The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 42

Suzie pulled Stella down to sit with her, waiting anxiously for her to explain.

Stella glanced at Oliver. "Shouldn't you give us a moment?"

Oliver threw his hands up. "You've kept me out of Suzie's life for long enough. I'm not standing by and doing nothing this time."

Seeing his determination, Stella shot him an exasperated look before turning back to Suzie. "I went to see Wesley today. His mother's condition hasn't improved. He told me someone has been looking into him, and from his description, I’m sure it’s Jamie's assistant, Aaron. What's more, they started investigating before you two were even divorced. What is Jamie's problem?"

Suzie’s gaze drifted, her mind reeling. Jamie had been investigating her even then? Why? Was it because she'd sold some things and given the money to Wesley?

"Suzie, he was watching you," Stella said bluntly. "Was he afraid you'd transfer assets out of the family?"

Suzie shook her head, her thoughts a jumble. Jamie wouldn't have kept such a close eye on her for such a small amount. What was the real reason?

Oliver cut in. "Whatever his motive, for a man to secretly investigate his own wife shows a complete lack of trust. Stella's right—he doesn't love you. He only loves his grandfather and married you to obey his wishes."

He stood and moved closer to Suzie. "Suzie, Stella and I want you to think carefully about the babies. And by 'carefully,' I mean you need to ignore every other factor and just ask your heart. No matter what you choose, we will support you."

Stella nodded firmly in agreement.

Suzie looked between her two friends, the sorrow in her eyes slowly replaced by gratitude. She took a breath and said softly, "When Oliver pulled me out of the hospital, I had already made up my mind. I'm… I'm going to keep them."

"'Them'? Suzie, what are you talking about?" Stella’s eyes widened.

Suzie explained what the hospital's latest report had revealed. When she finished, Stella leaped to her feet. "What kind of useless hospital is that?! How could they make such a basic mistake? I'm going down there tomorrow and giving them a piece of my mind!"

Suzie sighed. "Stella, it doesn't matter. No harm was done. What I need to think about now is finding a job."

"How can you even think about working in your condition?" Oliver interjected. "Let me and Stella take care of you during your pregnancy."

"He's right," Stella added. "What do you mean, 'work'? You'll tire out the babies."

Stella knelt and gently patted Suzie’s stomach. "Did you hear that, little ones? Your mommy isn't going to leave you, so you have to be good and not give her too much trouble, okay?"

The gesture made Suzie laugh through her tears. "I know I can rely on you both, but plenty of expectant mothers work right up until they give birth, don't they? If they can do it, so can I. If you really want to help, I'll put together my portfolio tomorrow. You can keep an eye out for openings at different studios. That would be a huge help, alright?"

Stella waved her hand dismissively. "Absolutely not. I know how you photographers are—kneeling, crawling, doing anything to get the perfect angle. No way."

Oliver hesitated before answering. "We didn't want to tell you because we were afraid of getting your hopes up. If we couldn't find anything, you'd only be disappointed. We decided it was better to wait until we had something concrete."

Stella nodded sheepishly.

Suzie was silent for a moment before asking quietly, "So… are there any leads?"

Oliver slowly shook his head.

Suzie composed herself, her hand instinctively going to her neck. "I lost my necklace," she said sadly. "From what I remember, I've worn it since I was a little girl. I don't know if it's connected to my past."

"You mean the one you always wore?" Stella asked. "How did you lose it?"

Suzie sighed but didn't elaborate. After a moment, she continued, "Oliver, the necklace has an oval jade stone on the front and the word 'LOVE' engraved on the back. The chain was special, too—the clasp had a leopard crest on it. When you're investigating, can you see if any of those details come up?"

Oliver’s brow furrowed in thought. "I'll try to get some information from Margaret," he said after a long pause. "And as for David, the first step is to confirm whether he's your biological father. You should find a way to get a DNA test."

"Okay…"