Chapter 1134

Clarissa was just trying to use Anastasia to pass a message to Monica, plain and simple.

But Anastasia wasn't about to fall for it-she wasn't anyone's messenger.

Whether Monica wanted to jump into this mess was up to Monica. Anastasia wasn't going to interfere.

Jason was respectable and had everyone's sympathy, and as his friend, Anastasia was happy to help however she could. But she wasn't about to guilt Monica into anything she didn't want.

When Anastasia didn't bite, Clarissa squeezed her hand, looking heartbreakingly sad. “Anastasia, I really like Monica as a daughter-in-law. Everyone back home knows Jason was going to marry her, but then this happened... The Mortons can't keep someone else's daughter hanging, you know? I guess it just wasn't meant to be."

Anastasia played dumb. "You're right, love is all about destiny. Mrs. Morton, I've got work at my studio, so I'll head off now. Call me if you need anything."

Clarissa let out a heavy sigh, still wanting to talk, but Anastasia wasn't sticking around for any more emotional blackmail.

Once she was out of the hospital, Anastasia sat in her car and shot Monica a text: What are you up to?

Monica replied right away: Heading to see Jason.

Anastasia called her on the spot. "You're on your way to see Jason? I just left—I'm still in the parking lot. How long until you get here?"

"About half an hour," Monica said. "How's Jason doing? Last time I came, he wouldn't even let me near him. Ever since my mom caused that scene at the hospital, Jason hasn't wanted to see me at all."

"His mom just tried to talk to me she'll probably say the same to you. Just think it over, okay?" Anastasia cautioned.

Monica laughed. "I know exactly what she wants. She's trying to guilt-trip me into staying with Jason. But I'm here because I want to be because he's worth it to me. If I didn't like him, no one could talk me into staying. Not even if she quoted the Bible."

Anastasia grinned. "Good, as long as you know your own mind. I'll leave you to it then. I'm heading out."

"Alright."

Anastasia hung up and drove away.

Meanwhile at the hospital-

Autumn hadn't slept a wink all night. She was anxious, on edge, and as morning broke, she only grew more tense.

Mr. Walker had been at the hospital all morning. It was almost eleven and he still hadn't left, which made Autumn even more nervous.

What if Devin showed up and saw him?

After hesitating, Autumn looked at Mr. Walker, who was playing with the baby. "Aren't you going to work today? You should.go-don't worry about me. Your work's important."

worry,

"There's nothing urgent today," Mr,

Walker replied, still cooing at the

baby. "But I do need to run home for a bit will you be alright here alone? Call me if you need anything:

"I'll be fine. Plus, there's the nurse." She could hardly wait for him to leave.

Mr. Walker smiled at her, a look she didn't quite understand.

He stood up. "Alright, I'll head out then."

He called out, "Shirley, come get the baby."

A woman walked in—Shirley, the maternity nurse Mr. Walker had hired.

She walked to the crib and gently picked up the baby.

Autumn stared, confused. "Where are you taking him?”

Mr. Walker smiled. “You need to stay here a few more days to recover. I'll take the

baby home so you can really rest and get your strength back.”

“No, you can't take him! He's leaving with me when I'm discharged," Autumn said, panicked. “I can't relax if I'm not watching him."

"What's there to worry about?" Mr. Walker replied, still smiling. "Shirley knows what she's doing, and I'm his dad-I'd never let anything happen to him. Just focus on getting better Shirley, take the baby down to car."

SW the

"Yes, Mr. Walker." Shirley carried the baby out.

Autumn tried to stop them, but Mr. Walker gently took her hand. “Autumn, listen. At your age, you really need to take care of yourself after giving birth.”