Printed Hearts Chapter 46-50 | CraftyCotton.co

 

Chapter 46: Unspoken Feelings

Mimi sat in the living room of Ben’s house, wrapped in the quiet of the late afternoon. The sun cast soft, golden rays through the windows, but her mind was far from peaceful. She had spent the morning painting, her brush gliding across the canvas with ease, but something lingered in the back of her mind. A feeling she couldn’t quite shake.

Ben had been busy with work that day—managing his restaurants, handling meetings, and dealing with the countless tasks that came with his career. Mimi had grown accustomed to the hum of his professional life, but lately, she had started to feel a distance between them.

Her phone, which had been lying on the coffee table, suddenly buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar number. She hesitated for a moment, wondering who it could be, but then answered with a quick swipe.

"Hello?" Mimi's voice was soft, slightly unsure.

There was a brief pause on the other end before a familiar voice spoke. "Mimi?"

Her heart skipped a beat. It was Clara, Ben’s ex-girlfriend. Mimi's stomach tightened, and her grip on the phone tightened as well.

"Clara?" Mimi said, her voice faltering slightly.

"I hope I’m not interrupting anything," Clara’s voice was smooth, a little too polite. "I just wanted to check in... Is Ben with you?"

Mimi’s breath hitched in her chest, her thoughts racing. "No, he’s not here right now." She kept her voice steady, though a knot began to form in her stomach. "Why are you calling?"

There was a silence on the line before Clara spoke again, her tone almost too casual. "Oh, nothing in particular. I just wanted to talk to him, but I thought I’d check in with you first."

Mimi felt a wave of unease wash over her. She didn’t like the way Clara’s words lingered in the air. Something about the call felt off—too friendly, too familiar. She glanced around the room, her gaze landing on the painting she had been working on. The brushstrokes seemed to blur as her thoughts spun in a circle.

"Is everything okay, Clara?" Mimi finally asked, her voice betraying a hint of tension.

Clara paused again, as if considering her words carefully. "Yeah, everything’s fine. Just... Ben and I, we used to be so close. I was just thinking about that, you know? Before he got so caught up with his restaurants."

Mimi felt a pang in her chest, her insecurities creeping in. "I see," she said, trying to keep her voice composed. "Well, Ben’s happy now. And I think that’s what matters."

There was a moment of silence before Clara’s voice softened. "I’m sure he is. I just hope you understand how much Ben means to me. We shared a lot of memories, and I can’t just... forget that."

Mimi’s heart dropped. Her grip on the phone tightened as the words stung more than she wanted to admit. She knew it wasn’t right to compare herself to someone from Ben’s past, but hearing Clara’s voice, hearing the remnants of the connection they once had, felt like a shadow looming over her.

"Clara, I don’t think this is the right time for us to talk," Mimi said, her voice firm now, though her heart felt heavy. "Ben’s with me now, and I think it’s best that we move forward, not look back."

Clara’s tone shifted, but it was still polite, still careful. "Of course. I just wanted to make sure Ben’s doing okay, you know? I care about him, even if things didn’t work out."

Mimi exhaled, her mind swirling. "I’ll let him know you called." She tried to keep the conversation short, not wanting to engage any further.

There was a pause before Clara spoke again, her voice a little softer now. "Take care, Mimi."

Mimi’s heart was racing, and she quickly ended the call before she could say anything else. She sat in silence for a long moment, staring at the phone in her hand as the words of the conversation echoed in her mind.

Ben’s ex. It shouldn’t matter, but it did. Mimi couldn’t help but feel the sting of insecurity. She had always known Ben had a past, but hearing it so directly made it feel so much more real. She had seen their photos together when they first started dating, and she had heard bits and pieces of their story. But hearing Clara's voice just now felt like an uninvited reminder of everything Mimi wasn’t.

Her thoughts circled, and she suddenly felt small in Ben's world, as if she was a mere moment in the grand scheme of his life. She hugged her knees to her chest, trying to push away the doubt that was slowly creeping in. She thought about the baby growing inside her, and how much she loved Ben. But a part of her still felt unsettled.

She had told herself that this was her life now—that she and Ben were a team. But how could she fully believe that when his past seemed to hover so close?

