watched him.
Tessa followed my gaze and burst out laughing. “I’m sure of it—especially with him around.”
Abel glanced up mid-peel, feigning innocence. “What?”
“Make sure you spoil her rotten,” Tessa teased as she packed up her medical bag.
“I intend to,” he said without hesitation.
My cheeks warmed as he reached for another apple slice, leaning toward me and gently offering it to my lips.
“Eat more,” he echoed Tessa’s words with a teasing grin.
I laughed, accepting the fruit, its sweetness mingling with the warmth in his eyes.
Tessa zipped her bag closed and stood, still beaming. “Alright, mama,” she said warmly. “I’ll go get Snow.”
The mention of our baby made my heart skip a beat, swelling with emotion until it felt as if it might burst. I nodded quickly, running a hand through my hair to steady myself.
As soon as Tessa left, Abel stopped peeling fruit but didn’t let go of my hand. His fingers intertwined with mine, holding on tightly.
The door creaked open, and Tessa returned, cradling the tiniest bundle wrapped in a soft white cloth. My breath caught instantly.
“Here she is,” Tessa whispered tenderly.
Abel’s grip on my hand tightened as she approached.
When Tessa gently placed the baby into my arms, the world around me seemed to blur and slow. I looked down, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
She was flawless.
Her delicate face was serene, lips parted slightly as if she was already dreaming. Her hair was soft and light, the same shade I’d inherited from my mother, and her eyes held that familiar grayish-blue tint. Yet her small nose, her gentle chin, even the faint crease between her brows as she slept—all unmistakably Abel’s.
“She’s…” I began but couldn’t find the words to finish.
Abel leaned close beside me. “She’s ours,” he murmured.
Tears welled up and spilled down my cheeks as I smiled. “Yes, she really is.”
He chuckled softly. “I would’ve preferred if she looked more like you.”
I raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh, really?”
He shrugged, pretending to be disappointed, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “But I love her just like this,” he added quickly. “No matter what.”
“Even if she looked like Tyson, I’d still love her.”
“Abel!” I gasped, half laughing, half scolding.
“Sorry,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m just excited. What I mean is…”
I waited expectantly.
“I’ll love her no matter what,” he finished softly.
My smile softened even more. “I know you will.”
Tessa chuckled quietly as she edged toward the door. “I’ll leave you three alone now,” she said gently.
The door closed softly behind her, and suddenly it was just us.
The room settled into a peaceful silence, broken only by the faint rustling of blankets and the soft, steady breathing of Snow. Abel and I sat close, our heads nearly touching, eyes locked on the tiny miracle nestled in my arms.
Who would have imagined we’d arrive at this moment? After all the chaos and turmoil, this calm felt almost surreal.
Abel draped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer. His voice was low and tender when he spoke. “Have you thought about what you want to name her?”
“Hm?” I murmured, still gazing at our daughter.
“Well,” he said, brushing his fingers gently over her tiny hand, “Snow was just a nickname, right?”
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