Rewriting the Love Story After Traveling Into the Novel
Chapter 35 A Small Place, a Big Shift
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Becky wiped her tears with her sleeve and turned her head. Her eyes were red and glassy, still wet, giving her that helpless, heartbreakingly soft look.
Xavier pulled out a tissue and handed it to her. “Use this.”
She took it and managed a polite, “Thanks.”
Xavier let out a helpless sigh.
He had no idea what to do with her.
If anyone else had pulled the stunts she had, he would’ve torn them to pieces by now. But her? He kept letting it slide.
The two black luxury cars rolled into Luminous Heights, drawing attention immediately. Residents stared, phones out, clearly trying to guess who the VIPs were.
Becky opened the car door and got out on her own.
Xavier stepped forward to carry her, but she shook her head. “I can walk.”
He didn’t insist.
Xavier looked at the cramped apartment building, and his brows furrowed hard. The place was barely the size of his bathroom.
She actually lives here?
He was already regretting letting her come back.
Inside the apartment, it was worse than he expected. The already–cramped space was overflowing with baby gear–strollers, bassinets, and boxes of supplies. Every corner was packed.
The two baby nurses stood awkwardly near the door, unsure where to put the baby down.
Becky flipped on the air conditioner and started giving a rundown–where the diapers were, which bottles were sterilized, and how she’d prewashed all the baby’s clothes and blankets.
The baby’s crib had already been set up next to the window.
“Abigail, Estella–I’ve only got one folding bed for now. You’ll have to share tonight, but I’ve ordered another. It’ll be delivered tomorrow.”
The nurses nodded politely, but their expressions were tight.
They’d expected a private room in a spacious home–not a cramped apartment and a fold–out cot. The setup was underwhelming, but at least the pay was great.
Becky was sweaty and uncomfortable from the heat and quickly headed to the bedroom to change. Xavier followed. “We need to talk,” he said. He still thought she should be staying at Westview Pavilion. Becky turned and gently pushed him toward the door. “I need to change clothes.”
21:24 Mon, 4 Aug
Chapter 35 A Small Place, a Big Shift
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His mind immediately flashed back to the awkward scene from that morning, and something flickered across his face. He cleared his throat and stepped back out.
Becky changed into soft cotton pajamas and stepped back into the hallway.
Xavier was still there.
He grabbed her wrist and gently tugged her back into the room.
Becky pulled away and crossed to the window, putting distance between them. Her eyes were still a little red from crying.
Xavier loosened the top button of his shirt. He hadn’t changed all night, and though the shirt was wrinkled, it didn’t take away from his sharp, composed presence.
His voice was low and rough. “If you don’t want to stay at Westview Pavilion, then pick another place. Purple Pavilion, whatever. Any property under my name–you choose.”
Becky’s eyes lit up, even just for a second. He caught it.
He added, “Just you and the baby.”
“Seriously?”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“Are you sure? What if you get mad one day and kick us out?”
She didn’t want to get settled only to be pushed out days later.
Xavier looked at her, calm. “You don’t need to worry. I’ll transfer the deed to your name.”
Becky blinked, surprised. “Xavier… do you like the baby?”
She figured he must–he was offering her a house now. When they got divorced, she’d begged him for one -and he didn’t even blink. But now? All because of the baby?
Guess having a kid really did change everything.
He paused.
Did he?
He wasn’t sure. But he didn’t hate him.
Becky didn’t push. She didn’t need an answer. Even if Xavier didn’t love the baby yet, she knew one thing for sure he was the kind of man who took responsibility.
Now that the child was here, there was no way he’d walk away.
“Let me think about it,” she said softly.
As tempting as it was, she actually felt more comfortable in her tiny apartment. It was chaotic but hers. She
wasn’t in a rush to leave.
Xavier frowned. “Becky, what exactly are you trying to prove?”
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Chapter 35 A Small Place, a Big Shift
“Prove?” She blinked innocently. “I’m not proving anything.”
He let out a frustrated breath and stormed out.
The pressure lifted, and Becky could finally breathe again.
Still, the apartment felt cramped–with three adults and a newborn, there was barely room to move.
Good thing one of the housekeepers had gone back to Westview Pavilion. If she’d stayed too, there wouldn’t have been room to turn around.
Meanwhile, Sharon had gotten into a heated fight with Brendon, then rushed to the hospital–only to find Becky had already been discharged.
She rushed over to Luminous Heights, storming through the door, glaring at Becky like she’d been betrayed.
Becky froze. It hit her.
Right. She’d called Sharon for help and then left without her.
“I swear it wasn’t on purpose. Can you believe me?”
Sharon snapped, “I don’t believe you! Look at me–I’m dripping sweat! I ran around half the city trying to find you. It’s hot as hell out there!”
Becky reached for a tissue and handed it over. “Here, wipe your sweat.”
Still huffing, Sharon took the tissue and wiped her face.
Becky went to the freezer and pulled out a popsicle. “Want one?”
Sharon dropped onto the couch like she owned the place and started eating her popsicle.
Becky watched her eat and swallowed hard.
God, she wanted one too.
But she was still in recovery–cold food was off–limits.
After finishing her snack, Sharon bounced off the couch and went straight for the baby.
“Wash your hands first,” Becky reminded her.
“Okay, okay.” Sharon obediently headed to the sink, then scooped up the baby with care.
Sharon leaned over, grinning. “So, Becky, what’s the little guy’s name?”
Becky tilted her head, thought for a second, and said casually, “James Quinn, I guess.”
Sharon stared at her, dead serious. “Seriously? That’s what you went with? My ridiculously adorable little man gets stuck with a name that plain?”
many * Muy
Rewriting the Love Story After Traveling Into the Novel
