The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 5

Suzie was silent for a moment before speaking. “I don’t want to go back to the Sterlings. I’ll stay here for the night, and tomorrow I’ll move into my own little apartment. As for work…”

“I won’t allow it,” Stella cut in. “You’re pregnant now. I can’t let you live alone.”

She stared at the small black shadow on the ultrasound scan. “It’s a baby. How amazing.”

A warm smile spread across Stella’s face before she continued, “Okay, here’s the plan. From now on, you’re living here with me. For work, you can go back to being a photographer. I told you then that you shouldn’t have given up your career, but you ran off and got married, and then you listened to him and became a full-time housewife…”

Just as Suzie was about to reply, her phone rang again from her bag. She made no move to get it.

After a long pause, the ringing stopped, only to start again.

This time, Suzie pulled the phone from her bag.

Stella leaned over. “Your so-called mother? Is she asking for money again?”

Suzie gave a quiet nod, another mocking smile on her face. Yes, her *so-called* mother. Ever since she’d learned the truth, she had told Stella everything.

About two weeks ago, she had gone to her parents’ house unannounced. In the yard, her father, David, and her mother, Margaret, were talking with their backs to her. What she overheard sent a chill down her spine.

Suzie paused, her voice remaining perfectly calm. “The Sterling family won’t starve without me. I’m busy. Goodbye.”

She hung up decisively.

Stella’s jaw dropped. “Wow, Suzie! You finally stood up for yourself! I used to think they just favored your brother, which was bad enough. But ever since I found out you’re not their biological daughter, I get even more furious thinking about how they treated you. And you just kept letting them use and bully you because you were too soft-hearted. But it’s all over now. Peace and quiet at last. From now on, you just focus on a healthy pregnancy, and when this little one arrives, I’ll help you raise them…”

After her long speech, Stella’s pace slowed, and she asked uncertainly, “I haven’t even had a chance to ask you properly… Are you sure you want to keep this baby? You don’t have to worry about money, I’ve got you covered. But being a single mom is really hard. You need to think this through carefully.”