I’m getting soft in my old age. Should’ve had them finish the job out in the woods. I hesitated because, in a way, you were like a son to me.” Elijah could barely breathe from the sheer nerve of it.
“Like a son? You actually said that? You told me for years you were trying to find my father’s killers. You said you were grieving him. And all along it was you? My mother died because of what happened too. You wrecked my life. Tell me this—why did you keep me alive when I was a child? Why pay for private schools? I knew you never loved me.
You just tolerated me.” Frank gave a bitter laugh. “At first, I spared you. And I had no idea your father had that will tucked away. Understand?
Besides, I needed the image. Raising my dead partner’s orphaned son made me look like a saint. No one suspected a thing. People respected me. Then you mentioned the will, and suddenly everything I’d built was about to land in your lap. After all those years of my work? Not a chance.
I had a clean plan. Then you escaped from that cabin because I hesitated. And it still would’ve worked if not for that foolish cab driver. First she picked you up, then she started asking questions, then she stole you out of the hospital. She ruined everything.” Elijah snapped.
“Don’t talk about Maggie that way. She’s the best person I know.
She saved my life twice. And now you’re going to answer for what you did.” Frank leaned forward and hissed, “You’re naïve, boy. I have enough connections to walk out of this mess sooner than you think.
Just wait.” But the court was not swayed, and the businessman received a severe sentence. Instead of mansions and boardrooms, Frank Caldwell would spend the rest of his life in a prison cell. At sentencing, he cursed Maggie by name, blaming her for his downfall. In his mind, it was all because one stubborn young woman had refused to look the other way.
Meanwhile, with his name cleared, Elijah took control of what was rightfully his and threw himself into work. He and Maggie became close friends and saw each other often. The truth was, the young businessman had fallen for his rescuer a long time ago. He had never met anyone like her.
He loved everything about her: her easy laugh, her freckles, her light hair, and those kind, steady eyes. But he couldn’t bring himself to say anything…
She was carrying another man’s child and was due any day. He worried that confessing his feelings would only offend her and damage the trust they had built. So instead, he took care of her in every practical way he could.
He insisted she move out of the run-down rooming house and rented her a comfortable apartment. A young mother, he said, shouldn’t be sharing a bathroom down the hall. He persuaded her to quit the cab company, since her pregnancy was becoming impossible to hide and Arman certainly wasn’t going to offer maternity benefits. Elijah covered her expenses and made sure she had everything she needed. Maggie was almost embarrassed by the attention.
“Elijah, you’re spoiling me. No one’s ever looked after me like this. Thank you. I do miss driving, though. I liked the pace of it. Sitting at home gets old.” He answered quietly, looking straight at her.
“Maggie, this is nothing compared to what you did for me. You’re the closest person I have. Just wait till the baby comes—you won’t be bored then. And for the record, I’m the one picking you up from the hospital. Will you let me be the baby’s godfather?” Maggie’s eyes filled.
“Of course. You don’t even have to ask.
You know, Elijah, when I’m with you, I feel calm. Safe. Like I’ve known you forever. Funny timing, though.” Deep down, Maggie was falling in love with him too, but she refused to let herself dwell on it.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Why would a man like him want a woman carrying somebody else’s baby? Don’t make a fool of yourself. And yet… why does he care so much? Most husbands don’t show this kind of thoughtfulness.
Is it really just gratitude? No. Stop it. We’re friends. That’s all.” She kept all of this to herself—until one day, coming back from a prenatal appointment, she ran into Lena, the nurse who had helped save Elijah.
They were both genuinely happy to see each other and ducked into a coffee shop to catch up. Lena smiled warmly at Maggie, who was now walking with the unmistakable sway of late pregnancy, and said, “Well, look at you. Pregnancy suits you. You’re glowing. So tell me—how did your little hospital heist story end?
I kept wondering what happened to you two. They hauled me into plenty of offices after that, took away my bonus, and made me write statements. But it was worth it. You should’ve seen the chief doctor’s face when he realized his well-paid patient was gone. He nearly came apart.
Then the investigators started digging, and our corrupt boss was out on the street before the week was over. He thought everyone would stay quiet, but he’d made too many enemies. He’s in prison now. Good riddance.
And me? Believe it or not, I got promoted to head nurse. So really, I ought to be thanking you.” Maggie smiled. “I’m so glad. You earned it.
I’ve thought about you a lot. Lena, sometimes I just need someone to talk to—someone who won’t judge me. And as for this pregnancy… it’s complicated. You probably wouldn’t believe it if I told you.
Elijah isn’t my fiancé, though I wish he were.” Then Maggie told her everything, starting with Ethan. Lena just shook her head. “You really are something, you know that? Throwing yourself into danger for a stranger while pregnant.
That man ought to be treating you like gold. And as for your worries, here’s my advice: stop trying to solve everything in your head. Listen to your heart. Have your baby, love your baby, and let the rest unfold. If Elijah is serious about you, the child won’t scare him off. I made a terrible mistake when I was younger—I had an abortion after a fight with a boyfriend.
I’ve regretted it ever since. Now I’m pushing thirty, no husband, no kids, and plenty of time to think about what I threw away. So believe me when I say—you’re doing the brave thing. Don’t lose your nerve.” Then Maggie said suddenly,
“Why don’t you come over sometime, Lena? I’d really like that. I’ve never had close girlfriends. But I trust you. You’re good people.
Want to be friends?” Lena lit up. “I’d love that. I’m off this Sunday. We can go look at strollers and baby clothes and just talk.” From then on, the two women became inseparable.
They always had something to talk about and quickly grew as close as sisters. So when Maggie’s contractions started in the middle of the night, Lena was the first person she called. “Lena, I’m sorry to wake you. I think it’s time. My stomach keeps tightening and letting go.
I can’t do this much longer. I’m scared. What do I do?”
