Chapter 10 Eloise : 15 bonus Menu The Infirmary was oddly quiet today . The only sound that I heard throughout the whole day was the rustling of the nurses in the hallway . The dim glow of the bed side lamp beside me cast the shaft shadow across the room , making this space feel even more isolated . Technically , most likely because it was most likely because I was here alone throughout the whole day . It wasn't only the fact that I was here alone , though . It was the fact that I knew that I was not wanted here , it was the fact that I seemed to have tumed something that shouldn't have been shifted the way it was . I sat on the bed , Isla cradled in my arms . My baby . My little girl . The little Angel that I held on to . I still could not believe that she was here , that she was born , that she was in my arms . However , the more I looked at her , the more I found myself smiling . The more I found myself growing a lot more assured by the fact that I knew that I did this one way or the other . Despite all the hardships , I managed to give birth to her . She was so tiny , her fingers barely curled into a fist , her dark lashes resting against her delicate cheeks . I ran my fingertip lightly over her soft skin , marveling at how fragile she was . A warmth spread through my chest , different from anything I had ever felt before . And I knew that she was still growing older . I knew that with every passing moment , with every passing breath , she was growing stronger . She was a premature . She should have been in an incubator . But I also knew this . He was here for her . I was her mother , and if she was going to grow stronger , I was going to need to stand by her side . I was going to need to be the strongest of them all for me to be able to manage her , for me to be able to raise her up the way that she should be . For the first time , I let myself really look at her . I allowed myself to admire her beauty . Not as the baby that had turned my life upside down . Not as the mistake that I wanted to get rid of , the mistake that they all wanted me to see . Not as a burden I was too weak to carry . Not as the pain that I was forced to endure as I was afraid to end up being a bad person towards her . But as my daughter . As the person that I was going to be willing to be to fight for her , I allowed myself to see her as my child , the one person that I knew that I would fight the world for , just to make sure that she grew happy and healthy , safe and sound . " I don't know what I'm doing , " I whispered , shifting her slightly as she stirred against my chest . " I don't even know how to hold you properly . But I'm doing my best . This is the way that they told me that I would hold you , but sometimes they just fear holding you in the wrong way . " Isla let out a tiny whimper before settling back into sleep , her lips parting slightly . A small chuckle slipped past my lips as I wiped away a stray tear . " You probably think I'm a mess , huh ? " I murmured , tracing a fingertip along her tiny hand . " You wouldn't be wrong . Your mother does VIP Ad - Free ? < Chapter 10 +5 bonus Menu not know how to handle a child . This is the first time that I did . I did see them a few times within the park , but I just kept my distance . I never bothered holding any of them , especially at such a young age . " I exhaled softly , shifting my body to lean against the pillows . The exhaustion was bone- deep , but somehow , looking at her , it didn't feel so suffocating anymore . I adjusted the blanket wrapped around her , my fingers brushing against her soft curls . " You're beautiful , " I whispered . " Did you know that ? And I know that you're strong too , and when you grow older , you're going to be very smart , very beautiful , and everyone is going to bow in your presence . " I placed a gentle kiss on her forehead , my lips lingering there for a moment . A strange sense of peace settled over me , and I let my eyes flutter closed , just for a moment , savoring the quiet , the warmth , the weight of my daughter in my arms . " You and me , kid , " I whispered , barely aware that I was even speaking . " No matter what happens , I promise I'll be here . I won't let anyone hurt you . " A deep exhale sounded from the doorway . I stiffened instantly , my whole body going rigid . My wolf stirred , alerting me to the presence behind me before I even had to look . Chapter comments In "CEO's Substitute Wife" by CrushReel, a gripping tale unfolds as a woman steps into her deceased twin's shoes to uncover the truth behind her sister's mysterious demise after marrying a billionaire. 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