Chapter 1318 Thaddeus
A year and a half later.
In a bustling part of a city in the West, a small café played soft music, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the noisy streets outside.
At ten in the morning, the café wasn't very crowded. The few customers present were quietly enjoying their sweet cakes and coffee or engaging in hushed conversations.
On this autumn day, Cecilia wore a black and white dress, her hair now cut into a neat short style. She still looked young and beautiful, but she had gained a bit of weight, adding a touch of mature allure to her appearance. She had transformed from a girl into a very charming young woman.
The café, about a thousand square feet, was something Cecilia had taken over in her third month in the city. She had spent the first two months job hunting without success. Then, by chance, she saw that this café was up for sale and decided to take it over.
Running a café was quite peaceful. She only needed to hire two employees and learn to make good desserts and coffee herself. In this tranquil environment, she could read the books and magazines available for customers, leading a comfortable and relaxed life. Although she didn't earn much each month, it was enough to get by.
Cecilia placed some freshly made cakes into the display case. Her baking skills had improved significantly, and many regular customers came specifically for her desserts.
At that moment, Elowen Sinclair, one of the employees behind the counter, smiled and said, "Hey boss, it's time. You should go check on Thaddeus Thorne."
Cecilia smiled, took off her apron, and said, "I'll go see Thaddeus now. Keep an eye on the café."
"Don't worry," Elowen replied with a thumbs-up.
Cecilia then stepped out of the café, hopped on her electric scooter, and headed down the road.
Although this city was a central hub, it wasn't as developed or bustling as the coastal cities in the East. The pace of life was slower, which Cecilia had grown accustomed to and appreciated.
Ten minutes later, Cecilia opened the door to her rented two-bedroom apartment and heard Freya's voice.
"Thaddeus, be good. Don't cry. Your mommy will be back soon!"
Hearing Freya's voice mixed with Thaddeus's cries, Cecilia quickly walked into the bedroom. "Is Thaddeus fussing again?"
Freya, seeing Cecilia return, hurriedly brought Thaddeus over. "He's hungry and refuses to drink formula. He's been waiting for you."
"Give him to me," Cecilia said, taking Thaddeus into her arms.
As soon as Thaddeus started nursing, he stopped crying and looked content.
Cecilia gazed down at her chubby son, feeling a wave of comfort as he nursed.
When she first arrived in this city alone, she rented a small one-bedroom apartment and started job hunting. Although Elijah had given her a bank card with $200,000, she knew she couldn't rely on it forever and needed to find a way to support herself.
However, shortly after taking over the café, Cecilia discovered she was pregnant.
The news of her pregnancy brought mixed emotions. She was both surprised and delighted, wondering why this child had come at this time. Perhaps if the child had come earlier, things between her and Daryl might have been different.
This child was a gift from above, so she knew she had to cherish it.
Cecilia decided to have the baby and raise it on her own. Knowing Daryl's temperament, he would likely question the child's paternity if he found out. To avoid any humiliation or distress for herself and the child, she chose to stay in this city and raise the child alone.
Cecilia kept in touch with Elijah through letters, fearing that if anything happened to her, the child would need someone to rely on.
Elijah, understanding her situation, arranged for Freya to come to the city to help her.
With Freya's care, Cecilia felt much more at ease. Freya's attentive care allowed her to safely give birth to Thaddeus.
Thaddeus's arrival filled the emotional void in her life. He was like an angel, bringing joy and fulfillment. Watching him grow each day, Cecilia no longer felt lonely in this city.
After finishing her work at the café each day, she would come home to spend time with Thaddeus, dedicating all her energy to the café and her son. She felt content, and if life could continue this peacefully, she would be happy.
Cecilia's eyes shone with maternal love as she looked down at Thaddeus, who was nursing contentedly.
"Mrs. Fields, Thaddeus is only eight months old but already weighs twenty-two pounds. He's living up to his name," Freya said with a smile as she folded Thaddeus's clothes.
"This little guy has always been big and strong, with a huge appetite. My milk is barely enough for him," Cecilia said, looking at her son's chubby face.
Freya laughed, "It's because your milk is so good—plentiful and rich. That's why Thaddeus is growing so well."
"Freya, it's mainly thanks to you. I'm busy with the café every day, and you've taken such good care of Thaddeus," Cecilia said gratefully.
Honestly, without Freya's care and companionship over the past year, Cecilia wouldn't have known what to do. Freya's dedicated care had been crucial, especially when Cecilia had a C-section. Without Freya's meticulous care, her recovery wouldn't have been as smooth.
After all they had been through, Cecilia considered Freya family.
"This is what I'm here for. You're too kind. Besides, Mr. Elijah Fields pays me well. I couldn't find a better-paying job elsewhere!" Freya said with a smile.
Hearing this, Cecilia felt a deep sense of gratitude towards Elijah, who insisted on paying Freya's salary, despite Cecilia's attempts to refuse. Elijah said that with Daryl watching him, this was the only way he could help.