A series of knocks interrupted her thoughts.
“Come in,” Sadie said, turning to look at the entrance.
Alex appeared, his arms laden with fruits and health supplements. “Sadie, how are you holding up? Feeling any better?” he inquired, his gaze laden with concern.
“I’m feeling much better, Alex. Thanks for all your support these days.” Sadie took a seat on the sofa and motioned for Alex to join her.
“It’s nothing. Being there for each other is what friends do.”
After placing the items on the coffee table, Alex settled into a chair opposite her. “What are your plans moving forward?”
“I’m determined to restart my career in design,” Sadie replied, her eyes shining with resolve.
“You’ve always been passionate about design, yet…” Alex paused, aware of the sacrifices Sadie had made for Noah.
“Let me stop you there,” Sadie cut in. “I’ve given it a lot of thought. I can’t continue sacrificing my own dreams for the sake of others.”
“But, at the moment, you…” Alex expressed his concern with a furrowed brow. “Do you have enough money? It takes significant funds to start over.”
“I’ve got it covered.” Sadie pulled out a sleek black card from her purse and laid it on the table.
“What’s this?” Alex inquired, looking confused.
“Nigel gave me this,” she explained.
Just then, Alex’s phone began to buzz.
Noah left a missed call and a voice message for Alex, inquiring if there was any update on Sadie.
Alex’s fingers tightened around his phone, but he chose to keep Sadie’s situation to himself. He returned the bank card to the table and looked at Sadie with a cool expression.
“Alright. Since you’ve decided, proceed. And remember, I’m here if you need assistance.”
“Thank you, Alex,” Sadie responded, her gratitude clear.
“Think nothing of it. We’re friends,” Alex replied, mustering a smile as he stood to leave. “I’ll let you rest now, Sadie. Take care. I’m off.”
“Okay.” Sadie rose to escort him to the door.
Once Alex departed, Sadie retreated to her room, where she gathered her drawing board and pencils. She inhaled deeply, her eyes filled with determination.
This was her moment to prioritize her own life.
She resolved to revive her passion for design. Sadie’s pencil flew across the paper, bringing her innovative ideas to life. Engrossed in her work, she sketched tirelessly, channeling all her prior disappointments and frustrations into her art.
As the days passed, Sadie finalized her portfolio. She then sent her resume to Majestic Ego, the most prestigious design firm in Cairhienen.
Before long, an invitation for an interview landed in her inbox. On the day of the interview, Sadie donned a sleek, professional outfit and strode into Majestic Ego with confidence.
During the interview, she passionately explained her design philosophy while showcasing her portfolio. Her evident talent and enthusiasm won over the interviewers, who offered her the job immediately.
Thus, Sadie embarked on a new career path with Majestic Ego.
Three years later.
Standing by a floor-to-ceiling window, Sadie gazed out at the lively night lights of Cairhienen. Despite the beauty before her, her attention was elsewhere. She gripped a black pen tightly, her fingers tense and pale. Her face conveyed a turmoil of emotions, and she was lost in thought.
“Sandra, Averi is awake.”
A soft knock on the study door interrupted the quiet, followed by the gentle voice of Nina Welch, the nanny. Startled from her reverie, Sadie set the pen down and moved toward the door.
“Coming,” she replied softly, a tender smile breaking across her face. She opened the door to find her young son, dressed in cartoon pajamas, sleepily calling out, “Mommy.”
Overcome with affection, Sadie quickly approached and lifted her son into a warm embrace.
“My sweet boy, did you have a good nap?” Sadie asked, planting a kiss on Averi Hudson’s rosy cheek.
Averi wrapped his arms around Sadie’s neck, nestling closer. “I did, Mommy. Can you hold me?”
Sadie smiled and scooped her son up, walking him over to the living room sofa. “Just watch some cartoons for a little while, Averi. I need to go work on some designs upstairs, okay?”
Averi gave a small nod, his attention already captured by the television.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Nina moved to answer it, and soon Alex stepped through the door.
“Alex!” Averi shouted, his face lighting up.
With a warm smile, Alex approached and lifted Averi into his arms. “Have you missed me, Averi?”
“Yes!” Averi responded, hugging Alex tightly around the neck.
After a few playful moments, Alex glanced towards Nina.
“Is Sadie upstairs?” he asked.
“She’s in the study, Mr. Howe,” Nina replied, her smile reflecting her familiarity with Alex due to his frequent visits.
“Let’s go see Mommy, shall we?” Alex suggested, carrying Averi towards the staircase.
“Yes!” Averi cheered, clapping his hands in excitement.
As they neared the study, Sadie stepped out and saw them. “Averi, why don’t you have some dinner with Nina first?” she suggested, catching a glimpse of Averi behind Alex.
“Mommy, look, Alex is here!” Averi exclaimed, pointing at Alex with joy.
“Yes, I see him, Averi. Please go have your dinner now. Mommy needs to talk to Alex,” Sadie said, stroking her son’s hair softly.
Averi then walked to the dining room with Nina.
Alex gazed at Sadie, his expression filled with concern. He approached her, paused, then said hesitantly, “Sadie, there’s something I need to tell you… it’s not good news.”
A wave of dread washed over Sadie. “What happened?” she inquired anxiously.
“It’s your grandmother… she’s very sick.”
Hearing this, Sadie turned ashen. “How bad is it? What’s happened to her?” Her voice quivered as she fought back tears.
“The doctors are not hopeful about her condition,” Alex replied, his voice laden with sorrow as he met her tearful gaze.
Tears began to flow down Sadie’s cheeks. Over the last three years, Alex had been instrumental in helping care for her grandmother, Laura, which made the news particularly devastating.
“I must go to her. I need to see Grandma,” Sadie responded, her resolve steeling.
Alex stared at her, his face etched with empathy. “Maybe we could bring your grandmother to Cairhienen,” he suggested.
Sadie’s eyes were red as she quickly responded, “No, Alex.”
She inhaled deeply, striving for composure, and explained, “Grandma has lived her whole life in her hometown. She won’t handle the change in climate and the time difference here in Cairhienen.”
Sadie paused, her voice tinged with self-reproach. “And I’m so busy with work that I can’t take care of Grandma properly.”
Alex looked at her sympathetically, feeling a mix of sorrow and helplessness. “Have you made up your mind?” he asked in a deep voice. “If you go back, Noah… he might find you.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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