Page 42 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

I didn’t love how I’d left things with my mom, so I decided to go spend a weekend with her. As I neatly folded my clothes and placed them into my suitcase, I couldn't help but think about how this decision would impact my life. Marrying Hugo meant not only helping him secure his green card but also providing me with the means to become a nurse.

But the complications were clear as day. Mostly, that I had fallen in love with him. Like an idiot.

"Simone?" Hugo's voice echoed from the doorway, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Is there anything you need help with?" I looked up at him, his concern evident in his eyes.

“Nope, I’m almost done,” I reassured him, managing a small smile. “I’m just wondering what my mom is going to say about all of this.”

I left out that Seth had already spilled the beans about us. But I did want her to know the full story and I was worried that she’d be upset.

“I’m sure she’ll be supportive. She loves you, right? And she trusts your decision-making.”

“She does. But she doesn’t exactly trust marriage. Or men who aren’t Seth, for that matter.”

“I can understand that.”

After finishing my packing, Hugo went with me to the train station, and I was off. He kissed me goodbye and I wondered how it was possible that I would miss him. But I knew I would miss him – even if I was not even an hour away for just a few days.

I stepped off the train and looked for my mom’s car in the parking lot, spotting it easily. She jumped out of the car and pulled me into a hug as soon as she saw me.

“Simone, I’m so glad you came.” She was always dramatic, acting like we lived an entire country away. But I hugged her tightly instead of criticizing.

“It’s good to see you, Mom.”

We got in the car and she immediately started telling me about her new job as a receptionist at a local car dealership. I was glad to see her eyes light up as she talked about it. I was always struck by just how young my mom was – she’d only been twenty when Seth was born, so she was only in her early fifties now. Sometimes she seemed much older than that, the reality of a life full of disappointment weighing on her.

A quick twenty minutes later, we were pulling into the driveway of her small – but immaculately tidy – ranch house. The lawn was cut perfectly and the white paint was crisp. Sethhad helped our mom get this house, but she was ruthless with the maintenance, clearly proud of her home. Seeing it made my heart glow for her.

“I hope you’re hungry,” she said as we walked into the cozy home. “I have a pot roast in the slow cooker.”

“That sounds great, Mom.”

She smiled, clearly relieved.

“You remember where the guest room is, right?”

I nodded and brought my bag to the small room that overlooked the small backyard. I sat on the bed for a moment, listening to the quiet. It was times like this when I realized just how loud the city was – but here, I could actually catch my thoughts.

After a few minutes, I walked back to the kitchen and helped my mom set the table. Soon enough, we were sitting down to a delicious smelling meal.

“So, you’re getting married?”

Okay, I guess we were getting right into it.

“Yes, I’m getting married.”

“To Hugo?”

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"Yes, Hugo. He's been amazing, and I can't imagine my life without him. But there's something you should know..." My voice trailed off, unsure of how to proceed.

"Go on," she encouraged gently, her eyes filled with concern. Taking a deep breath, I explained.

"He needs a green card, and in exchange for marrying him, he's going to pay for my tuition so I can finish my nursing degree. But it's more than just that, Mom. I've fallen in love with him." A myriad of emotions flickered across my mother's face as she processed my words. She looked down at her hands, which were clasped tightly together, before meeting my gaze once more.

"Simone, I won't lie; this is a lot to take in. But what matters most is your happiness. If you truly love him, and if he makes you happy, then I'll support you."

Tears threatened to fall from my eyes as relief washed over me.

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