NovelBookFitch stood motionless, his gaze locked onto the incubator that cradled his child, oblivious to the commotion building in the hallway just outside the room. The source of the noise was unmistakable: it was the uproarious Sharon Haskins.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSharon had been doggedly trying to set Fitch up on blind dates, only to be rebuffed each twith his claim of being already married. To date, Sharon had never met Fitch's wife or even laid eyes on a marriage certificate. The rumor mill had recently churned out tales of Fitch's frantic search for someone amidst a raging wildfire.
The whispers and inquisitive chatter revealed a tragic truth: Zoey, Fitch's wife, had perished in the inferno, and word had it that she'd left behind a child for Fitch.
"Fitch, are all those rumors true? You really have a child?" Sharon's voice was laced with concern. "I heard the baby was premature, with health issues, even a heart problem. Listen to me, you're still young. There will be plenty of women for you in the future. Zoey was just a chapter in your life, a veil over your eyes. We don't need her or this child. I'll find you a suitable wife, someone who can give you a healthy baby." Fitch's transformation over the years had been profound. Once the epitof discipline and strength, he now seemed engulfed in a silent obsession, as if he had no interest in anyone's words.
At the sound of Sharon's speech, he lifted his head, his gaze so firm it sent her reeling backward.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Mom, Zoey is the woman whose nis alongside mine on a marriage certificate, and that child shares my blood. I can't just abandon them. Don't ever speak of this again; I don't want to hear it. Zoey is my only wife, and if she's gone, I will never marry again." Sharon nearly fainted at his words. Fitch, still so young, was speaking of eternal bachelorhood. Had he lost his mind? "You're crazy!" she exclaimed, pointing a finger at him that quickly retracted under the weight of his steadfast stare.
"You're just speaking out of hurt because you haven't found Zoey yet. Give it a few days, and you'll see. There are plenty of women like Zoey, easily replaceable. She chose to have your baby without anyone begging her to. Just think of how many women in Greenfield would leap at the chance to bear your children. Zoey was lucky to have had this opportunity; she probably thought so herself. So feel no burden; it was a blessing for her." Unable to tolerate more, Fitch's face darkened. "Never speak of this in my presence again." Sharon, despite sensing no threat, felt an unfamiliar fear of her son. She had always known him to have his own mind, rarely swayed elders and he had managed Haskins' family business with 1.no unwavering competence. Recognizing his resolve, Sharon felt her energy wane.
"Ah, what curse has befallen our family? Now there's a sickly child to care for. Who knows how much effort it'll take, or if the child will even survive, especially being Zoey's offspring..." "If you dislike this child, I will not return to the Haskins family, nor will I bring him around. Please leave, Mom." Sharon thought he was joking until two bodyguards appeared before her.
As the guards escorted her firmly out, Sharon realized Fitch was serious about raising the child on his own.
With Sharon gone, a tranquil silence enveloped Fitch once more. He turned to the doctor beside him. "What are the chances my child will live?" "The baby needs to stay in the incubator for another two months. If there are no complications, you can take him home. But be mindful of his heart condition." Fitch nodded, his eyes tenderly fixed on the incubator.
The baby had to live. Without him, Fitch couldn't fathom the point of going on.
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