Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Elena: POV

My stomach clenched. “What did he say?”

“That he wants to try. To make this work. To be a real husband and father.” She paused, her eyes searching mine. “Is that what you want too?”

I looked down at our joined hands, noticing how thin her fingers had become. “I don’t know, Mom. Part of me thinks I’m being stupid. That nothing’s going to change. That he’s just saying what I want to hear.”

“And the other part?”

“The other part…” I swallowed hard. “The other part thinks maybe the baby deserves a chance to have both parents. That maybe I should try. One moretime.”

Josephine was quiet for a long moment. Then she cupped my face, her expression both fierce and sad.

“Listen to me,” she said firmly, though her voice was slightly breathless. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you. If you want to try with Julian, I’ll be here. If you want to leave him and raise this baby alone, I’ll be here too.”

Tears burned behind my eyes. “Thank you.”

“But Elena…” Her grip tightened slightly, and I felt the tremor in her fingers. “If he hurts you again-if he breaks your heart one more time-you have to promise me you’ll leave. For good. No more chances.”

I nodded, not trusting my voice.

“Promise me,” she insisted.

*I promise.”

She pulled me close again, and I breathed in her familiar scent-lavender and clean cotton. But underneath it, there was something else. Something medicinal that made my chest tighten with worry.

“Mom,” I said softly. “I’m going to try. Really try. To make this work. For the baby.”

“I know you will, sweetheart.” She stroked my hair with trembling fingers. “You’ve always been a fighter.”

We stayed like that until I heard the bathroom door open. Julian emerged, dressed in fresh clothes-a crisp white shirt and dark slacks. His hair was still damp, slicked back from his face.

“I hope you mean that,” she said quietly. “Because my daughter deserves better than broken promises.”

“I mean it.” Julian’s grip on my hand tightened. “I swear.”

Josephine nodded slowly, one hand pressing subtly against her side. “I’ve made a decision. I’m leaving the estate. Resigning as head housekeeper. Moving out.”

My heart stopped. “What?”

“Mom, no-” I started, but she held up a trembling hand.

“I’m getting older, Elena. And honestly? I’m tired. Tired of the politics, the drama, the constant juggling.” She looked at Julian. “No offense.”

“None taken,” he said, though his jaw was tight.

“I want to retire,” Josephine continued. “Somewhere quiet. Somewhere I don’t have to watch my daughter struggle with a family that doesn’t fully accept her.’