Chapter 3 - Daughter
948 Words
CLAIRE’S POV
I walked toward the exit door, my nerves a tangled mess in my chest. I was just trying to get to the car—my husband was waiting for me, but the thought of seeing him made my stomach tighten. The hospital was eerily quiet, the halls empty and still. It felt like I was walking through a ghost town, as if nothing was happening here anymore.
When I finally reached the door, Logan was parked right outside, leaning against the car. He was dressed casually in sweats and Crocs, looking oddly relaxed. Even in such an informal outfit, he was still handsome—more than I expected. But his face... it was the same as always. Hard, distant, like he was a million miles away.
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage before I moved toward him. He didn’t even bother coming inside to pick me up—I had to walk all the way out here alone. Some husband I had, I thought bitterly. I didn’t know why I had settled for him.
“Hi,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Hey,” he responded, his voice much softer than when we’d last spoken. He pulled me closer, wrapping his arm around me in a brief hug before he stopped, his hands cradling my face gently. He looked me in the eyes, his expression... something different. “You look beautiful,” he said, his voice almost tender.
Then, with a soft smile, he kissed the mole on the side of my face. It was a strange kind of affection, but it still sent a shiver through me.
The drive was silent, the only sound filling the car the soft hum of classical music playing in the background. Logan didn’t say a word, and neither did I. My mind was a whirlwind, spinning around the tattoo on my back. What did it mean? Why was it there? I couldn’t stop thinking about it, the mark that felt like a mystery I needed to solve.
I opened my mouth to speak, to ask him something, anything about what was happening, but before I could get a word out, he raised his hand. “Hold on,” he said, his tone cutting through my thoughts. “This is my favorite melody.”
He closed his eyes, lost in the music, humming along like nothing else mattered. Like what I was about to say wasn’t even worth hearing.
The pain in my chest twisted, and I felt a heat rising in my throat as I swallowed the lump that threatened to choke me.
I turned my face to the window, forcing the tears back, my fists clenching tightly in my lap. I was angry, frustrated, but there was nothing I could do. So I stayed silent, the irritation boiling inside me.
The street ahead was lined with bright lights, shining perfectly along the road. The mansions on either side were huge and impressive, with fancy gates and beautifully kept yards. Everything about this place looked expensive—shiny windows, neat lawns, and long driveways leading up to grand homes.
I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling a chill. I didn’t belong here. This street wasn’t for people like me.
Right in front of me, the Ford mansion stood tall, its lights reflecting off a black car parked in the driveway. The car’s headlights made the big house look even more powerful, like something from a dream I didn’t belong in.
Logan walked ahead, his steps were quick and confident as he headed for the door. I stayed behind, my eyes wandering over the yard, taking in everything around me. "Welcome home, Miss. Welcome home, ma'am," a few of the staff greeted as I passed. I gave a small nod, not really sure what to say, my mind was elsewhere.
"Logan, wait," I said softly, almost a whisper. My hand reached for the stairs, but my legs felt heavy, like they were fighting me. I glanced up, seeing him standing by the door, his fingers barely touching the doorknob. He was waiting, but his stillness made me feel like I had to hurry.
I was out of breath by the time I reached the top of the stairs, struggling to catch up with Logan. "Are you okay?" he asked, noticing how I was panting like I’d just run a marathon.
Before I could answer, he swung the door open with a flourish. A loud, cheerful "Welcome home!" blasted through the room, making me jump like I'd just been hit with a bucket of cold water. Inside stood a group of people I didn’t know, all grinning like they’d just won the lottery.
I froze, staring at their smiling faces, trying to figure out if I’d accidentally walked into a family reunion. As if on cue, they all started moving toward me, arms wide open.
"Welcome, honey," an older lady cooed, pulling me into a hug like I was her long-lost granddaughter.
"Welcome!" another voice chimed in, her tone so chipper it made me wonder if they handed out happy pills with the pearls.
I stood there, blinking, wondering how in the world I was supposed to handle this... without tripping over my own feet.
Then, out of nowhere, a little girl came running towards me, her tiny arms outstretched. "Mummy! Mummy! You’re home!" she screamed, her voice high-pitched and full of excitement.
I froze for a second, my heart doing a weird flip-flop in my chest. My blood seemed to rush through my veins like a flood. I wasn’t sure what to do, but then it hit me—I was a mother!
- Writer
