Chapter 0020 Serenas POV Stevie waits outside the stall as I puke my guts out in the toilet . I hear a gentle knock on the door . Do you need any help ? tean hold your hair back if you want , Stevie offers . No , its alright , I reply . Ive got this . Ive had plenty of practice . After Im done , I wipe my mouth and take a deep breath . I was worried that Stevie would be mad at me for not telling her about the baby , But I was wrong . As soon as I come out of the stall , Stevie hugs me tightly . Stevie , are you crying ? I ask , noticing tears in her eyes . As she steps back , she says with a smile , Of course , Im crying , silly ! Im going to be an aunt . Or you could be the babys godmother . I know youll take care of my child if something bad happens to me , I say . Stevie smiles and replies , That would be wonderful ! I mean , being your babys godmother , not something bad happening to you . Wait , does Bill know youre carrying his child ? Stevie asks . I reply , my voice distant , I didnt tell him . I can raise my baby on my own . I dont need his help . Fine by me , Stevie says . Just remember , if you ever need any help , Ill be there for you and our future godchild . I took the train to Salt Lake to visit my parents and see our old house . I stand at the gate , looking at our old house in Salt Lake . It looks mostly the same , just with a few small changes here and there . The front doors color is a bit different now , and there are new shutters on the windows . I reach out and press the doorbell , my finger lingering for a moment longer than necessary . What will my parents think when they see me standing here , after all this time ? As the door creaks open , I see Mom stepping out of the house . She looks just as I remember her hair a bit grayer , perhaps , but her eyes still carry that same warmth , that gentle spark of kindness thats always defined her . Serena ? You shouldve called , Mom says . She hurries to the gate , her movements quick with the need to close the distance between us . I cant hold back the tears anymore as I wrap my arms around her . I missed you so much , Mom , I manage to say through sobs . She holds me tight , her tears mingling with mine . Wheres Dad ? Hes inside . You should go say hello , Mom says . Mom and 1 walk into the house together . Its been a while since Ive talked to either of my parents because of my marriage to Bill . Im not sure Dad will be as understanding as Mom has been . It wasnt that I wanted to keep m out of my life ; sharing my troubles with Bill felt too hard . Dad is absorbed in the morning paper , a cup of coffee by his side when I step into the dining room . My heart pounds a bit harder as I approach . Dad , Im home , I say . As Dad lays the paper aside and looks up , theres an unexpected gentleness in his gaze that Ive rarely seen . He slowly approaches me and hugs me . Its a surprise because Dad doesnt usually hug . That makes me cry even more . 1/2 Chapter 0020 +25 BONUS I thought Id never see my little girl again , Dad says , his voice thick with emotion . I Sorry , Dad . I shouldve called , I say as I pull away from the hug Thats okay , honey , Dad reassures me with a gentle smile . The important thing is youre here with us now . Mom , wiping her tears , smiles at us . Just like old times , she says . Why dont you sit down , dear ? Ill whip something for you . Thanks , Mom , I say , as she heads back to the kitchen . Time seems to slow as the aroma from the kitchen fills the house . After a while , Mom comes out with the lasagna and garlic bread , setting them on the table with a warm smile . I made your favorites , she says . Mom , you always make the best meals , I say with a smile Turning to Dad , I cant help but ask , So , what have you and Mom been up to lately ? Chapter 0021 In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.