Page 68 of Malevolent Secrets

“I’m sorry you went through that. It must’ve been horrible.”

This is just more proof of how horrible this entire system is. No one person should have the power to bestow punishment on another human.

A tear slips down her cheek, and she quickly wipes it away. "I owe him everything. That's why I'm here.”

As the morning wears on, Maria and I talk more, sharing stories and experiences. Her presence is comforting, a reminder that I'm not alone in this.

Hours later, Maria stands up, stretching slightly.

“I’ll let you get some rest, Daniella. It’s been a long and stressful morning, and in your condition, you probably shouldn’t be doing so much.”

I lift my eyebrows at her.

“My condition?”

She instantly flushes.

“Oh, I'm sorry, I just assumed but…aren't you pregnant?”

I lose my smile. What? Do I look pregnant? Am I already fat and puffy?

“I'm so sorry Daniella if I spoke out of turn.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I am pregnant.”

“Oh, goodness, I thought I'd made a terrible mistake. I just could tell, you know?’

“Thank you, Maria. For everything,” I say sincerely.

She gives me a warm smile. “Anytime. Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day.”

She leaves, closing the door softly behind her. I’m left alone with my thoughts, staring out at the waning afternoon light. My mind is a whirlwind of emotions—grief, confusion, fear, and a flicker of hope.

I make my way to the bedroom, exhaustion weighing down on me. As I lie in bed, my hand instinctively goes to my stomach. The reality of my situation settles over me once more. I’m pregnant. With Lorenzo’s child.

The memory of our many nights together floods my mind. The intensity, the passion. Those nights have changed everything.

I close my eyes, trying to push away the conflicting feelings of guilt and attraction. Jeremy’s face flashes before me, a reminder of the love I lost. But Lorenzo…he stirs something deep within me, something I can't ignore.

Sleep eventually claims me, but it’s restless and filled with dreams of the past and uncertainties of the future.

***

The next day, I wake up to the soft chirping of birds outside my window. The room is bathed in the gentle morning light, and for a moment, I forget where I am. Then reality comes crashing back.

I get up and go through my morning routine, trying to find some semblance of normalcy. As I’m brushing my teeth, my phone buzzes. It’s a message from Mark.

Can we talk? Found something important.

I hesitate for a moment before replying.

Sure. Call me.

A few minutes later, my phone rings. I answer it, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Hey, Mark.”

“Daniella, how are you holding up?” His voice is filled with concern.

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