Page 1 of Next Door Billionaire's Surprise Baby

Chapter 1

Chloe

No Regrets

"Mommy!"

I straighten up from behind the trunk to see what's got my daughter so excited. Her plump baby hands are stretched out to me, and I immediately notice her hands are covered with dirt.

As some of the dirt falls off, I shriek, running over to take the creepy crawly away from her hands. It's an earthworm that she picked up from the large garden in front of the house, and I brush it off hastily.

She tries to pull her hands away from me, but I grip tighter and give her a stern look.

"You know better than to play with those things, Sweetie," I tell her in a low voice, "They could get you sick."

She shakes her head stubbornly and puts her lower lip out, pouting.

I kiss her chubby cheeks and laugh, "Don't be like that, baby. You're so adorable."

She giggles and starts returning my kisses. We play like that for a while until I hear the entrance doors close. Looking up, I see my mother start to make her way from the house to us by my car.

"Nana!"

Skye screams joyfully and runs to her grandmother, who chuckles and picks her up. Then, she promptly stretches out her arms to show her the dirt covering them.

My mom oohs and ahhs for a while before looking up and making eye contact with me. Her icy blue eyes, which are replicated on my features, are lit up with laughter. But the longer she stares at me, the sadder her gaze becomes until she's not smiling anymore and slowly begins walking towards me.

I can’t help but feel guilty, and I focus on my task, picking up another box and throwing it into the trunk that is almost full. I hear her footsteps stop when she gets to the car, and she leans on it, watching me silently.

The air is thick with unsaid words.

I work quickly and don't stop until I have all the boxes inside the car. When I'm done, I slam the trunk closed and look up to see my mom crying quietly.

My heart, which is already broken enough, cracks even further. I tear up as well as I reach out for her.

"Don't do this, baby," she wails, burying her head into my shoulder, "Don't leave your hometown over a man, much less that jerk."

Sighing, I bury my nose in her hair and breathe in her tropical-scented shampoo.

"We've been through this, Mom," I remind her, "I'm not leaving only because of Tim. I want to experience life outside this small town, and I want Skye to experience it, too."

She sobs harder, "I know, darling. It's just... it's going to be hard without you close by."

I know, Mom. I know.

I hate myself for being the reason behind her tears, and I hate Tim even more. He's the one who woke up last month and decided he wasn't cut out to be a father and a long-term partner. Apparently, he's still young, and he wants to spend his nights going out instead of changing diapers.

If he were responsible enough to be committed to our daughter, I wouldn’t be standing here, watching my mom cry because her only child is leaving her hometown for good.

I hug my mother tightly one last time and pull back, giving her a shaky smile.

"I have to do this, Mom," I whisper as a tear runs down my cheek. She nods and turns around to tuck Skye into her car seat.

I get into the driver's side and start up the engine, taking in a deep breath. This is it. No turning back. I have to be strong for myself and for my daughter.

Mom places her hands desperately on the window and waves at me. She's crying hard, and it takes everything in me not to join her.

"I love you, Mom," I sniff, "I'll come to visit when I can."

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