When Ben returned home later that evening, Mimi was sitting at the kitchen table, absentmindedly stirring her tea. The door clicked open, and Ben stepped in, his smile fading when he noticed her distant look.

"Mimi?" he said softly, his voice filled with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Mimi looked up at him, trying to muster a smile. But the weight of the call, the doubts in her mind, were still heavy in her heart. She didn’t want to burden him with this, but a part of her longed for reassurance.

"Yeah," she said, her voice unsteady. "I just... I got a call today."

Ben’s expression shifted to one of confusion and concern. "From who?"

Mimi hesitated, but she didn’t want to lie to him. "Clara."

There was a long pause before Ben's face softened, and he walked over to her, kneeling beside the chair. "Mimi," he said, his voice gentle. "I know she’s part of my past, but you are my present, and my future. You mean everything to me."

Mimi swallowed, her throat tight. "I know, Ben. But hearing her call… it just made me feel like I’m not enough. Like I’m just filling in a space."

Ben’s heart ached at the vulnerability in her voice. "Mimi, you’re more than enough. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted. Clara and I... we’ve been through a lot, but that was before you. You’re the one I’m building a future with now."

Mimi looked at him, her heart both breaking and healing at the same time. She nodded, feeling the weight of her insecurities slowly lift, but not entirely gone. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to be strong for both of them.

"I just don’t want to lose you, Ben," she whispered, her voice small.

"You won’t," Ben assured her, his hand gently cupping her cheek. "You’re the one I’ve chosen, Mimi. You and me—we’re a team, remember? And nothing, not even the past, can change that."

Mimi closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his words. She leaned into him, letting go of the lingering doubts, at least for now. Together, they would face whatever came their way—this was their future, and no one could take that from them.

Chapter 47: A Heartbreaking Moment

The morning light crept through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room. Mimi had always loved mornings. The quiet, the stillness, the promise of a new day. But today, it felt like the weight of the world pressed down on her chest, suffocating her every breath.

Ben was already up, moving around the kitchen, preparing breakfast. His usual cheerful demeanor seemed distant, his movements mechanical. Mimi could feel the tension in the air, thick and heavy, as if they were both walking on eggshells. The news they had received the day before still hung over them like a storm cloud, its shadow impossible to escape.

Ben had taken her to the doctor for a routine checkup, expecting everything to go smoothly. But the words they had heard in the sterile, white office had shattered the quiet hopes they had nurtured for months. The baby… their baby… was in trouble.

Mimi could still hear the doctor’s voice echoing in her ears, the cold reality of the diagnosis slowly sinking in. “I’m afraid the baby isn’t developing properly. We’re going to have to monitor things closely, but there’s a chance… that there may be no heartbeat in the coming days.”

Her world had stopped at that moment. Her breath had caught in her throat, her chest tightening as if someone had reached in and squeezed her heart. Ben had held her hand tightly, but his own face was pale, his eyes filled with a mix of shock and sadness that she couldn’t even begin to understand.

Now, sitting in the kitchen, Mimi could feel the emptiness inside her. She had dreamed of this moment—the moment she would hold their baby in her arms. But that dream was slipping further and further away, slipping like sand through her fingers.

Ben turned around to look at her, his face softening when he saw the pain in her eyes. He walked over to her, his steps hesitant, like he didn’t know how to bridge the distance that had grown between them since the news had broken their hearts.

“Mimi…” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion. “I don’t know what to say. I just… I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.”

Mimi met his gaze, tears welling in her eyes. She felt numb, like a part of her had been torn away. She had imagined this moment—this moment when she would feel the joy of becoming a mother. But instead, she was gripped by an overwhelming sadness, a grief she couldn’t even put into words.

“It’s not your fault, Ben,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “It’s just… life. It’s just not fair.”

Ben knelt down beside her, taking her hands in his. “I know. I know it feels like everything is falling apart right now, but we’re in this together. We’ll get through this. Whatever happens, we’re a team.”

Mimi wanted to believe him. She wanted to hold onto his words, to find comfort in the certainty of their love. But the pain was too sharp, too raw, and it was hard to see beyond the grief that seemed to engulf her.

