?Chapter 0487


    "You''re right, Luke," I said softly, my voice filled with abination of regret and exhaustion. "I can''t believe I was even considering it. I''ll wait until Enzo gets back from his weekend trip. We need to discuss this in person."


    Luke sighed, his eyes softening as he nodded. "That sounds like the right thing to do, Nina. Whatever you decide, just make sure it''s a decision you both can live with,"


    I chuckled softly, shaking my head as I looked at Luke. "You know, it''s funny you say ''a decision we both can live with. Because I''m not even sure if that would be possible."


    Luke tilted his head, his eyes searching mine for an exnation. "What do you mean?"


    I sighed, my eyes drifting towards the window. "Where do I even start?" I murmured. "First, the pregnancy might be difficult-the doctor thinks I have endometriosis. And second, on top of a difficult pregnancy, there''s the issue of a baby getting in the way of Enzo''s dreams."


    "And what about you?" Luke prodded gently.


    A lump formed in my throat. "I got into medical school, Luke. I''ll be drowning in textbooks, pulling all-nighters in the library, and attending back-to-back sses. And when I graduate, I''ll be a resident at a hospital, which means I''ll barely be home. How can I be a good mom when I have to focus so much on my own path?"


    Luke was quiet for a moment, absorbing my words. Then, he took my hand, his touch warm andforting. "You and Enzo are two of the most amazing people I know. If anyone could find a way to incorporate a child into your lives without losing sight of your dreams, it would be you two. And it doesn''t have to be an extreme, one way or the other."


    "And besides," he added softly, "not everything has to be a life or death situation anymore, Nina. We''re not living in a constant state of fear."


    I sighed, his words causing realization to strike through me. He was right. Ever since everything had happened, that was how I saw things: ck and white, life or death. No in betweens. But maybe this didn''t need to be like that.


    "Thank you, Luke," I murmured. "You always know what to say, don''t you?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    He shrugged, grinning. "I try."


    Thesitated for a moment, but there was another thought that had been pressing against the walls of my mind, and seeing Luke only reminded me of it. "Speaking of fear, have you found anything else on Edward?"


    Luke''s eyes clouded over, his grip tightening ever so slightly on my hand. "No, I haven''t. But I''m keeping an eye out."


    Just the mere mention of Edward''s name made me feel a little shaky, like there was a cold dread settling in the pit of my stomach. Luke sensed my difort and pulled me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me tightly.


    "You have nothing to fear, Nina. You''re protected, I promise."


    For a moment, I allowed myself to melt into his embrace, feeling theforting warmth of


    his arms around me. His gesture made me realize just how blessed I was to have people who cared for me. My worries weren''t gone, but for the first time in what felt like forever, they seemed almost manageable.


    I pulled away from the hug, meeting Luke''s reassuring gaze. "Thank you," I whispered, "for everything."


    He smiled, giving my hand onest reassuring squeeze. "Anytime, Nina. Anytime."


    As Luke left, I felt a strange calm settle over me, recing the whirlwind of uncertainties and fears that were stuck inside my mind. I was still standing at a crossroads, but now, I felt like I had the strength to choose a path-not just for me, but for Enzo and our uncertain future.