Chapter 26
I open my eyes to find myself lying on a hospital gurney, an IV in my arm. Dr. Jullian is beside me, running an ultrasound wand over my abdomen, spreading cold gel across my belly. Suddenly, a sound fills the room and I sit up, trying to understand what’s happening.
“Do you hear that? That’s your baby’s little heartbeat. The most beautiful sound you’ll ever hear.”
Tears stream down my face as I listen to my baby’s heartbeat. It’s a magical moment.
“It really is beautiful,” I say, trying to hold back my emotions.
“Are you feeling calmer now? Do you want me to call someone?”
“I’m fine. Tell me about my baby, please.”
“Of course. Let me finish up here and I’ll explain everything.”
As soon as he finished, a nurse who’d been assisting with the exam helped me wipe off the gel and sit up. I sat facing Dr. Jullian as he began to explain.
“Alright, Chloe. First of all, the pregnancy is confirmed, so you don’t need another lab test. Everything is progressing very well, thanks to how well you’ve been taking care of yourself.
That’s been good for the baby. I’m surprised you didn’t notice sooner—you’re already about nine to thirteen weeks along, which means you’re entering your third month. ”
He watches me closely, waiting for my reaction.
“You didn’t feel anything different? Mood swings, nausea?”
I thought for a moment, trying to remember if I’d noticed anything unusual. But really, I hadn’t felt anything out of the ordinary.
“Nothing like that. The only thing different is that I’ve been more sensitive and crying a lot.”
“That’s the pregnancy hormones,” Dr. Jullian explained. “I’m going to recommend you start taking these vitamins. Here’s your prenatal card, and remember to eat well and not overdo it.”
I felt relieved knowing there was something I could do to take care of my baby.
“What about Elena’s surgery? Can it wait until my baby is born?” I asked, worried about my sister’s health.
“As I said before, her name is on the list. We’re waiting for a donor—one should come through soon. I’ll keep you informed. I’ve already asked a friend of mine, an obstetrician, to take you on as a patient. So next month, you’ll have your first appointment with her.”
He smiles and continues:
“And bring the father—he’ll love seeing the ultrasound.”
My heart tightens when I hear this.
“My baby doesn’t have a father, doctor. Thank you for everything.”
I leave the office feeling a bit dazed from all the information.
In my hands, I’m holding an envelope with my ultrasound results, the vitamin prescription, and my prenatal card.
I never thought this could happen to me—alone, caring for a child with cancer, and now pregnant.
The weight of it all feels crushing, but I know I need to be strong.
For Elena and for my baby. I have to find a way to handle all of this and make sure they both get the care and love they need.
With a deep sigh, I brace myself for the challenges ahead.
As for my baby’s father, I’m not going to tell him anything for now.
The chances of even talking to him are slim—he blocked my number, banned me from the company and his building, and whenever we cross paths, he goes the other way.
I did try to talk to him one last time, to explain myself, but I found out he doesn’t want to see me.
Now, all I can do is take care of my pregnancy and focus on my baby’s well-being. If I ever get the chance, maybe I’ll tell him he’s going to be a father. But for now, my priority is making sure my child is born healthy and loved.
The days went by and I still hadn’t told anyone about the pregnancy.
It was a secret I wouldn’t be able to hide much longer.
The only work I had left was dancing, so I kept teaching classes and doing performances, which brought in good money.
I really needed someone to talk to, someone to share my feelings with.
That’s when I made a new friend—Martha, whom I’d met at the cocktail party.
We’d been talking every day and had even gone for coffee together.
She’s very thoughtful, and I felt comfortable around her.
She’s wonderful and has been so supportive, especially with Elena’s situation.
I told her everything about my life, and not once did I feel judged.
She even offered me a job at her husband’s company, but I turned it down.
I didn’t want to risk running into Alex there.
Working at that company, our paths would almost certainly cross again.
And honestly, I’m not ready to deal with that right now.
I pick up my phone and start dialing Martha’s number, eager to share the news about the baby—I still hadn’t told her.
But as I’m typing, I notice someone watching me from a distance.
A man in a hat and dark glasses, looking strangely familiar.
My heart starts beating faster when I realize who it is.
No, it can’t be, I think, feeling a chill run down my spine.
The next moment, I’m pushing through the crowd, trying to escape his gaze.
The fear of being found is overwhelming.
He can’t find out where I’m living, I think, as I start running without looking back.
My heart is racing and my breath comes in gasps.
I need to disappear from his sight as fast as possible.
I spot the nightclub building in the distance—where my apartment is—and quicken my pace.
My heart is still racing, but I feel relief at the sight of my safe haven.
Finally, I reach the entrance and stop for a moment, breathing deeply to catch my breath.
The air feels thin and my lungs are burning, but I'm safe now.
At least, that's what I think as I try to calm down and process what just happened.
I climb the stairs as fast as I can and lock myself inside, finally feeling secure. I go to the small window facing the street and peer through the curtains, scanning every corner. No, there's no one. I let out a relieved breath and close the curtain.
“What's wrong, sis? You look terrified,” Elena asked, worried.
“It's nothing, sweetie. Come here, I need to talk to you,” I say, trying to appear calm.
It's time to tell her everything. I can't hide it anymore.
The surgery is coming up, and I need to be honest with her, like I've always been.
Elena is a very intelligent and mature girl, and I know she'll support me, even if it means another challenge for her.
I feel ready to share my secret and face whatever comes next—together.