“I don’t know how to keep going,” she said, her voice breaking. “I don’t know how to be strong when all I feel is empty.”

Ben’s eyes filled with tears as he gently cupped her face. “You don’t have to be strong right now. Just let yourself feel what you need to feel. We don’t have to have all the answers. We just need each other.”

For a long moment, they sat together in silence, their hearts heavy with the weight of what they had just learned. The pain was unbearable, but they knew that whatever the future held, they would face it side by side.

Though they didn’t have the answers, they knew that they weren’t alone. In this moment of heartbreak, they were together—and that was enough.

Chapter 48: Clara’s Return

The house was quiet. Mimi sat by the window, gazing out at the peaceful view of the garden. The flowers outside had started to bloom, and the sight of them was bittersweet. She had hoped to have a new life growing inside her, to one day see her baby’s smile as she took walks through the garden. But that dream felt distant now, wrapped in the grief of the past few days.

Ben had gone out to take care of some work, leaving Mimi with her thoughts. She had tried to focus on her watercolor paintings to distract herself, but the brush in her hand felt too heavy, her mind far too clouded to create anything of meaning.

Just as she began to sink deeper into her sorrow, her phone buzzed on the table. A text message from an unknown number appeared on the screen. Mimi furrowed her brow as she unlocked the phone, and her stomach tightened when she saw who the message was from.

Clara: “I hope you’re doing okay, Mimi. I know things might be hard right now, but Ben deserves to be with someone who really understands him. I just wanted to remind you of that.”

Mimi’s heart sank, the words feeling like a cruel reminder of her insecurities. It had been a while since Clara had reached out, but this message was anything but comforting. It felt like a jab, like she was being reminded once again that Ben’s past was still looming over her.

She stared at the screen, her fingers trembling as she typed a response. “Clara, please. Ben and I are fine. I don’t need your reminders. It’s not the time.”

But before she could hit send, another message popped up from Clara.

Clara: “Oh, I’m sure you’re ‘fine.’ But honestly, I just feel sorry for you. He’s always going to have that connection with me. You can’t change that.”

Mimi’s breath hitched as she read the message. The words stung. They were designed to provoke, to unsettle her. Clara was taunting her again, as if trying to remind her of her place in Ben’s life. Mimi could feel her emotions rising, a mixture of anger, sadness, and frustration swirling inside her.

“Clara, stop. This is not about you. It’s about Ben and me.” Mimi typed, her fingers moving faster now, the need to assert herself growing stronger.

She waited for a response, but it didn’t come immediately. Mimi felt her pulse racing, her heart pounding in her chest. She had already been dealing with so much, and now Clara’s messages were only making it worse. Why couldn’t Clara just leave them alone?

Finally, the phone buzzed again.

Clara: “If you say so, Mimi. Just don’t be surprised if Ben eventually comes running back to me. It always happens.”

The words cut deeper than Mimi could have anticipated. The doubt that had been festering in her heart since that phone call earlier began to resurface, and the pain of what Clara had said was more than she could handle. She stared at the screen, her mind racing, unsure of what to do next. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she knew that was exactly what Clara wanted.

Mimi put the phone down slowly and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She knew that Clara was playing games, trying to provoke her and create doubts where there were none. But that didn’t make the words any easier to bear.

Ben had always been clear with her. He had chosen her. She had chosen him. And they were building something together. Clara’s words, though painful, didn’t change that.

Just then, Ben’s car pulled into the driveway. Mimi stood up, trying to shake off the tension that had been building in her chest. She wasn’t going to let Clara’s petty games affect her, not now, not when she and Ben were already facing so much together.

As Ben walked into the house, he noticed the pained look on Mimi’s face. His eyes softened with concern.

“Mimi, what’s wrong?” he asked, his voice gentle.

Mimi hesitated for a moment, but then she shook her head. “It’s just Clara,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ben’s face immediately hardened at the mention of her name. “What did she say?”

“She just… she sent me some messages,” Mimi replied, her voice shaking slightly. “She said things that… made me doubt everything.”

Ben walked over to her, taking her hands in his. “Mimi, listen to me. Clara is nothing. She’s in the past. You’re my present and my future. Don’t let her words get to you. She’s just trying to mess with you.”

