Chapter 23%
J–Jackson Sutherland?”
At that moment, all the emotions exploded.
His eyes opened.
They really opened up.
The corners of his lips curved into a soft smile, his voice low and husky, as if he had just escaped a long nightmare.
“Honey,” he called me gently.
“I’m not useless anymore,” he added, voice low but filled with stubborn determination. It was like a knight finally waking from slumber, making his first promise to the girl he’s sworn to protect.
I was utterly dumbfounded. Tears streamed down my face as I plopped down on the edge of the bed, clamping my hand over my mouth, afraid that my sobs would startle him, yet also terrified that all of this was just a dream.
But dreams didn’t have warmth, didn’t have fingers that gently squeezed back.
“I’m not useless anymore, Honey. No more goodbye.”
I hadn’t even fully processed that heart–shaking, soul–melting line-“Wife, I’m not useless anymore“-when the peace shattered.
“He’s awake! Jackson is awake!“}
A cry of surprise shattered the quiet ward. Soon, the door was pushed open and nurses, doctors and bodyguards swarmed like a flood.
Some surrounded Jackson, starting emergency checks, while more people instinctively and carefully shielded me to the side.
I found myself gently pushed into a corner of the room. When I looked back, the entire bed was surrounded by white coats, completely sealing him from view.
Jackson, the man who had been declared a vegetable for seven years, was really awake?
I stood there blankly, my fingertips icy cold, my mind a complete void, as if I had been struck hard on the head.
Did I still dream?
I looked down, replaying the moment his eyes opened, that raspy whisper-“Wife, I’m not useless anymore“-and my nose stung. I almost cried again.
It was over.
Everything was over.
My face suddenly turned pale as I realized something mortifying.
He was conscious.
He could hear.
This past month, I’d been treating him like a diary, spilling every embarrassing detail, childhood screw–ups, awkward teenage secrets and how my family had hurt me. I’d told him everything.
And the worst part? I’d been sleeping beside him every night, holding onto his arm and whispering nonsense.”
Almost every night, I’d murmured in his ear. “Babe, when are you going to wake up? My back is killing me.“}
And now? He’d heard it all.
My face turned bright red. I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself like a panicked hamster.
I froze instantly, clutching my lower abdomen and breathing slowly.
I scrambled to run but barely took two steps before a sharp pain twisted in my belly.
I couldn’t run. I couldn’t panic.
The baby came first.”
I forced myself to calm down. While the doctors were busy checking Jackson’s brain and heart, I grabbed my phone and quietly stepped outside the room. I dialed the old lady’s number.}
“Hello?” Her voice was hoarse. She’d clearly just woken up.”
I took a deep breath and said, “Grandma, I’m pregnant.“}
There was a pause on the other end. Then, pure joy erupted through the phone. “What did you say? A baby? Really? Oh my god!“N
“It’s true.” I smiled softly.
“I just found out. A little over a month along.” I placed a gentle hand over my belly, voice steady and sincere. “I haven’t told anyone else. You’re the first to know.”
I could hear the excitement in her voice as her tone sped up. “That’s wonderful! Truly wonderful! You’re a blessing to the Sutherlands! The baby is ours and so are the shares. Don’t worry, I’ll transfer the money right away.“}]
“Wait.” I cut in gently. “The money’s not the point.“}
