Chapter 30
I'd stopped dancing after I found out I was pregnant.
Since then, I'd only been helping the girls clean the club, which brought in a little money—enough for my sister and me to get by without dipping into my savings.
But when Mr. Julio told me how much the client was paying, I couldn't say no. I would dance again.
I'd always loved dancing—it was something I'd practiced since childhood, so I knew all kinds of styles. But pole dancing, I have to admit, was my favorite: beautiful and sensual at the same time, and it did wonders for my body.
Since the pay was so good, I decided to wear something special.
Actually, I'd sewn this dress myself. I'd originally planned to tell Alex about my passion for dancing and show him at the same time, but we broke up before I got the chance.
So I decided that day would be perfect for that outfit.
My makeup was light, despite the marks I'd gotten after everything that happened.
I never liked anything heavy on my face, so I did it the way I always preferred.
The room was dark, and the client wouldn't notice.
I was doing my job perfectly when the client stood up and startled me.
Only then did I realize who it was. Unable to believe it, I started walking toward him.
When the security guard on duty came in, I asked him to leave, and he obeyed immediately.
I took off my mask and looked into Alex's eyes.
He stared back at me with an expression of disgust mixed with anger.
I understood—I'd hidden this from him, and I knew he hated lies.
“What are you doing here? Did you come just to humiliate me?”
“I wanted to see it with my own eyes. When I saw the video, I didn't believe it. So I came to confirm it for myself, and I ended up even more disappointed.”
“It's just a job, like any other. I'm only dancing, Alex.”
“That's not even the problem, Chloe,” Alex said. “I respect anyone's work. What hurts is the lie. You were with me and you put yourself on display like this”—he pointed his finger at me—“for other men. If you'd told me you needed money, I would have given it to you. That's not a problem for me.”
“Don't be sexist, Alex. When I was with you, I only danced once, and I had my reasons. Don't blame me for not telling you. I was getting ready to, but you decided to believe a conversation you overheard and ended things with me.”
“Oh, so now it's my fault?” Alex asked, visibly irritated.
“You put on a show for my ex-brother-in-law and think I'm wrong for complaining?
You know all about my history with my last relationship.
If you'd talked to me beforehand, maybe I could've even tried to understand.
But you chose to do it another way. So don't put the blame on me. And you know what?” he continued, his tone dripping with disdain.
“I don't even know why I'm here listening to you.
I've already seen what I came to see. So I have nothing more to say to you.”
He started walking toward the door, and I called out to him.
“Alex, wait! At least listen to me! Let me explain.”
“Explain what, Chloe?” Alex retorted, his voice heavy with hurt.
“There's nothing you could say that would interest me now.
How do you expect me to believe anything you say after you hid this from me?
I'm sorry, maybe I'm an idiot to you, but I'll never believe another word you say. Never.” I took a step forward, trying to grab his arm, but Alex pulled away sharply, his eyes shining with a pain I'd never seen before.
“You know what's worse?” he continued with a bitter smile.
“I really believed in you. I believed in us.
But you deceived me. And now, honestly, I don't even want to look at you.
I never thought I'd be this disappointed… Goodbye, Chloe.”
He turned his back and walked away, his firm footsteps echoing down the hallway.
He left me standing there, motionless, as if the world around me had stopped.
A sharp pain pierced my chest, choking off any attempt to call out to him again.
After everything I'd heard, I realized he had no interest in anything I had to say.
I brought my hands to my belly, feeling the slight curve that had begun to form, and silent tears rolled down my face.
“I was going to tell him about the pregnancy,” I thought, hugging myself for comfort.
I thought he had the right to know… But now, it seemed like even that didn't matter.
He didn't want anything to do with me anymore. And that hurt more than I'd imagined.
The tears came harder, and I realized it wasn't just Alex who was disappointed. I was too—with him, with the situation, and maybe with myself.
Cristina came into the room and saw me crying.
She ran to get my robe and wrapped it around me, asking what had happened.
I told her that he was my baby's father and that now I didn't know what was going to happen.
She brought me some water, and I stayed there until I calmed down.
I didn't want to go up to the apartment and let Elena see me like this—we'd already been through so much, and I didn't want to give her anything else to worry about.
After I calmed down, I went to the dressing room, took off the sandals I'd borrowed from the girls, and wiped off my makeup, which was now completely smudged.
Then I went up to my place, where all I needed was a shower and to try to sleep.
I spent a long time under the water, thinking about everything that had happened and everything he'd said.
I was heartbroken over his words, and I admit I was wrong not to tell Alex about this, but now it's too late.
As for the baby, I won't tell him. I'll just gather the test results, and when I'm about to give birth, I'll have them sent to him.
I'm seriously thinking about going back to Germany. I talked to my uncle, and after telling him everything that happened, he said he'd come get us. But my hope of saving Elena is still tied to this place, so I'll wait a little longer—just for her.
I turn off the shower and wrap up in my fluffy robe, feeling the soft comfort against my skin.
I head straight to my bed, where I sometimes share it with my little Elena.
I like having her close to me—if she's not feeling well, I can keep an eye on her and take care of her.
I lie down beside her, kiss her forehead, and hug her, like we always do before bed.
But this will soon change, since my belly has started growing and will be huge before long. I rub my belly and say softly:
“My baby, you may not have a father, but you have a mother and an aunt who love you very much.” As I finish speaking, I feel a movement—for the first time, I feel my baby move.
An emotion I can't explain washes over me.
My days have been so hectic that I barely have time to notice how my baby is growing, or whether it's a boy or girl—something I'll find out at my next appointment, next month.
I keep rubbing my belly, and despite everything, a satisfied smile spreads across my face. With my heart full of love, I fall into a deep sleep, not waking until the next morning when my phone alarm goes off.