Chapter 143

• In the days that followed the new projects, Charlotte found herself navigating a wave of unease that settled into her bones like an unwelcome chill. Initially dismissing the symptoms as stress from the event and the whirlwind of emotions brought on by Damien’s unexpected re-entry into her life, she tried to focus on managing the small details of her daily routine. Yet, as each day passed, the strange combination of nausea and fatigue persisted, a constant reminder that something was amiss.
• It was a rare afternoon when she found herself with a moment to breathe, the apartment quiet with the gentle hum of Leo’s afternoon nap. Charlotte leaned against the kitchen counter, absentmindedly chopping vegetables for dinner. As she turned to the stove, the scent of fish wafted up—sharp and briny—and suddenly, her stomach churned violently. The moment she realized it, the force of it took her by surprise, and she darted to the nearest bathroom, barely able to grab the edge of the sink before the contents of her stomach spilled forth in a chaotic rush.
• Once the nausea passed, Charlotte sank to the floor, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes as reality crashed down around her. The last time a fish dish had sent her running like that was during her first pregnancy—when she had been blissfully unaware but had soon discovered the little miracle growing inside her. Leo had been a surprise, a startling joy that had changed everything, and now the thought of possibly going through it all again filled her with equal parts excitement and fear.