Babies and Departures

Soon after I disembarked, I found my mother searching the crowd anxiously. Her

hair had turned fully white, making her look much older.

As she saw me, tears streamed down her face as she rushed over and hugged me fiercely.

"Jo… you're finally home."

My nose felt runny, and my tears nearly gushed out as my father had come too.

He smiled, but he was clearly fighting back tears too. "As long as you're home, Jo. Everything's going to be alright."

"Mom… Dad, I'm home." I hugged both of them as tight as I could, tears streaming down my face.

It had been three years since I last saw them—I had cut ties from them, traveling to that faraway city just to be with Quentin.

Even so, they didn't complain even though I was returning as a single mother, and my mother was still hugging me and gently tousling my hair.

"It's alright, Jo," she assured me with her soft voice. "It's okay for your baby to live with us without her father. We'll take good care of her from now on. You have us—no one will ever dare to hurt you."

My father nodded. "Yes, nothing is impossible for a family that stays together."

Their words left my heart overflowing with warmth, and I felt as if all the weariness that was building up for so long was quickly swept away.

We got home together, and I was about to sleep when I saw Quentin on the news.

His face was haggard, and his eyes pleading as he gripped the microphone and pleaded, "Jolin, I'm begging you, please come home.

"I've been searching for you, and I won't give up.

"I know I made a mistake—please just give me a chance to make things right, for you and our child."

I turned off the TV, impassive.

After all, I understood that when he chose to protect Kelly, all the promises he had made to me before had gone up in smoke.

Still, just as I was about to return to my room to sleep, my phone vibrated.

I picked it up and saw several messages from Kelly.

[So, you're at least smart enough to get lost.]

[Quentin and I are made for each other.]

There was also a photo captioned: [Here—check out the dinner Quentin made for me. Doesn't it look delicious?]

In the photo, Quentin had an apron around his waist, and he was smiling at her dotingly as he fed her soup.

Still, I remained unaffected as I read the messages—such provocation meant nothing to me right now.

Blocking Kelly's number, I toss my phone aside—someone as frivolous as her just wasn't worth my time.

-

After getting enough rest, I heard downstairs and quickly picked up a scent of scrumptious food wafting from the kitchen.

My mother saw me and beamed. "Come here, Jo! Let's eat."

I nodded and sat down at the dining table, while she served me a bowl of soup and said softly, "By the way, we've got you a nutritionist who will supervise your postpartum care. And since your baby is still too young, we also got a nanny. We have to make sure she grows up healthy and happy."

My father nodded solemnly. "Just focus on resting for now, since you just got home. In a few days, you can start working and familiarize yourself with the family business. It will eventually be passed down to you anyway."

Their words left my heart gushing with warmth once more.

I had once given up my career and my family for Quentin, but now, I finally understand that only my own family loved me unconditionally.

-

With my parents' help, my daughter grew up energetic and adorable, while I gradually adapted myself to the family business' operations and began to make my mark.

Naturally, the shareholders were initially skeptical of my leadership, presuming that a young woman like me would have trouble managing a company.

I didn't argue, but simply carried on quietly and proved myself with my achievements, including securing a multi-billion dollar contract abroad.

As the company raked in billions, no one dared to question me, while my career took off, my position in the company solidifying.

One day, my father called me into his study, studying me hesitantly as he said, "There's something we need to discuss…"

"What is it?" I asked, puzzled.

My father scratched his head and chuckled as he said, "Well, your mom and I found someone who we think would suit you. He comes from an illustrious family, is young, and has a promising career ahead of him.

"Anyway, your mom and I are quite satisfied with him, and we think you two should meet. If you think he's good, you can try things out with him…"

Seeing my silence, he quickly clapped a hand on my shoulder and assured me, "But don't feel pressured. You can just say no—we're just hoping that you'd have more people watching your back, so you'll have someone backing you up in the future."

I smiled wryly, not quite sure how to react.

I knew my parents were worried about me, and that I no longer believed in love after Quentin had hurt me so terribly.

They just wanted me to start over by arranging a meeting with a marriage prospect, but right now, I'd rather focus on my career.

I simply wasn't in the mood for love.

With that in mind, I smiled at my father. "Thanks, Dad, but I'm not ready to get back in the game yet. I know you have my best intentions in mind, but I'd like to move on at my own pace."

My father nodded and tousled my hair lovingly. "That's fine. You're an adult now—it's fine that you have your own opinions on things, and you have our full support as long as it makes you happy."