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Nicholas’s POV
My head leaned back against the wall, the phone still clutched tightly in my hand. It felt like two worlds were colliding in my life. On one hand, there was Sabrina who needed me more than ever, struggling with grief and uncertainty. On the other, there was Hazel, who continued demand attention and support for herself and Charlie.
Every second felt heavy, like a choice between two hearts that loved each other. I knew that Sabrina was my top priority; she was my wife. But on the other hand, Hazel was struggling too, and I felt responsible for being there for her because of Charlie.
“This isn’t fair,” I whispered to myself, feeling the weight on my shoulders grow heavier. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to find clarity amidst the chaos. What should I do? How do I deal with the guilt that was gripping me?
I knew that I had to choose wisely, but my heart and mind seemed to be fighting silently. This decision wasn’t just about me; it’s about family, love, and the future that I have to face.
I can’t go on like this.
My mind went back to Sabrina’s weak face on the hospital bed, her eyes full of pain and exhaustion. Every time I remembered it, the guilt came back to haunt me. She had fought for us, and now it was time for me to show that I could be counted on.
Then, the image of Charlie appeared in my mind, hugging Sabrina tightly, showing that he needed his mother too. Seeing both of them in such a state made my heart ache. They were the two most important people in my life, and I couldn’t let this problem ruin them.
With new determination, I knew that I had to take a bold step. I had to be by Sabrina’s side, give her the support she needed, and make sure that Charlie felt safe and loved.
I tried to convince myself. I had to focus on my family, putting aside the doubts and confusions that were bothering me.
There was no other way, I would fight for this family.
“I have to end all of this,” I muttered to myself, even though I didn’t know how yet.
With heavy steps, I left the hospital. I knew Hazel was waiting for me at home. I had to deal with this mess, but this time, I would do it with one goal in mind: to protect Sabrina and make sure Charlie didn’t lose his mother.
I tucked my phone into my pocket, ignoring the guilt that was starting to creep in. No matter what Hazel said, I had to stand my ground. Sabrina was my wife, and I wasn’t going to let anyone ruin our chance to fix things.
I arrived at Hazel’s house with a heavy head. Opening the front door, I found Hazel sitting in the living room with her arms crossed over her chest and an angry expression. Her usually well–groomed face was flushed, a sign that she had been holding in her emotions for a long time.
“You’re finally here,” she said sarcastically as I entered.
I closed the door softly, trying to keep my cool. “Hazel, this isn’t a good time. I just came from the hospital.”
“The hospital? For Sabrina, right? Why is it always her, Nicholas? Don’t you realize that Charlie is your priority?” Her voice was high, almost a scream.
I glared at her, trying to control my anger. “Charlie is my priority, Hazel. But Sabrina is also my wife. She’s sick,
+79 BONUS
and it’s serious.
Hazel stood up, stomping her foot on the floor. “Sick? Seriously? That’s just an excuse for you to keep letting her Influence you! Nicholas, you never even noticed what she dill She tried to fake Charlie away from me!”
“Stop, Hazell” 1 snapped, momentarily losing control. “Sarina never wanted to take Charlie. She just wanted to be with her son, and you know it.”
“You always defend her!” Hazel pointed at me with a finger, her voice shaking. “Nicholas, I’m Charlie’s mother too. I left my life behind to come back here for him. And you side with a woman who clearly can’t take care of Charlie!”
I leaned in closer, trying to ease the tension but my voice remained firm. “Hazel, enough. I won’t let you keep attacking Sabrina. She’s Charlie’s mother, and she has every right to be with her son.”
Hazel snorted, then folded her arms across her chest again Rights? She doesn’t even deserve it. Look, she can’t take care of herself, let alone a child.”
I was shocked by her cruel words.
I paused for a moment, trying to process Hazel’s words. In my opinion, even though she had a reason to be angry, the way she expressed her opinion felt too harsh
“Hazel, maybe we don’t know the whole story,” I said quietly. “Maybe there’s a reason behind it all.”
She stared at me with a sharp gaze. “Reason? What reason could justify such incompetence? She should have fought harder.”
I felt the tension in the air. On one hand, I understood her feelings; injustice often triggers emotional reactions. But on the other hand, I felt that there was a humanity missing from her argument.
“Everyone struggles in their own way,” I continued. “Maybe she just needs time and support. We’ve all been in tough positions.”
Hazel shook her head as if refusing to listen. “Support? That’s not enough. Children need more than sweet words.” They need stability and responsibility.”
I could feel the pain in her voice, perhaps from a personal experience she had never shared before. “I know you care about the children,” I said softly. “But we also have to remember that everyone deserves a second chance.”
She paused, her eyes softening a little. “Maybe you’re right” she said finally. “But it’s hard to watch someone not try, especially when there’s something at stake.”
We both fell silent, mulling over those words. In the silence, I realized that sometimes, understanding another person requires more than empathy; it also requires a willingness to see things from their perspective.
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319
+25 BONUS
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