Days rolled by quickly, with Ethan making sure Olivia stayed at home and rested well. He was meticulous, ensuring she had everything she needed and more. Olivia's once-bustling schedule at Carter Couture had now slowed to a peaceful routine. Emma had gracefully stepped up, handling all the major business decisions, while Alex lent his expertise to help manage Pierce Enterprise so Ethan could focus on launching Eva Enterprise.
Although Olivia was homebound, she stayed connected. Emma never missed her regular calls, giving detailed updates, and Olivia occasionally attended important online meetings when her presence was necessary. Now, at seven months pregnant, Olivia's belly had grown with a beautiful, visible bump. She often felt gentle movements, and every time their little girl kicked, it made Ethan's heart soar with happiness. The moment they found out it was a girl, Ethan was over the moon, picturing their future with their daughter.
During this time, Aunt Linda had become a constant presence. She visited frequently, bringing warmth, support, and comfort—along with her late mother's recipes. Linda's nurturing touch felt like the motherly figure Olivia had always longed for. Ethan appreciated Linda's presence deeply, knowing how much it meant to Olivia to have her close.
But no amount of comfort could replace the void Olivia felt when she stared at the sky, wondering about the mother she never knew. Who was she? Why had she left her at the orphanage with a fortune, but without answers? Olivia's longing for her mother was like a quiet sadness that hung over her at times, and Ethan could sense it, even though she tried to mask it. It pained him to see her like this, and he made a decision.
Ethan discreetly asked Alex to look into Olivia's past. He wanted to know the truth behind her mother's disappearance and why she was left at the orphanage. The only information they had was that Olivia's mother was a young college student from a wealthy family. The family member who left her at the orphanage had said that Olivia's mother didn't want to keep her, leaving behind enough money to cover Olivia's education until she turned 18. But there was a strict condition: they were never to contact the family or Olivia's mother again.
This story didn't sit well with Ethan. Something felt off, and deep down, he felt there was more to the story. He couldn't shake the strange connection he felt between Aunt Linda and Olivia. There was a resemblance he had noticed more and more. He remembered hearing Linda's painful story about her own child—a baby she lost at birth when she was in college. The doctors had told her the baby was born dead, and the father abandoned her, leaving Linda heartbroken and scarred. She never remarried or fell in love again.
Ethan's suspicions began to grow, and soon he couldn't ignore them anymore. Quietly, he arranged for a DNA test to confirm his doubts. The test was done in secret, with no one, not even Linda, aware of it. Days passed, and Ethan grew anxious waiting for the results. Then, finally, they came in.
The result was conclusive: Aunt Linda was Olivia's biological mother.
The truth hit Ethan like a tidal wave. He had suspected, but seeing it in black and white was overwhelming. Simultaneously, Alex reached out to him with even more shocking news. After digging deeper, Alex confirmed that the woman who had left Olivia at the orphanage all those years ago was none other than Martha, Ethan's stepmother.
Ethan's heart sank as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Martha had been the one to deliver Olivia to the orphanage, not wanting to keep the baby or have her name associated with the event. Yet, why would Martha, of all people, be involved in Olivia's life?
A cold realization washed over Ethan. He knew this had to be handled delicately. Olivia's life had just taken a major turn, and now, he was left with the responsibility of sharing the truth—a truth that could change everything.