Billionaire's Pregnant Ex-wife novel Chapter 4

My eyes popped open, and my jaw dropped to the flawless white floor. My birthday? I mumbled under my breath, still dazed. I turned to check the calendar on the wall. When I saw the date, a soft gasp escaped my lips, and I made a facepalm in my mind.

Why did I forget the most special day of my life?

It took me a moment to compose myself. I closed my mouth before a fly could enter and dropped to my knees in front of Mom.

“Happy birthday, Lily,” Mom whispered weakly. She caressed my cheek with her frail hands and surveyed my face. “I’m sorry I have no present to give you,” she said regretfully. My heart shattered into pieces.

“You don’t need to give me one, Mom,” I told her. The regret in her eyes transformed into warmth. “Having you here by my side today is the greatest gift I could ever receive.”

Tears clouded her eyes, and for a moment, I thought she would cry. But she blinked back the tears and held my hands. A soft smile emerged from her thin, pale lips. “I’m lucky to have a daughter like you,” she mumbled. It made my heart swell with joy.

“I’m luckier to have you as my mother.”

“Lily, will you promise me you will always be happy even after I'm gone?” Mom asked, startling me. A chill ran down my spine as her words reverberated in my ears. The smile on my lips disappeared.

Why is she raising that question now?

I opened my mouth, but before I could object, I stopped. The grave expression on her face held me back. “Will you promise me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I swallowed hard and dropped my gaze to the floor. Can I do it? “You will not leave me, right, Mom?” The question burst from my lips as I met her gaze. An imaginary heart squeezed my chest. I pursed my lips and swallowed the lump in my throat as I smoothed the remaining strands of her hair after countless chemotherapy sessions.

But I could not contain my emotions any longer. Within seconds, tears raced down my cheeks.

Mom looked so pitiful. Her wrinkled skin clung to her bones, and there were shadows under her eyes. She could not even walk on her own. I didn’t think she would survive another chemotherapy session in her condition. Yet, even with her health deteriorating, Mom always wore a smile and had an enviable outlook on life.

“I accepted my fate a long time ago, but before I die, I want you to promise me you will be happy,” she said, her eyes locked on mine.

A moment of silence passed between us.

“Lily?”

I pushed the doubt away and surrendered. In a barely audible voice, I replied, “I promise, Mom.”

A smile lit her face. “Thank you, Lily. I have faith in you. I know you will fulfill your promise.” She pulled me into a tight hug.

“You don’t need to thank me, Mom.” I kissed her on the temples before rising to my feet and drying my cheeks.

Celine cleared her throat to catch my attention. “Happy birthday, Lily,” she greeted again. The smile on her face broke the tension in the atmosphere, and I relaxed. “I brought your favorite black forest cake.” She grinned, showing me the cake. “Please make a wish now.”

I closed my eyes and did what Celine told me before blowing out the candle. I’m getting older, I thought as the flame snuffed out.

“I prepared food downstairs. We must eat before it turns cold.”

“You go first, Celine. I’ll carry Mom downstairs,” I told her.

Celine went ahead. I turned to Mom. With ease, I lifted her into my arms and carefully descended the stairs. She was so light, almost like a child, and I had no difficulty carrying her until we reached the kitchen.

“Thank you,” Mom mumbled when I finally lowered her into a chair.

The enticing scent of food permeated my nostrils, making my mouth water. I suddenly realized I was starving. The food on the table was difficult to resist.

“This is your Mom’s idea,” Celine said, pointing out the dishes, all of my favorites.