Mimi swallowed hard, looking up into Ben’s eyes. “But what if she’s right? What if… what if I’m not enough?”

Ben’s expression softened, his thumb gently brushing her cheek. “Mimi, you are more than enough. You are everything to me. I don’t care about Clara. She’s a chapter that’s already over. I’m here with you, and that’s all that matters.”

Mimi nodded, feeling the weight of his words settle over her like a warm blanket. She had to believe him. She had to trust in their love, in what they had built together.

“Thank you,” she whispered, squeezing his hands. “I just… I don’t want to lose you.”

“You won’t,” Ben said, pulling her into a tight hug. “I promise.”

And for the first time in a while, Mimi allowed herself to believe him.

Chapter 49: The Heartbreaking Truth

The air in the hospital room felt thick with an unbearable silence. Mimi sat on the edge of the bed, her hands tightly gripping the blanket. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat feeling like a painful reminder of the devastating news that had already been delivered once. She couldn’t bring herself to look at Ben. He was beside her, his face a mixture of concern and sadness, but Mimi could feel the distance between them growing. The weight of what they were going through was too much for either of them to express.

The doctor had entered the room a few minutes ago. His face was kind but serious, his eyes soft with sympathy. He had already spoken the words once, but it felt like a cruel echo.

“I’m afraid,” the doctor had said gently, “there is no heartbeat. Your baby… is no longer with us.”

Mimi had nodded in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat. She had wanted to cry, wanted to scream, but all she could do was sit there, numb, unable to fully comprehend the magnitude of the loss. The dream she had held onto for so long, the dream of holding their child, was gone. It was slipping away like sand, slipping through her fingers, leaving nothing but emptiness behind.

Ben had taken her hand in his, but his grip wasn’t enough to fill the void she felt inside. There were no words that could fix this. No comfort that could undo the heartache. The room felt cold, despite the warmth of the hospital, and Mimi could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Mimi,” Ben whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know what to say. This isn’t fair. I just… I wish there was something I could do.”

Mimi tried to hold herself together, tried to breathe through the pain, but it was impossible. She had imagined this moment so many times—the moment when they would bring their baby into the world, the moment when they would hold their child in their arms and feel the overwhelming love that came with it. But instead, she was facing the reality of loss, a reality that was as harsh and cold as the sterile walls of the hospital room.

“I don’t understand, Ben,” Mimi said softly, her voice trembling. “Why? Why did this happen? Why couldn’t we keep our baby?”

Ben didn’t have an answer. No one did. There were no reasons, no explanations that could make sense of it. It was just life. It was just one of those things that couldn’t be predicted, couldn’t be prevented.

The doctor had left them alone for a few minutes, but it didn’t make things any easier. Mimi’s mind was racing, filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Anger. Sadness. Confusion. But most of all, there was a profound sense of loss. She had lost something she had never even truly known, something that was only a dream, a hope, but it still hurt. It hurt so deeply.

Ben wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She felt his heartbeat against her own, a rhythmic sound that somehow reminded her of what they had lost. He kissed the top of her head, his voice a whisper against her hair.

“We’ll get through this,” he said, his words muffled by her hair. “Together.”

But Mimi wasn’t sure if she believed him. She wasn’t sure if there was any getting through something like this. Could they really heal from this kind of pain? Could they ever move past the emptiness that now consumed them?

She felt so broken, so lost. It was like a part of her had been ripped away, leaving a gaping hole in her heart. No matter how hard she tried to hold onto hope, to find something positive in this situation, she couldn’t escape the overwhelming sadness that clung to her like a shadow.

The tears finally started to fall, and Ben held her tighter, his arms around her a small comfort in the midst of their shared grief. Neither of them had the answers. Neither of them knew how to make sense of the pain they were both feeling.

All they knew was that the future they had dreamed of—of raising a child together—had been shattered in an instant. And now, they would have to figure out how to move forward, together, even though the road ahead seemed impossibly hard.

As the doctor came back in to discuss the next steps, Mimi wiped her eyes, her face pale and drawn. She wasn’t sure what would come next. She wasn’t sure what to do with the grief that weighed on her heart.

