Matthew wrapped his arms around her, saying, “It’s all in the past now.


    And really, it’s not a pleasant memory, so I didn’t see the need to bring it up.


    ”


    Ste felt saddened.


    “But without you telling me, how am I supposed to know? I thought you didn’t want our rtionship tost too long, and that’s why you didn’t want a baby all this time.


    ”


    “Of course not,” Matthew assured her, cupping her face and looking deeply into her eyes.


    “I promise I’ll talk things over with you as soon as somethinges up in the future and try not to upset you again, okay?”


    Seeing Matthew’s genuine demeanor, Ste responded with a note of satisfaction, “You have to keep your promise.


    ”


    Matthew gently ki*sed her and assured, “Of course.


    ”


    With a twinkle in his eye, he inquired, “Are we good now?”


    Ste turned her head away, feeling a bit embarrassed, and admitted, “I’ll let it go this time.


    ”


    They shared a few more ki*ses before making their way downstairs.


    That evening, they all celebrated Juliette’s pregnancy.


    At dinner, Juliette nced at Matthew, who was bustling around, and then quietly asked Ste, “Everything okay with you?”


    Ste nodded, reassuring her, “It was just a little mix-up.


    We’re okay now.


    ”


    After a moment’s pause, Juliette cautiously brought up another topic.


    “About the baby… Did he exin why he was hesitant?”


    Recalling Matthew’s concerns, Ste quickly came up with a reason


    .


    “He thinks my career shouldn’t be sidelined for a baby right now.


    Plus, we want to cherish our time together, just the two of us.


    ”Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    Juliette, seeing Ste appear at ease and believing her words, felt a wave of relief wash over her.


    “Well, the decision is yours.


    ”


    While Ste and herpanions were enjoying themselves, Be was nose-deep in the emails.


    With the deadline looming, folks were dropping their submissions, so Be took the time to pick out the gems in her downtime.


    Over the years, Be found herself getting more tired and began struggling with her work.


    She was aware she needed to pass the torch on to a sessor eventually.


    Initially, she had eyed Elizabeth but it had turned out she wasn’t keen on design so she now had to scout externally.


    Amidst email scrutiny, a rap on the door interrupted Be’s focus.


    Elizabeth barged in, asking, “Mom, are you still busy?”


    Be nced up.


    “What’s the matter?”


    “Remember you said you had a headache? Well, I got you some meds from the doctor,” Elizabeth whispered, cing them on the table.