Please Come Back, My Love novel Chapter 94

Chapter 94

Elena: POV

His lips brushed mine, gentle and careful. Always. That’s a promise.”

When he pulled back, his eyes held something I’d never seen before a fierce protectiveness that made my chest tighten.

But before I could say anything, Victoria stepped forward.

Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“Elena,” she said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. “I know this must be overwhelming for you. Finding out about the baby, having everyone here…”

She moved closer. “I just want you to know-I’ve let go of Julian. Truly. What happened between us… it’s in the past.”

Bullshit.

I watched her carefully, noting the tension in her shoulders, the way her fingers twitched at her sides like she wanted to wrap them around my throat.

‘I actually love children,” she continued, placing one hand over her heart. “Maybe we could even be friends? Start fresh?”

Friends. Right. And maybe pigs would start flying out of Fifth Avenue boutiques.

But Julian was watching us with this hopeful expression, like he actually believed Victoria’s Oscar-worthy performance.

He wants this to work. He wants his perfect little world where everyone gets along

Every instinct screamed at me to call her out, to refuse, to protect myself.

But Julian’s hand tightened on mine, warm and steady.

So I plastered on my own smile, matching Victoria’s fake sweetness with my own brand of bullshit.

“That would be lovely,” I said. “I’d like that.”

Victoria’s eyes flashed-just for a second-with pure venom. Then the mask snapped back into place.

“Wonderful,” she breathed, but the word came out strangled.

Julian stepped forward. “I’m glad you two are willing to try,” he said quietly. “It means a lot.”

Evelyn cleared her throat. “Well, I suppose we should let Elena rest. She’s been through quite an ordeal.”

Arthur nodded, patting my hand gently. “Indeed. But first-” His face grew grave. “Elena, my dear, about your mother’s decision to leave… I spoke with her this morning before we came to the hospital. I tried everything to convince her to stay–a raise, reduced hours, anything she wanted. But she was absolutely determined.”

My stomach dropped.

Finally, they left.

The hospital room fell silent except for the steady beep of monitors.

Julian turned to me, his expression softer than I’d seen it in… maybe ever.

“Two more days,” he said, settling into the chair beside my bed. “Then we can go home.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

He reached for my hand. “How are you feeling? Any pain?”

“No. I’m fine.”

“Liar. His thumb traced circles on my palm. “You’re always fine, aren’t you? Even when you’re not.”

I didn’t know how to answer that.

Julian leaned forward. “I talked to my lawyer this morning,” he said quietly. “About Catherine.”

“What about her?”

La filing a restraining order. She won’t be allowed within five hundred feet of you. And I’ve already called the board-she’s being removed from any Sterling family business dealings.” His jaw clenched. She put our child at risk. There are consequences for that.”