Fitch stood motionless, his gaze locked onto the incubator that cradled his child, oblivious to the commotion building in the hallway just outside the room. The source of the noise was unmistakable: it was the uproarious Sharon Haskins.

Sharon had been doggedly trying to set Fitch up on blind dates, only to be rebuffed each time with his claim of being already married. To date, Sharon had never met Fitch's wife or even laid eyes on a marriage certificate. The rumor mill had recently churned out tales of Fitch's frantic search for someone amidst a raging wildfire.

The whispers and inquisitive chatter revealed a tragic truth: Zoey, Fitch's wife, had perished in the inferno, and word had it that she'd left behind a child for Fitch.

"Fitch, are all those rumors true? You really have a child?" Sharon's voice was laced with concern. "I heard the baby was premature, with health issues, even a heart problem. Listen to me, you're still young. There will be plenty of women for you in the future. Zoey was just a chapter in your life, a veil over your eyes. We don't need her or this child. I'll find you a suitable wife, someone who can give you a healthy baby."

Fitch's transformation over the years had been profound. Once the epitome of discipline and strength, he now seemed engulfed in a silent obsession, as if he had no interest in anyone's words.

At the sound of Sharon's speech, he lifted his head, his gaze so firm it sent her reeling backward.

"Mom, Zoey is the woman whose name is alongside mine on a marriage certificate, and that child shares my blood. I can't just abandon them. Don't ever speak of this again; I don't want to hear it. Zoey is my only wife, and if she's gone, I will never marry again."

Sharon nearly fainted at his words. Fitch, still so young, was speaking of eternal bachelorhood. Had he lost his mind?

that quickly retracted

it a few days, and you'll see. There are plenty of women like Zoey, easily replaceable. She chose to have your baby without anyone begging her to. Just think of how many women in Greenfield would leap at the chance to bear your children. Zoey was lucky to have had this opportunity;

more, Fitch's face darkened. "Never speak of this in my presence

sensing no

her son. She had always known him to have his own mind, rarely swayed by elders, and he had

Haskins' family business whel.ne

unwavering competence.

Sharon felt

sickly child to care for. Who knows how much effort it'll take, or if the

return to the Haskins

joking until two bodyguards

Fitch was serious about raising the child on his

enveloped Fitch once more. He turned to the doctor beside him. "What are

needs to

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