James was more than just her bodyguard; he was her confidant, her trusted ally in the cutthroat world of business. Tall and imposing, with a steely gaze that belied his gentle nature, James had served faithfully by Bao Caihong's side for years.
He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes, his unwavering loyalty and dedication earning him a place of honor in Bao Caihong's inner circle. Despite his formidable appearance, James possessed a keen intellect and sharp instincts, making him an invaluable asset in their quest for justice. He was meticulous in his work, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of the truth.
That was the reason Bao Caihong looked for him and made him retire to work for her.
She sighed and lowered her head to look at her flat belly. She couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions. The events of the past few months had shaken her to her core, but now, with a life growing inside her, her priorities had shifted dramatically.
With a gentle touch, she caressed her belly, feeling a sense of connection to the tiny life within. Despite the turmoil surrounding her, she knew that she had to stay strong for herself and for her child.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "I haven't been there for you, but I promise to do everything in my power to keep you safe. You deserve nothing but the best, my little one."
As tears welled up in her eyes, Bao Caihong wiped them away, determined not to let her emotions get the better of her. She had a mission to fulfill; A mission that now held even greater significance.
"This isn't just about me anymore," she thought, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge and justice. "It's about ensuring a better future for you, my child. I'll do whatever it takes to protect you."
Bao Caihong made a silent vow to herself and her unborn child. No matter the obstacles that lay ahead, she would face them head-on, drawing strength from the life growing within her. She was ready to face whatever challenges the future held.
—
The sky was darkening gradually. The sunlight enveloped the hospital room, casting long shadows across the floor. Bao Caihong sat in her wheelchair by the window, the soft glow of the setting sun illuminating her delicate features. The cool breeze swept through the room, causing her hair to dance gently around her face. She reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear, slowly.
Outside, the city bustled with life, the distant honking of cars echoing through the evening air.
With a tender touch, Bao Caihong lowered her gaze to the ultrasound scan cradled in her hands. The image revealed the precious life growing within her, a tiny miracle yet to be born. The doctor's words echoed in her mind, emphasizing the importance of rest, nutrients, and supplements for both her and her unborn child. Despite the challenges she had faced, she felt a swell of love and determination.
As she traced her fingers over the image of her unborn baby, a soft smile graced her lips. Though she didn't know the gender of the baby yet, she still felt an undeniable connection to the life stirring within her. With each passing moment, she eagerly awaited the first flutter of movement, a tangible sign of the bond between mother and child.
Bao Caihong reached out to grab her phone from her side and switched it on. As she scrolled through her missed calls and messages, her thoughts were consumed by her grandmother, the one person she longed to hear from. With trembling fingers, she dialed her grandmother's number and pressed the phone to her ear.
"Caihong my baby," the sweet and calm voice of her grandmother greeted her, filling her with a flood of emotions. Unable to find her voice, tears welled up in Bao Caihong's eyes, cascading down her cheeks like broken pearls. It felt as though years had passed since she last heard her grandmother's comforting voice.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Bao Yulan noticed something was wrong and asked.
Bao Caihong could sense that her grandmother was worried and tried to speak out. However, the words caught in her throat, choked by the overwhelming wave of emotions coursing through her. Pressing her hands against her mouth, she struggled to contain her sobs, the weight of her emotions threatening to engulf her.
After what felt like an eternity, Bao Caihong managed to regain control of her emotions, her tears subsiding as she let out a shaky laugh. "Grandma, I just missed you too much that I couldn't control myself when I heard your voice"
"Aiyoo, my baby. I missed you too too much. I even called but James had been the one picking your calls, saying you are busy and I don't want to be a disturbance"
Bao Caihong reached out to wipe her tears as she listened to Bao Yanlan's words. She couldn't help but feel guilty for lying to her. She couldn't bear to worry her grandmother further by revealing the truth about her accident. She said, "I'm sorry for making you worry. I've been so busy"
"Yes, Yes, it's fine" Bao Yanlan laughed heartedly. "I understand, Child. I know it's not easy to be in charge of a company"
Bao Caihong smiled. She knew that her grandmother would be devastated if she learned of her accident. Despite her own pain and turmoil, she resolved to shield her grandmother from any unnecessary distress, determined to spare her from the harsh realities of her situation.
Deep down, Bao Caihong wrestled with the desire to confide in her grandmother about her pregnancy, but the thought of revealing the truth about the father filled her with dread. Her grandmother was her staunchest supporter, willing to go to any lengths to protect her happiness. However, if Bao Yanlan learnt that the father of her grandchild had betrayed Bao Caihong, she might unleash her wrath upon Gao Ming and demand that Bao Caihong terminate the pregnancy.
The mere notion of such a confrontation sent shivers down Bao Caihong's spine. She couldn't bear the thought of her grandmother's disappointment or the potential fallout from revealing the truth. Deep within her, a fierce determination blossomed to shield her child from any harm, whether physical or emotional. She resolved to navigate this turbulent situation on her own, sparing her grandmother the pain and anguish of knowing the truth about Gao Ming's betrayal.
Bao Caihong decided to shift the conversation and inquire about her grandmother's well-being. "Grandma, how have you been?" she said softly, her voice laced with genuine concern.
Bao Yanlan's response brought a glimmer of warmth to her heart. She responded cheerfully. "I'm doing well, my dear. I've been enjoying a vacation in Paris,"
Bao Caihong smiled, feeling relieved to hear that her grandmother was in good spirits. "That sounds wonderful! I'll come to see you once you're back and we can catch up properly," she assured her grandmother.
"Are you sure? Aren't you too busy?"
"I can't be too busy for you"
Bao Yanlan laughed at her granddaughter's sweet words. She wouldn't lie that she had missed Bao Caihong so much. As they discussed about other things, Bao Caihong's heart swelled with love and gratitude for her grandmother's understanding and unconditional support.
She promised to visit her as soon as she was free from work, eager to feel the comforting embrace of her beloved grandmother once again.
After exchanging a few more words, they said their goodbyes, with Bao Caihong feeling a renewed sense of strength and determination.