Chapter 26: Preparing for the Big Day

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With her due date just a week away, Lena was doin' everything she could to prepare for her baby girl's arrival. Between school assignments and last-minute errands, she stayed busy, keepin' her focus on herself and the new life she was about to bring into the world. Graduating with her psychology degree was just around the corner too—she'd be walkin' the stage in a few months, and she couldn't wait to show her daughter what it meant to reach for her dreams.

Her mom suggested they take some time to relax before things got hectic, so they headed out for a little self-care. They went to get their nails and toes done, enjoyin' the pampering as they chatted about baby names and what life would look like once the little one arrived. Lena picked a soft pink polish for both her nails and toes, feelin' like it was the perfect color for the moment. She needed every bit of peace she could find, especially with all the emotions she'd been sortin' through.

After their nails, Lena went to get her hair done, sittin' in the salon chair as the stylist started on her knotless braids. It was a welcome distraction, keepin' her mind off Que and all the chaos his actions had brought into her life. She wasn't ready to deal with him yet. Even though he'd been sendin' flowers, little gifts, and even letters apologizin' for the hurt he'd caused, Lena couldn't bring herself to care. Right now, her only focus was on her daughter and her own healing.

Friends and Family Support

Everyone seemed to be callin' her these days—friends, family, classmates—all checkin' in, makin' sure she was alright and askin' if she needed anything. The love and support warmed her heart, remindin' her that she didn't have to do this alone. Jade and Renee, her best friends, had already planned out a schedule to help once the baby arrived, and her parents were ready to step in whenever she needed them.

Even Que's mom had called, checkin' in to make sure she was comfortable and tellin' her how excited she was to meet her granddaughter. Lena appreciated the gesture, but she still felt the sting of betrayal every time she thought about Que's lie and the possibility that he could have another child with Layla. She'd always dreamed of startin' a family, but not like this—not with secrets and hurt weighin' down on what should be a time of joy.

Ignoring Que's Efforts

Que had been tryin' his best to reach out. He'd come by the house a few times, waitin' outside, hopin' she'd let him in, but Lena always ignored him, lettin' her mom handle it. Her mom would go outside, tellin' him he needed to give Lena space, that pushin' wouldn't help. He'd been sendin' messages and leavin' voicemails, each one filled with apologies, but Lena didn't even bother listenin'.

The flowers and notes kept comin', but to her, they were just reminders of the trust he'd broken. She'd thought he was someone she could depend on, someone she could build a future with, but now, all she could see was the lie and the hurt it had caused. She knew she'd have to see him at the hospital, of course—she wasn't gonna keep him from the delivery room. But that was where she wanted to draw the line. She didn't want anything beyond co-parentin' for their daughter.

A New Resolve

As she finished up her braids and looked at herself in the mirror, Lena felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was done lettin' Que's mistakes define her happiness. She had a daughter to think about, a future to build, and she was determined to create a life that was steady and filled with love—for both of them.

Her heart ached, but she was ready to move forward. She'd do her best to be cordial with Que, for their daughter's sake, but she wasn't interested in mendin' their relationship. She wanted peace, stability, and a life she could be proud of.

As she left the salon, her phone buzzed with another text from Que, but this time, she didn't even bother openin' it. She took a deep breath, her hand restin' on her belly as she whispered to her little girl, "It's just us, baby girl. We're gonna be just fine."

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