Chapter 21 Eloise : + 5.banus Menu The soft creak of the infirmary door pulled my attention away from the glass window overlooking the incubation room . I had my arm wrapped around myself , knowing that she , my little girl , was supposed to be in my arms rather within the enclosed room that she was in . Ivana stepped inside , her presence a quiet comfort amid the cold sterility of the space . Her footsteps were light , deliberate , as if she knew that any sudden noise might shatter the fragile grip I had on my composure . She smiled at me as she walked , and I took a deep breath before tuming to face her . " Eloise , " she said gently , offering a small nod as she approached . " I thought I'd find you here . I've been told that you've been refusing to leave this place . " I didn't respond immediately . I didn't know how to respond , at least , not to her statement . " She looks so peaceful , " I murmured . " Like the world hasn't touched her yet . " 21 V Ivana stood beside me , her reflection blending with mine against the glass . " She's strong . More than you know . That is something that you always need to hold onto . Our little infants are often stronger than we know despite them being SO weak . " A bitter laugh escaped me . " I'm not sure where she got that from . Certainly not from me . " Ivana's lips pressed into a thin line , but she didn't argue . Instead , she placed a warm hand on my shoulder , grounding me . " I wanted to talk to you about where you'll be staying . I do believe that you know that you've stayed in the infirmary for a long time and that you are going to need to leave . " " I knew that the infirmary wasn't permanent , but I believed that I would be going back to my own house . I mean , my family's house . " " No , " she agreed . " You need rest , Eloise . Real rest , in a space where you can breathe and gather your strength . But your family's house is not a place for your little angel to be growing . She is going to need to grow where she rightfully belongs . " " Where do you expect me to go ? " I asked , fearing her response . I wouldn't want to be away from my child , but for her to be telling me that I can't take her to my home . No , I couldn't be away from her. Ivana hesitated , her thumb grazing over her wedding ring , a habit I'd noticed over the years whenever she was lost in thought . " We've prepared your old room . We haven't allowed anyone to use it , and I have instructed for new things to be brought for you . A bed , a new closet , and a crib , things that your baby would need for her to grow , " A strange mix of emotions welled within me , nostalgia , fear , relief , and something akin to sadness . " The room at the end of the hall ? The room that I grew in ? " She nodded . " It's close to the incubation room . You'll be able to visit Isla as often as you'd like . And being there , surrounded by familiar things , might help you settle . And when it is time for her to be leaving the incubation room , she will have her place ready for her to be able to sleep . " VIP Ad Free > < Dome +5 banum Menu I bit my bottom lip , a habit I had thought I'd left behind . " You think I'm falling apart . That is why you want me to be close . " Ivana's expression softened . " I think you're holding yourself together with nothing but willpower . And I know that can only last so long . I want you to be close , and it her right to grow within her father's home . She is the daughter of the Alpha , and I think you know what that means , Eloise . " Her honesty stung , but it also soothed a part of me that had grown raw from pretending . I had spent so long convincing myself that I was fine , that I could handle this , that I didn't need anyone's help . But I did . I needed something , anything , to keep me from crumbling . " Okay , " I whispered , my voice small . " I'll go . " Ivana squeezed my shoulder gently . " Good . I'll have one of the maids prepare some fresh linens . You'll have privacy , and if you need anything , just ask . You needn't worry , I am going to be here , and by your side to help teach you . I was a first time mother too , I know how hard it can be if you feel alone . " I managed a nod , feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over me . " Thank you . " She lingered for a moment , her gaze searching mine . " Eloise , this isn't a punishment . You need to understand that . Dominic … he's struggling too . He is trying to accept the fact that he has a daughter and with everything being new to him , it is going to take time ." A cold shiver ran down my spine at the mention of his name . " I'm not sure I care how he feels . " care ned her . sure , этаки мухода Tesl AA Ivana didn't press further . She simply gave me a small , understanding smile and turned toward the door . " When you're ready , I'll walk you there . I am sure that it is going to be a path that the two of us can take carefully together . " As the door closed behind her , I let out a shuddering breath . My fingers gripped the windowsill , my back at isla , her tiny form a beacon in the sterile room beyond the glass . " I'll be close by , little one , " I whispered . " I won't leave you . I promise . " turning white . I looked AME અને સમી ભમ Gathering what little strength I had left , I forced my legs to move , each step taking me further away from the glass window and closer to the room where my childhood still lingered . The journey down the hallway felt like stepping back through time . The walls bore the same muted colors , the same worn edges where years of hands had brushed against them . It was like nothing had changed , yet everything was different . When Ivana reappeared at the end of the hall , I managed a small , weak smile . She opened the door to my old room , the hinges groaning in protest , and gestured for me to step inside . I walked inside the room , the number of memories that played in my mind at that given moment were countless . The room was bigger than I remembered it to be , or maybe I was far too used to the small space that I lived in . I crossed the threshold , feeling the air shift around me , wrapping me in the familiarity of a time when things were simpler . Ivana stayed at the door , watching with a motherly concern that both warmed and unsettled me . " I'll bring some fresh clothes and food later , " she said softly . " For now , rest . " < Chap +3 bonus " Ivana , " I called out as she turned to leave . She looked back , her expression patient . " Thank you . For everything that you are doing for me , thank you . " Her eyes softened , and with a small nod , she closed the door behind her , leaving me alone with my thoughts and the echoes of a life l had almost forgotten . I sat on the edge of the bed , the mattress dipping under my weight . My fingers traced the faded pattern of the quilt , memories bubbling to the surface , each one a reminder of who I used to be . But as I lay back , staring at the ceiling , I knew that the girl who once lived here was gone . In her place was someone else , someone who had been hurt , broken , but who still had a fight left in her . And for Isla , for my daughter , I would find the strength to use it . 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. Pretending to be the billionaire's wife, she delves into a web of secrets, deception, and revenge in the high-stakes world of CEOs and office politics. 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