A Second Chance at Forever novel (Eleanor and Bernard)

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Chapter 1390

“Eleanor.” Just as she turned towards the door, Bernard had called out to her.

Eleanor spun around, her eyes locking with Bernard’s, which had involuntarily dropped to her swelling

belly.

“Can I… may I touch the baby?” he asked, his voice barely above a murmur.

Throughout her pregnancy, he had been absent, his hands never having the chance to feel the life they

had created stirring within her. Should she allow it just this once?

Following his gaze, Eleanor looked down at the gentle curve of her abdomen and gave a slight nod.

She couldn’t find it in her heart to deny him.

With a cautious reverence, Bernard extended a trembling finger and let it rest gently against her belly,

feeling the round firmness beneath. In that touch, the jagged edges of his heart seemed to soften.

Witnessing the tender emotion in Bernard’s eyes, Eleanor was suddenly reminded of Cedric, holding a

children’s book close, narrating tales to the unborn child inside Hailey’s womb.

She too wished for her child’s father to share a moment, to speak a word or two, so that when they

parted, the regret wouldn’t be as sharp. Overcome with emotion, she found herself asking Bernard,

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“Would you… like to talk to the baby?”

Bernard froze, unsure of what to say but cherishing the opportunity nonetheless. He gently caressed

Eleanor’s belly and whispered, “Hello…”

After speaking, he looked up anxiously at Eleanor, “Can he hear me?”

Eleanor placed her hand over her belly, nodding softly. “It’s nearly six months now. There’s movement.

Sometimes, when I talk, he’ll stretch out a little hand or foot, give me a kick. It means he can feel it.”

Bernard, a soon-to-be father for the first time, was unfamiliar with these miracles. Hearing about the

baby’s tiny movements, his eyes brimmed with

emotion.

“Why… why isn’t he moving now?”

He touched her gently, searching for the movements Eleanor spoke of, but felt nothing.

“Perhaps… you haven’t said enough,” she suggested with a small smile. The baby wasn’t accustomed

to his voice yet, and probably didn’t respond to a stranger’s greeting.

Bernard stared at the prominent belly, thoughtful for a moment before rising from his chair and kneeling

before her, his gaze almost level with the temporary home of their unseen child. With profound

sincerity, he spoke again.

“Your mother has endured so much to bring you into this world. She hopes for nothing more than your

safe arrival and a healthy, happy life. And as your father, I’ve been absent, unable to share stories or

lessons with you, unable to care for your mother. For that, I am deeply sorry. But my child, daddy

doesn’t ask for much in life. Just knowing that your mother is well and you are born safe, that’s enough

to support me through the hardest times”

As if sensing his father’s earnest plea, the baby seemed to respond. At the moment his words fell

silent, Eleanor felt a stir within her womb, “He moved.”

At Eleanor’s words, Bernard eagerly pressed his ear against her belly, yearning for the closest

connection with the tiny life inside.

Three distinct kicks followed, each as palpable as if they were tapping directly on Bernard’s cheek,

clear and strong.

In that instant, Bernard, the untouchable figure who seemed to dwell amongst the stars, let his proud

guard fall and tears streamed down his face.

His heart was heavy with unspoken emotions, and in an attempt to hide them from Eleanor, he

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pretended to listen more intently, wrapping his arms around her waist.

With his head bowed, his cheek against her stomach, he silently released the pent-up feelings of

vulnerability and longing.

Eleanor could not see Bernard’s face, nor could she decipher the emotions hidden there. She simply let

him hold her, feeling the weight of the moment stretching between them.

They stayed like this until the baby’s movement ceased. Slowly, Bernard composed himself, reluctantly

loosening his hold on Eleanor.

“Take care of yourself,” he whispered.

Eleanor nodded, and for a long while, they just looked at each other, each lost in their own thoughts.

Finally, it was Eleanor who broke the silence.

“I should go now,” she said, her voice steady but her pace quick as she left the control room, not daring

to look back for fear that her resolve would

crumble.

Bernard watched her go, the pain in his heart intensifying. He smirked bitterly at himself, knowing all

too well that pain was the just desert for those who

let weakness dictate their decisions.

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