Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 196

Eventually, Julian could only manage a quiet, "If you really don't want to go, then just stay home and rest."

Once again, her raw accusations were met with total silence. Not a single word of explanation.

The conversation ended as bitterly as expected.

Hester remained expressionless. As Julian turned to leave, she had already looked away.

She would no longer stand there watching his retreating back. She simply didn't care that he was walking away.

The sound of his car faded down the driveway.

The house fell into a deafening silence.

Hester took a deep, shaky breath, gripping the edge of the dining table as she slowly lowered herself into a chair.

She closed her eyes, massaging her temples.

Right then, a tiny, distinct flutter echoed from her lower abdomen.

It felt like a little fish blowing bubbles.

She froze.

Holding her breath, she gently placed a hand over her stomach.

Beneath her palm, the movement grew undeniably clearer.

It was the first time she had felt the baby kick.

Right after yet another exhausting fight with Julian, she felt the undeniable spark of life growing inside her.

A bittersweet ache blossomed in her chest. Her nose stung, and tears threatened to spill, but she squeezed her eyes shut, forcing them back down.

There was no reason to cry.

She had already made her choice to raise this child on her own, which meant Julian's presence shouldn't dictate her emotions anymore.

"I will." Hester paused, then added, "Lena, I'd really love some of that savory shredded pork you make. Could you fix some right now?"

"Of course! That's easy," Lena chuckled. "We've got plenty of ingredients in the fridge. Whatever you're craving, I'll make it."

Hester thought for a moment and requested a few more of Lena's signature dishes.

Seeing Hester's sudden surge in appetite, Lena felt a massive wave of relief.

It seemed Mrs. Weston was finally putting herself and the baby first.

As for Mr. Weston...

Lena let out a quiet, internal sigh.

How could a man brilliant enough to run the entire Weston Corp be so unbelievably clueless when it came to his own family?

He was damn lucky he married Hester. If it were anyone else, this household would have burned to the ground years ago.