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Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Return to the Village.

Hannah stepped out of the office building, her mind racing. She had to plan her next move. The first thing she needed was a way to communicate, to take control of her life.

Passing a small shop, she saw the sign: Mobile Phones and Accessories. She went inside, her steps deliberate, her face set with determination. She chose a phone, simple but reliable, and bought it with the money she had carefully saved. The phone felt like a small victory, a tool she could use to regain control.

With the phone safely in her bag, Hannah walked to the nearby taxi stand. She climbed into a car, her eyes staring out the window, the city blurring past. Inside her chest, a storm raged—pain, betrayal, anger, and the quiet spark of revenge all mixed together.

The road to her village seemed endless, each kilometer reminding her of the months of loneliness and suffering. She gripped her bag tightly, her mind planning, her heart heavy but focused. When I return… everything will change. I will not be weak anymore. I will protect my child, and I will make sure those who hurt me understand that I am not to be underestimated.

By the time the village appeared in the distance, Hannah's breathing was steady, but her eyes burned with a mix of sadness and determination. She had endured so much, and now, more than ever, she knew that her life—and the life of her unborn child—depended on her courage, her intelligence, and her resolve.

The familiar paths of the village welcomed her back, but the whispers and stares of the villagers began again. Yet, Hannah felt different now. She was not the same girl who had left hours ago; she was stronger, sharper, and ready to face the world—even if that world had been cruel and unkind.

The car slowed as it approached the familiar dirt road leading to her home. Hannah's heart pounded, her thoughts spinning with everything that had happened—the betrayal, the heartbreak, and the long months of loneliness.

When she finally arrived at her small hut, she stepped out, her legs trembling. The village looked the same, but to Hannah, everything felt different. The air seemed heavier, filled with the weight of her pain and anger.

Inside her tiny home, she sank to the floor, clutching her belly. The tears came freely, hot and unstoppable. She cried for herself, for the child growing inside her, and for the life she had imagined that David had promised but never gave.

Hours passed, and Hannah's sobs gradually slowed. She wiped her tears and took a deep breath, looking around the small space that she would now call home—not just for herself, but for the child she would protect at all costs.

She began to plan carefully. She cleaned the hut, rearranged the little she had, and made a list of what she would need for the baby. She counted the money David had left, carefully thinking how to stretch it for food, clothes, and future needs.

Even though her heart was heavy with betrayal, a spark of determination grew. She whispered to herself, "I can do this. I will survive. I will give this child a life full of love and strength. I do not need him… I have to be enough—for both of us."

The night fell, but Hannah remained awake, sitting by the small window, holding her belly and imagining the future. She was alone, yes, but her mind was sharp, her will strong, and her love for her unborn child fierce. The months of pain had forged her into someone who would fight, survive, and rise no matter what.

In the other side David went back home.The city streets felt familiar as David drove his car through the bustling roads. He was back home, back to the life he had carefully built—one that Hannah had never been part of.

As he pulled into the driveway, he saw the house he shared with his wife, Victoria. The garden was neatly trimmed, the windows clean, and the familiar sounds of laughter came from inside.

Victoria appeared at the doorway, her smile bright and warm. "David! You're back!" she called, her voice full of happiness.

Behind her, a little girl ran forward, her curly hair bouncing with every step. "Daddy!" she shouted with glee. It was Isabelle, their four-year-old daughter, running straight into his arms.

David bent down, scooping Isabelle up. She hugged him tightly, laughing. "I missed you, Daddy!"

Victoria joined him, wrapping her arms around both of them. "We've missed you darling. The house hasn't been the same without you," she said softly, looking into his eyes with love and trust.

For a moment, David held them both, feeling the life he had chosen, the family he had built. It was everything he had wanted—stable, secure, and full of love. But somewhere deep in his mind, the thought of Hannah and the child she carried flickered briefly, a shadow he tried to ignore.

For now, though, he was home. Victoria, smiling, radiant, and full of affection. Isabelle, giggling, innocent, and trusting. The life he had created was waiting for him, just as he had left it.

After a while they both went to the dining room inorder to get a night meal.

The dining room was warm and filled with the comforting smell of food. Victoria had prepared David's favorite dishes, and little Isabelle sat excitedly, talking about her day at school.

"Daddy, I drew a picture for you!" Isabelle said, holding up a crayon drawing of their family.

David smiled faintly and nodded, ruffling her hair. "It's beautiful, sweetheart. Thank you," he said softly, but his mind seemed elsewhere.

Victoria noticed his distant look, the way his fork moved slowly as if he was lost in thought. "David… are you okay?" she asked gently, concern in her voice.

David looked up quickly and forced a small smile. "I'm fine, Victoria. Just… work has been tiring lately. Lots of meetings, deadlines… it's exhausting," he explained, hiding the real weight on his mind.

Victoria studied him for a moment, sensing that something was not right. "Are you sure? You seem… distracted. You've hardly said a word since we started eating."

David's jaw tightened. "I said I'm fine. Really, it's nothing to worry about. Just a long day," he repeated, his voice calm but firm.

After finishing his meal in silence, David set down his fork. "I think I need to rest," he said quietly.

Victoria nodded, still uneasy, but she did not press further. "Alright… you should get some sleep," she said softly.

David stood and walked past them, heading toward the bedroom. Isabelle waved him goodbye, smiling innocently, while Victoria watched him go, a small frown on her forehead. There was something she couldn't quite place, a shadow over his eyes, but she chose not to push it tonight.

David closed the bedroom door behind him and leaned against it for a moment, letting out a quiet sigh. Alone at last, he allowed his mind to wander… briefly thinking of Hannah and the child she carried, before pushing it away. The life he had built here demanded his attention now, and he could not afford to dwell on the past.

The next morning, first light of dawn crept into Hannah's small hut, painting the walls with a soft golden glow. She stirred slowly, still heavy with the exhaustion and pain from the journey back.

Sitting up on her thin mattress, she held her belly, feeling the tiny movements of the child within. A mixture of worry, sadness, and determination filled her heart. She had survived betrayal, heartbreak, and months of loneliness—and now, she had to face the days ahead alone.

Hannah took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside her. She opened the small window and looked outside, seeing the village slowly coming to life. Chickens clucked, smoke rose from cooking fires, and women began walking toward the wells. The familiar sounds brought a strange comfort, but also reminded her of the gossip and whispers she had endured before.

After a few moments of reflection, she stood and began her morning chores. She swept the hut, arranged a small corner for the baby, and counted the money David had left. Carefully, she started planning what she would buy, what she would need, and how she would stretch every money for the months to come.

Hannah paused for a moment, looking at the small space she had made for herself and the child. Her eyes softened, and her lips pressed into a firm line of resolve. "I can do this," she whispered quietly, mostly to herself. "I will protect you… I will raise you strong… and I will not let anyone take this away from us."

Outside, the village continued its morning rhythm, unaware of the struggles and determination brewing inside Hannah's hut. But for her, every small action—sweeping the floor, organizing her belongings, counting her money—was a step toward strength, independence, and preparing for the life she would build for her child.

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