Chapter 22. The Baby That Heard Her Tears
497 Words
The days inside the De Luca mansion slowly became quieter for Elena.
Not easier.
Just quieter.
Her pregnancy continued safely while doctors visited regularly to monitor the baby’s condition. Sofia proudly acted like an expectant mother in front of everyone, already choosing nursery designs and baby clothes as if she were the one carrying the child.
Meanwhile Elena remained hidden in the background like a shadow.
But every night…
When everyone slept…
She spoke softly to the tiny life growing inside her.
Inside her small maid room, Elena sat beside the window while gently rubbing her stomach.
“Today was hard again,” she whispered softly.
Moonlight entered the room quietly as tears gathered in her eyes.
“Your father is still cold as always.”
A weak smile appeared on her lips.
“But… he works very hard.”
Every single day, Elena found herself talking to the baby like it could already hear her.
Sometimes she talked about her dreams.
Sometimes about music.
Sometimes about the peaceful life she wished she could give the child.
“You’ll probably hate me later,” she whispered one night sadly. “Because I won’t be there when you grow up.”
Her voice broke slightly.
“But please know… your mother already loves you so much.”
Meanwhile upstairs, Sofia enjoyed the attention pregnancy brought her.
At dinner parties, everyone congratulated her happily.
“The future De Luca heir.”
“You’re glowing, Mrs. De Luca.”
Sofia loved every second of it.
Only Adrian remained emotionally distant despite becoming slightly more protective about Elena’s health.
One afternoon, Elena nearly lifted a heavy flower vase while cleaning.
Adrian stopped her immediately.
“Leave it.”
Elena blinked slightly.
“I can carry it, sir.”
“I said leave it.”
His cold voice made the nearby maids freeze instantly.
Sofia frowned from the staircase while watching the interaction.
Lately, Adrian paid too much attention to Elena’s condition for her liking.
That night, Sofia entered Elena’s room angrily.
“Remember your place.”
Elena quietly stood up.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Sofia stepped closer coldly.
“You’re nothing more than a temporary carrier for my child. Stop acting comfortable in this house.”
After she left, Elena slowly sat back down on the bed silently.
Her hand rested on her stomach again.
The baby was becoming her only comfort now.
Her only reason to keep enduring everything.
Even Rosa noticed it.
“You already love this child deeply,” the old maid whispered sadly one evening.
Elena smiled painfully.
“How can I not?”
Later that same night, Elena quietly hummed an old melody while talking softly to the baby again.
The same melody she and Adrian once sang together years ago.
Unknown to her…
Adrian had paused outside her door.
Completely still.
Listening silently to her voice through the darkness.
And for the first time in years…
Fragments of forgotten memories started returning to him again.
- Writer
