Chapter 31
It’s been a month since everything went down at Owen’s house. When I arrived at my grandmother’s, she already knew what had happened—she just didn’t know I was pregnant. But as always, she showered me with love and affection, welcoming both me and my baby with open arms.
She promised to take care of both of us, and having that support during such a difficult time meant everything to me.
Because leaving Ellie wasn’t easy—I loved her like a daughter.
Now that I’m carrying my own baby, I truly understand what love means.
Even though he’s still just a tiny being inside my belly, the love and the protective instinct feel exactly the same.
I started my prenatal care—my grandmother scheduled the appointment and came with me.
Ary was always by my side too. I had an ultrasound and found out I was three months along.
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t realized sooner.
I blamed myself for not paying attention, but my doctor reassured me, saying it’s completely normal to find out at this stage, especially when you’re not planning for it.
Tomorrow is my father’s hearing, and this time I’m sure he’ll get parole.
I’ll be there waiting for him. Right now I’m lying in bed, thinking about everything that’s happened over the past few months as I stroke my belly, which is starting to show a little bump.
My baby is growing healthy and strong, and I need to keep it that way.
Part of me wishes I had told Owen about the pregnancy, but after everything I heard and the way he kicked me out, I don’t regret keeping it from him. For now, I’ll raise my baby with my grandmother’s help, and hopefully my father’s too. I know I’ll tell Owen someday, but not now.
I decide to take a nap—I’ve been so sleepy and hungry lately. I smile, thinking that only pregnancy could slow me down. I’ve always been so active, never stopping, but now I’m just enjoying my little belly. Finally, sleep wins out, and I drift off.
I wake up hours later to my grandmother calling me, saying Jhon is here to talk about tomorrow. I get up, splash some water on my face, and head down to the living room, where he’s already waiting.
“How’s my favorite pregnant lady doing?”
“I think I’m the only one you know at the moment.”
“Doesn’t matter—we grew up together, so you’ll always be my favorite.”
“You’re older than me, and I haven’t forgotten how you used to call me ugly when you’d come to Dad’s company.”
We laugh together. I really was pretty ugly back then, but that phase passed and I’ve improved a lot.
“But you were ugly and looked like a boy. Then you blossomed into this beautiful, feisty little thing.”
“The only reason I’m not fighting you on that is because I’m happy about tomorrow’s hearing.”
“And that’s what I came to talk to you about. I’ll pick you up at one so we’re not late and you can get a good seat up front. The documents are all ready—I brought them for you to look over.”
“Are you sure everything will work out this time?”
“Yes, it will. This time, James is coming home with us.”
A satisfied smile spreads across my face. I miss my father so much—miss hugging him, miss knowing how he’s doing. I talked to Grandma about bringing him here to live with us. She was supportive, and once she found out I’m pregnant, she agreed without hesitation.
I take the case file and read through it carefully. Jhon is an excellent lawyer. I learned so much from him, and part of the reason I fell in love with the profession is because of how much he’s helped me. When I finish reading, I close the file and hand it back to him.
“Jhon, do you think we could investigate this accident on our own? As far as I know, Dad’s car is still in the same place.”
“What are you thinking, Amy?”
“Something doesn’t add up. My gut tells me so. I want to look into it again—at least my father’s car.”
“For that, I can get authorization and request another expert to inspect the car.”
“Do you think that’s possible?”
“Yes, but let’s wait until this all blows over. Once things calm down, I’ll file the request.”
“Thank you so much, Jhon. For everything.”
“You don’t need to thank me. I know your father—I know he’d never hurt anyone.”
“I’m so anxious about tomorrow.”
“Since you want to come with me, I’ll swing by to pick you up. I need to be there at least forty minutes early. Is that too early for you?”
“Of course not. I’ll be ready.”
“Then it’s all set. I’ll be here tomorrow at one.”
He gives me a hug, says goodbye, and leaves.
I sit on the couch, lost in thought about everything—from when my father was arrested until now.
What I went through with Owen at his house.
My pregnancy. I touch my belly, which is still pretty small, but since I’m petite, it started showing quickly.
I smile, thinking about how completely my life has changed: my father getting out of prison, and me pregnant.
Grandma comes and sits beside me, giving me that warm, loving smile she’s always had—the one that warms my heart, especially in the hardest moments.
“Is everything set for tomorrow?”
“Yes, Grandma, and I’m going with Jhon. I want to see everything up close.”
“Are you sure you want to go? We could wait for him here.”
“I’m sure. I want to see him walk out of there and be the first one to hug him. I miss him so much.”
“If you want, I can come with you.”
“It’ll be exhausting, Grandma. Ary’s coming with me, don’t worry.”
“That makes me feel better, because you know who you might run into there, right?”
“There’s no reason for him to be there. It’s just a parole hearing. Either way, I think everything’s resolved between us.”
“What about the baby? Don’t you plan to tell him?”
“He didn’t want to hear it that day, but he’s the father, so I’ll have to tell him eventually—just not now. My baby has me, you, and Dad. There’ll be plenty of love, and I can’t leave out Ary and Jhon either—they’re always by my side.”
“Oh, my dear, how I wish your mother were here to see the wonderful woman you’ve become.”
She hugs me and I feel my eyes well up with tears. Yes, I’d love for her to be here too, but I know she’s watching over us.
The day flew by. I was eager to fall asleep and wake up the next morning, so I went to bed early, as if that would make time pass faster.
I woke up naturally the next day and checked my phone—ten in the morning.
I’ve been sleeping more than usual lately.
I get up, freshen up, and head downstairs still in my pajamas.
I eat breakfast and hang out there, chatting with Grandma until the doorbell rings.
I see Ary come through the door and check the clock again—it’s time to get ready.
As I head down the stairs, I see Jhon in the living room.
Finally, the moment has come. I want to see my father walk out a free man, and I’m going to prove his innocence.