The Heart of an Artist

Penelope's Second Family

Memories flooded back to Penelope, taking her to the past. She recalled the moment when Colin came to her after their kiss. She felt unwell—both physically and emotionally. Colin was saying something to her, but she could barely hear him. She went to the bathroom, feeling nauseous again. She looked up and saw a pregnancy test lying on the sink. She picked it up and saw two lines.

"Damn, damn!" she whispered, her voice full of horror and confusion.

At that moment, a message from Benedict arrived. Her world collapsed in an instant.

After breaking up with Benedict, life became gray and colorless. She stopped visiting the Bridgertons, feeling betrayed and shattered. Each day was a challenge, and she tried to cope with the pain and loneliness.

As her pregnancy progressed, Penelope decided it was time to cut all ties and move to another city. She couldn't stay here, among the memories that caused her so much pain. Her heart was broken, and she didn't know how to piece it back together.

Penelope started a new life, trying to forget everything that had happened. But every morning, upon waking, she remembered Benedict—his love, his care, his touch. She recalled everything they had lost, and her heart ached with sorrow.

The first few months in her new city were tough. However, Penelope was not alone after breaking up with Benedict and the Bridgertons. She had friends from college who became her support and second family. Thanks to them, Penelope realized that a true family is not just about blood ties but also about the people who are always there for you, no matter what.

One of them, Alfred, was her close friend. They had been very close in college and even dated for a while but eventually parted as friends. When Penelope found out she was pregnant, she felt lost and scared. Upon hearing the news, Alfred proposed to support her during this difficult time. He wanted to help her fend off her mother's attacks, knowing she wouldn't rest until she found out who the child's father was. Penelope didn't want to tell the truth, and her friends supported her in this decision.

Alfred proved to be a reliable and loyal friend. He understood that their marriage wouldn't be real but was willing to do anything to make things easier for Penelope. He was by her side at every doctor's appointment, helped her shop for baby items, and always found time to listen to her. Alfred was someone who truly cared about her and her future.

Over time, Alfred fell in love with Cressida, who initially wasn't part of their group. Cressida was considered a bully and was avoided because of her cold and distant demeanor. However, over time, the friends learned that her severity and aloofness were a result of an abusive family she grew up in. Cressida had to protect herself from constant pressure and violence, which made her withdrawn and distrustful.

When Penelope's friends found out about this, they decided to help Cressida. They surrounded her with care and support, gradually breaking down the walls she had built around herself. Alfred was particularly attentive to her. He showed patience and understanding, helping Cressida open up and trust others. Over time, his efforts paid off, and Cressida began to trust people and find joy in their company.

Alfred and Cressida grew close. He was captivated by her inner strength and how she overcame her fears. Cressida, in turn, appreciated his kindness and support. Their relationship developed slowly but steadily. Cressida finally felt she had found someone who loved her for who she was and was willing to go through any trials with her.

Now, Cressida and Alfred are happily married. Despite this, Alfred remained in Penelope's life as a friend and father figure to Sophie.

Another important person in Penelope's life was Albion. He was her college friend and the husband of her sister. Albion was someone who could always lift her spirits with his endless energy and humor. He was the life of the party, and his presence always made any gathering brighter and more fun.

Albion and Penelope had known each other since their university days, and their friendship only strengthened when he married her sister. His marriage to Penelope's sister helped the two sisters become closer. Albion and his wife were a chaotic but very sweet couple. Their home was always filled with laughter and joy. They hosted fun parties, inviting all their friends and relatives. Their chaos manifested in everything from spontaneous trips to impromptu culinary experiments. Nevertheless, this chaos made their home a truly warm and cozy place that everyone wanted to return to.

Thus, Penelope and Eloise's university group included Simon, Edwina, Alfred, Albion, Cressida, and Phillip. When Penelope stopped communicating with Eloise, Phillip, who was her fiancé at the time, separated from the group. But the remaining people formed a family that was no less dramatic and chaotic than the Bridgertons. This group of friends helped raise Sophie, making her childhood a series of fun and unforgettable moments.

The group, consisting of "college teenagers," tried to figure out how to raise a child. Their methods were often unconventional, but they always acted with love and care. They supported Penelope in all her endeavors and helped her cope with the challenges of motherhood. They read parenting books, held joint evenings where they discussed their ideas, and found solutions to problems. Their friendship and unity became the foundation for Sophie's happy childhood.

When Sophie was born, the entire group of friends gathered at the hospital to support Penelope. It was a moment they would never forget. Each of them felt like part of a big family, and their hearts were filled with love and pride for what they had accomplished.

Raising Sophie became a true adventure for the entire group. Every day was full of unexpected situations and funny moments. Once, Finch, trying to change a diaper, managed to spill the entire pack of wet wipes on the floor. Simon, seeing this, couldn't stop laughing.

"Albion, did you decide to bathe Sophie in wipes?" Simon laughed.

"Simon, you don't understand, it's a new method," Finch replied seriously, trying to gather the wipes. "Total immersion in hygiene!"

When Sophie started taking her first steps, each of the friends wanted to be there. They supported her, holding her little hands, and celebrated each of her achievements. One day, when Sophie took her first independent step, Edwina captured the moment on camera, and they all celebrated together.

"We're raising a future walking champion!" Simon proudly declared, lifting Sophie in his arms.

Once, Edwina tried to teach Sophie to ride a bike.

"And just imagine, I'm running after her, and she suddenly stops. Of course, I can't stop in time, crash into her, and we both fall onto the grass!" Edwina laughed as she recounted the incident, both returning home with bruises, while everyone else couldn't hold back their laughter.

Over time, Penelope found the strength to move forward. She got a new job and, with the help of her friends, tried to create a cozy home for herself and her daughter.

Penelope returned to the present. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. Today was an important day.