Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 231

After Willa finished packing her things, she returned to her room. She had just laid down when Randal pushed the door open.

He hesitated in the doorway for a moment before stepping inside and slowly sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Willa, let's move back to the city tomorrow. The Ridgeback Estate is too isolated."

Willa turned her head to look at him, waiting for him to finish.

He explained, "The Skyloft Penthouse is right in the city center, much closer to the hospital for your prenatal checkups. It'll be easier for you to get whatever you want to eat or buy."

Willa thought it over for a second and nodded. "Alright."

Randal visibly exhaled a sigh of relief. He sat in silence by the bed a moment longer, his hands unconsciously rubbing together. He clearly wanted to say something but couldn't quite find the words.

Willa could feel his overwhelming awkwardness and let out a deliberate yawn. "Randal, I'm tired. I want to rest."

Randal stood up immediately. "Then get some sleep."

With that, he practically bolted for the door, fleeing the room as fast as he could.

On the day they moved back to The Skyloft Penthouse, Mrs. Gable came along with them.

Randal insisted that since Mrs. Gable had experience caring for pregnant women and already knew Willa's habits, he wouldn't feel comfortable leaving her in anyone else's hands.

Just like that, the former estate housekeeper became Willa's dedicated caretaker.

Standing in the middle of the spacious living room, Willa felt a sudden wave of surrealism.

The place looked exactly as it had the day she left. Nothing had changed.

Her favorite throw pillows were still arranged on the sofa, and even the pajamas she had left behind in the guest bedroom were folded neatly on the nightstand.

She stood in the doorway of the guest room, staring blankly for a long time.

Randal approached from behind, stopping just a step away. "I'll have someone bring over the baby supplies another day," he said softly. "You can decorate the nursery however you want. It's entirely up to you."

Willa didn't turn around. She simply offered a quiet, "Okay."

Martin dropped the joking tone and looked at her seriously. "I mean it. With your looks and presence on camera, you outshine most of those influencers out there. Are you sure you don't want to consider building your own channel?"

Willa thought about it for a moment but shook her head. "Let's just focus on making good content for now. We can talk about the rest later."

What she didn't mention was that her belly was growing by the day. In two months, she wouldn't be in any shape to be in front of a camera anyway.

Martin didn't push the subject.

When she walked out of the studio, Randal was standing by the car waiting for her, just as he always did. When the wait dragged on, he inevitably succumbed to lighting a cigarette.

She walked over slowly and plucked the cigarette right from between his fingers.

Randal snapped out of his thoughts, looking slightly taken aback. "You finished early?"

"Wrapped up ahead of schedule," Willa said, crushing the cigarette and tossing it into a nearby trash can. "Smoke less from now on," she reminded him softly.

He looked at her, the corners of his lips curving up involuntarily as he replied obediently, "Okay."