Talia's POV
I was sleeping peacefully when a loud scream shattered my rest.
"LIAAAAAAA! WAKE UPPP!"
I jolted awake, my heart racing.
"Emi! What's wrong?" I asked, sitting up in panic.
Instead of fear, she smiled brightly.
"The hospital appointment is in one hour," she announced. "You'll eat breakfast, meet my parents, freshen up—and then we go. Come on, get up!"
"Emi..." I groaned, rubbing my eyes. "It's seven in the morning."
"And our appointment is at eight," she replied proudly. "Now move."
"I'm not going," I said stubbornly, pulling the blanket over my head.
She leaned closer. "You are. Or I'll call Mr. Cold Monster."
I glared at her. She burst out laughing.
⸻
After getting ready, I headed downstairs with Emily. Her parents greeted me warmly, smiling kindly—but I noticed it. That look. The one filled with pity.
I didn't like it.
Still, I stayed silent.
While we were having breakfast, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Emily's brother walked in—Zaden. The heir of the family. Successful, confident, handsome. With striking blue eyes.
He saw me and smiled.
"Welcome, Lia. Long time no see."
"Yea Long time no see," I replied softly.
"Morning everyone I've already had breakfast," he said, grabbing his coat. "I'm heading to my office—"
"Brother," Emily interrupted quickly, "please take us to Anna's Hospital. We have an appointment."
He frowned. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes," she replied casually. "Women's issues."
He rolled his eyes dramatically.
I smiled watching them.
Only if I had siblings like this...
"Hey, Lia," Emily nudged me. "Daydreaming again?"
Zaden glanced at me briefly. "Let's go. I have somewhere urgent to be."
⸻
At the hospital, I sat outside the ward, my hands trembling.
"Don't be nervous," Emily said, squeezing my hand.
"How can I not be?" I whispered. "My heart is beating like thunder. They asked me to do a pregnancy test, Emi."
She hesitated. "Is it... possible? I mean, did you two—"
"Yes," I said quietly. "We're married. But he was careful. So was I."
"When was the last time?" she asked gently. "Three or four days ago?"
I smiled faintly, though my chest hurt.
"Three weeks, Emi."
Her eyes widened.
"What? Seriously?"
I nodded.
⸻
Two hours later, I sat in front of Dr. Anna. She had kind eyes and a soft voice. Emily waited outside.
"Here," the doctor said, handing me the file. "You can check the results yourself."
My hands shook as I flipped through the papers.
Then I saw it.
Positive.
Everything went silent.
My thoughts scattered.
Should I abort it?
Before the fear could swallow me, the doctor placed something gently in my hands—a tiny pair of baby shoes.
"Congratulations," she said softly. "You're going to be a beautiful mother."
Tears blurred my vision. I clutched the shoes tightly as sobs escaped me.
What am I thinking?
They chose me.
How could I ever abandon this angel?
Through my tears, I smiled.
When I opened the door, Emily saw the shoes.
"YEAAAAAH!" she screamed.
She ran toward me and hugged me tightly.
At least... I have her.
"Let's go," she said excitedly.
"Where?" I asked, wiping my tears.
"To treat you," she grinned. "A big meal."
I laughed as we left.
⸻
We were waiting for our food when Emily suddenly turned serious.
"What are you going to do now, Lia?"
I took a deep breath.
"I'll tell him, Emi. Maybe... for the child's sake, he'll love me. Maybe he'll finally look at me."
She nodded. "Whatever you decide, I'm here."
We continued talking when my eyes drifted to the television.
BREAKING NEWS:
Ethan Miller spotted with famous socialite Natasha Rose at a Las Vegas club.
My breath hitched.
Emily followed my gaze and froze.
I placed my hand over my stomach.
What if he gives my child a different mother?
What if he takes this tiny life away from me for her?
Fear wrapped around my heart.
"Lia?" Emily called. "Lia... hey, come back."
A loud ringing filled my ears. The world felt distant, blurry.
I saw the waiter running toward us.
Why is he running? Everything is fine... right?
Emily's eyes filled with tears.
Darkness swallowed me.
"No, LIA!" I heard faintly.
Then—nothing.
⸻
I dreamed I was happy. Holding a small baby. Smiling.
Then I started drowning.
"Lia... Lia, wake up."
I opened my eyes slowly, tears rolling down my cheeks.
Aden stood beside me, gently wiping my face with a tissue.
"Bad dream?"
I nodded.
He helped me sit up. "Easy."
"Thank you, Aden," I whispered. "When did you come?"
"Don't mention it," he replied softly.
"Where's Emily?"
"She went home after a lot of pressure," he said. "She wasn't listening, but I promised I'd stay and take care of you."
"You don't have to," I said quietly. "I'm fine."
He smiled warmly.
"I gave my word to my sister. Now rest. I'll bring you something to eat—you look pale."
He winked and walked away.
Silence filled the room again.
I turned my head toward the window.
The sky was clear. No clouds
I smiled sadly.