His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 182

Chapter 182

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Chapter 182

He declared himself on paternity leave, announcing to his company that he would only appear for emergencies. Watching him, I realized it wasn’t a sacrifice. It was the easiest decision he’d ever made.

At night, he refused to leave Sophia in her nursery, no matter how carefully I explained the monitor system. “What if she cries? What if she needs me?” he’d argue. I’d point to the screen, showing him we could see and hear everything. He would nod… and then sneak out once I’d fallen asleep.

More than once I woke to find him sitting in the rocking chair in the nursery, Sophia bundled in his

arms, whispering to her as if she were already capable of understanding his world.

One Friday morning, duty called him back. He grumbled the entire time he dressed. “Who sets investor meetings on a Friday? It’s practically the weekend.”

“Friday is still a weekday,” I reminded him, amused as he hunted for his tie like a sulking child.

When he finally left, I glanced at the monitor. Sure enough, he had made his way into the nursery before walking out the door, crouching beside the crib. His voice was soft, apologizing to his daughter for having to go to work, promising he’d return soon. I laughed into my pillow, shaking my head. If anyone needed proof, it was clear I would have to be the strict parent.

Not long after, sleep pulled me under again.

When I woke, the house was quiet. I freshened up, smoothing my hair back before making my way downstairs. I braced for the familiar sight- my mom, Laura, and Big Sophia clustered around the baby, fussing and doting as though I didn’t exist.

But when I stepped into the living room, it wasn’t the usual scene that greeted me. Oliver and Melissa were around, and with them came Noah, Owen, and Leo. The living room brimmed with laughter, everyone talking over each other, taking turns holding the baby like she was a rare jewel.

I pulled Noah aside quietly. “And Linda?”

He hesitated, then smiled faintly. “She’s fine. We’re not back together. Not yet. We’re both figuring ourselves out. It’s… a process.”

“I understand,” I told him softly.

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Chapter 182

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He glanced at Sophia, then smirked at me. “Hard to believe you let Liam win. The baby looks exactly like him.”

“She does not,” I retorted, though the truth made me smile.

For a moment, I just stood still, watching as the house brimmed with warmth. Laughter blended with the soft coos of my daughter. The joy on their faces made me ache in the best way.

And then my gaze returned to Sophia.

I remembered the months of despair when I believed I would never have her, when Kelvin’s actions had convinced me motherhood was beyond my reach. That pain had emptied me. Yet now, holding her, I realized the loss had made me value her all the more.

Maybe, in some twisted way, Kelvin’s actions had been part of the path that brought me here.

I reached for my phone and typed.

The whole family is here. Only you’re missing. Don’t you want to come and see the baby?

His reply came almost at once.

I’d love to. But I’m respecting your wishes.

It’s fine, I wrote back. You can come.

There was a pause. Then another message: Are you sure?

Yes, I typed. I forgive you.

The typing bubbles flickered, disappeared, returned, then stopped again. Finally, one message appeared.

Thank you, Emily.

I set the phone aside and looked across the room. My daughter was in Sophia’s arms, her small face turned upward as though she already recognized the love surrounding her.

I let the forgiveness settle in my chest, not because Kelvin deserved it, but because I needed the peace it left behind.

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