Replacement Bride Left With His Baby (Sophia and Easton) novel Chapter 17

**The Case of the Bleeding Shadows by Emma Blackwood**

**Chapter 17**

A heavy weight of guilt settled upon Sophia, wrapping around her like a suffocating blanket. She took a deep breath and turned to Mia, her voice soft yet firm as she offered a few gentle instructions. “Just keep an eye on Lucas, okay? I promise I’ll call Lucas again after work.”

With a weary sigh, she leaned back in her chair, allowing her eyes to drift shut for a brief moment. Rubbing her temples in a futile attempt to ease the tension, she reflected on how consumed she had become with her responsibilities. The whirlwind of her recent days had caused her to lose track of all the promises she had made to Lucas, each one now a ghost haunting her conscience.

Before she could dial May, a sudden notification flashed across her screen, jolting her from her thoughts: [Warm Family – Easton, Stella, and Their Child], [Easton and Stella’s Secret Love Child]. Curiosity piqued, Sophia felt an involuntary urge to click on the links. Her hand hesitated as she saw the accompanying photo—Easton, holding a small child in his arms, a scene that twisted her heart painfully.

Memories flooded back, vivid and bittersweet. She recalled the day she had learned she was pregnant, a moment filled with joy and anticipation, eager to share the news with Easton. But that happiness had been short-lived; soon after, she discovered that Stella was also expecting, with Easton right by her side, supporting her during the prenatal exam.

A wave of guilt and regret crashed over Sophia like a relentless tide. Lucas had already suffered the loss of his father; she couldn’t allow him to endure the pain of losing her as well. No matter how overwhelmed or exhausted she felt, she needed to bring Lucas home, to be present in his life, to be the mother he deserved.

Determined to shake off the negativity, Sophia closed the news page and quickly dialed May. “Hey, are you busy at the moment?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

May had just exited the courthouse when she picked up the call. “Nah, I’m all done for now. What’s up?” she replied, her tone casual.

Sophia took a breath, pushing aside her earlier worries. “Remember how I asked you to look into private kindergartens in Jenston? Any good news on that front?”

May, seated in her car, rummaged through her purse and pulled out a business card. “Yeah, don’t stress. I’ve got the contact right here,” she said, her voice brightening.

From a distance, Sophia spotted Lucas, perched atop his suitcase, being wheeled out of the VIP lane by Mia. His face lit up with a huge grin, joy radiating from him as he waved enthusiastically.

Sophia’s heart swelled with love as she hurried over, arms outstretched. She scooped Lucas up into a tight embrace, holding him close. “Lucas, I missed you so much!” she exclaimed, her voice thick with emotion.

Mia watched the touching reunion between mother and son, her own face brightening with happiness at the sight.

Together, the trio made their way out of the bustling airport lobby and into the parking lot. Just then, Easton’s car rolled up outside. Gordon, who had been about to open the door for him, caught sight of Sophia’s vehicle parked nearby.

“Mr. Foster, that’s Ms. Roth,” Gordon announced, glancing at Easton. At the sound of her name, Easton instinctively looked up, his gaze locking onto Sophia, who stood not far away, a myriad of emotions swirling in the air between them.