But in that moment, with Ben by her side, she knew they would face it together. No matter how hard the journey would be, they would walk through it side by side. Even if they didn’t have all the answers, they still had each other. And for now, that would have to be enough.

Chapter 50: The Courtroom Victory

The past few weeks had been a blur for Mimi. The grief of losing her baby still hung heavily over her, but the sadness had transformed into a quiet, determined resolve. It wasn’t just the loss she had to contend with now; there was also the lingering emotional toll that Clara had inflicted upon her. The cruel words, the constant meddling in her relationship with Ben, had pushed Mimi to her limit.

Clara had crossed a line, and Mimi had decided it was time to stand up for herself. It wasn’t just about the emotional pain anymore; it was about asserting her boundaries, taking back control of her life. So, with Ben’s support, Mimi had hired a lawyer and filed a defamation lawsuit against Clara.

The courtroom was cold, the walls echoing the sounds of hushed conversations. Mimi sat beside her lawyer, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Ben was by her side, offering a reassuring touch when she needed it. She hadn’t imagined this moment, never in her wildest dreams had she thought she’d end up here, battling someone who had once been a part of her life. But now, she had no choice. She was fighting for herself, for her peace.

Clara was seated across from her, a smug expression on her face, her arms crossed as if she were already prepared to win. Mimi couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anger. Clara had always been so sure of herself, so used to getting her way. But today, things would be different. Mimi was no longer the quiet, passive person she once was. She had learned, through all the pain, that she was strong.

The judge entered, and the room fell silent. The proceedings began, and Mimi could feel her heart racing. The lawyer presented the case first, laying out the evidence of Clara’s repeated attempts to disrupt Mimi’s relationship with Ben, her false accusations, and her hurtful messages that had caused Mimi emotional distress.

It wasn’t easy reliving the harsh words Clara had sent her, but Mimi stayed focused. She reminded herself that this wasn’t just about the past—it was about taking control of her future, about proving that she wouldn’t let anyone, especially Clara, dictate her happiness.

When it was her turn to speak, Mimi stood up, her hands trembling slightly. But as she spoke, her voice grew steadier, stronger.

“Clara’s words weren’t just hurtful. They were intentional. She wanted to hurt me, to break me down, and she didn’t care about the consequences,” Mimi said, her voice unwavering. “I’ve been through a lot. I’ve lost my child, and I’ve dealt with more pain than anyone should. But I will not let Clara’s cruelty add to that. I will not let her take away my peace.”

Clara’s face twisted in annoyance as Mimi spoke, but Mimi stood her ground. She had already been through the worst, and this moment didn’t seem nearly as terrifying anymore. It was a fight she had to win—for herself, for Ben, and for the life they were trying to rebuild together.

As the trial continued, it became clear that Clara’s defense was weak. She tried to deny the accusations, but the evidence of her messages was irrefutable. The judge listened carefully, and Mimi could sense the tide turning in her favor.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the judge spoke.

“Based on the evidence presented, I find in favor of the plaintiff, Mimi. The defendant, Clara, is ordered to pay damages for defamation and emotional distress caused by her actions.”

Mimi’s heart skipped a beat. She had won.

The room was silent for a moment, and then she felt Ben’s hand on her shoulder. “You did it,” he whispered, his voice filled with pride.

Tears welled in Mimi’s eyes, but these were different tears. They weren’t from the heartbreak of loss—they were tears of relief, of strength, of triumph. She had taken control of her life again. She had stood up for herself, and she had won.

Clara sat frozen in her seat, her expression dark and defeated. She didn’t say a word as the verdict was read, but Mimi could see the frustration in her eyes. It was over.

As they left the courtroom, Mimi felt an overwhelming sense of closure. The battle wasn’t just about the lawsuit—it was about reclaiming her own worth, her own happiness. And for the first time in a long time, Mimi felt like she could breathe again.

Ben wrapped his arm around her as they walked out together. “I’m so proud of you, Mimi,” he said softly. “You did it.”

Mimi smiled through her tears, leaning into him. “I did. And I couldn’t have done it without you.”

They walked out of the courthouse hand in hand, ready to move forward together, free from the shadows of the past. The future was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, Mimi felt hopeful. The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with Ben by her side, she knew they could face whatever came next. And that was all that mattered.