It wasn't at first sight

Chapter 73

Hanna wakes up the next morning, sunlight streaming through the hotel room's curtains. She stretches carefully, feeling the familiar twinge of back pain and the persistent swelling in her feet. She winces slightly but is determined to start the day on a positive note.

Caleb is still asleep beside her, his arm draped protectively over her. She gently moves his arm and sits up, feeling a slight cramp in her abdomen. She takes a deep breath and rubs her belly, trying to ease the discomfort and reminding herself to stay positive.

She quietly gets out of bed, not wanting to wake Caleb, and heads to the bathroom. After a quick shower, she changes into a comfortable outfit, puts on Caleb's laced-up boots again, and does her make-up. Once ready, she looks at herself in the mirror, a confident smile on her face despite her persistent physical discomfort.

Back in the bedroom, Caleb stirs and opens his eyes, blinking sleepily.

Caleb "Morning, Han." He says in that sleepy, raspy voice that Hanna finds so sexy. "How are you feeling?"

Hanna forces a smile. "Better." She lies, not wanting to worry him. She knows he has his own matters to take care of and won't leave for Rosewood otherwise. "Just a bit sore, but nothing I can't handle."

Caleb sits up, rubbing his eyes. "Are you sure? You looked pretty uncomfortable last night."

Hanna "Yeah, I'm sure. I just need to get moving and start the day." She says, more to convince herself than him, as she puts everything she needs for the day in her bag.

Caleb watches her for a moment, then nods.

Hanna "I'll go down and grab something for breakfast before leaving." She says, approaching the bed. "See you later." She gives him a noisy, loving kiss on the cheek.

Caleb "I'll text you when I'm back from Rosewood. I could find a café nearby where you are to work at, and then pick you up when you're done with your day."

Hanna smiles at him. "You can come to work in our office at the workshop, but I can't promise it'll be quiet enough for you to concentrate on your computer stuff."

Caleb smiles back. "I think I can handle yours and Leo's background chatter, but I'll let you know."

Hanna smiles again and kisses him goodbye. "Okay, let me know. I promise I'll try to keep it quiet if you come over... Although, there may be some yelling, intense phone calls, and maybe also a bit of cursing, because I'm getting some models for that freaking fashion show like my name is Hanna Rivers, aka Hanna Marin." She assures while grabbing her phone and her bag, ready to face the day head-on.

Caleb chuckles. "I love you."

Hanna "Love you too." She shoots him yet another smile before turning away.

As she crosses the door, her smile grows wider as she feels the baby moving in her belly, letting her know that despite her physical discomfort, her little girl is doing okay in there.

Hanna "Hey there, Halls! Hold onto your belts in there, little one! We have a long day ahead together!" She says, rubbing her belly as she goes down the hallway.

Hanna takes a deep breath, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety as she presses the button to call the elevator. As she steps into it, she can't help but feel a glimmer of hope that things will start to turn around.

/

Hanna gets off the subway at the station nearest to the workshop, grateful that someone gave up their seat for her. Despite sitting down for most of the ride, she still feels exhausted and achy from the crowded train. She makes her way through the crowd, her swollen feet and constant back pain making each step a challenge.