It was not just a box. It was a secret.

Athonia’s POV

My chest thudded. I could not stop thinking. That face, his face. The same man I had a one-night stand with. I never expected fate to pull this stunt. Out of everyone, why did he have to be that doctor? The one people kept talking about. Doctor Ethan. And now, he is working at this hospital. My hospital.

No. I cannot let him see me. He must not remember. I feel so ashamed… and scared. Two more weeks before I am back on duty. Maybe I will not run into him. But what if I do?

“Sis Ath.”

That snapped me back. Right. I am here for Yumi. Not him. I need to focus. Block him out.

“Dear, are you alright?” Yumi’s mum asked. “You look pale. You have been quiet since earlier.”

I forced a small smile. “I’m fine. Right, Yumi? We are still in this together, okay? Go, go, fight, fight?”

Yumi lay weak on the hospital bed. Her skin was pale, her body smaller, her eyes tired. Just looking at her… I knew. She was holding on.

“Miss… I’m tired,” she said softly.

My chest tightened. My tears came fast. Nothing else mattered. Not the doctor. Not my shame. Only her.

“Miss Ath… don’t cry,” Yumi smiled at me. “I’m happy. Mama and Papa are happy too. Right, Mama? Papa? You said it’s okay now, remember?”

“Yes, sweetheart,” her mum replied with a shaky smile. But her eyes told the truth. Her dad said nothing. Just nodded.

“See, Miss? Mama’s smiling. No more crying. They’re happy for me. Can I rest now? I feel happy… really.”

“No... please,” I whispered, clinging to Auntie.

She touched my shoulder, her eyes full of pain, but her face calm. Her look said, It’s okay. Let her go. She’s tired now.

I shut my eyes, took a deep breath, and stepped closer.

“You can rest now, baby,” I said. My voice cracked.

“Y-yes… Thank you, Miss Ath… for everything. Mama, Papa… I love you all…” she said, her voice fading as her eyes gently shut.

I checked her pulse. It was slow and faint. Auntie broke down, crying hard. Her husband pulled her close, trying to be strong, but his face said it all.

Doctor Alen walked in. I stepped back and let her check Yumi. Then came the words.

“Time of death… 2:37 PM.”

My legs almost gave out. Everything inside me dropped. The air felt thick. I could not breathe. She was gone. Yumi was really gone. It was already seven when I got home. Instead of going to my condo, I went back to the mansion. I do not know why, I just missed my old room.

The moment I walked in, I saw Sister Maya on the couch, laughing while playing with Vivienne. I looked away and headed straight for the stairs. Of course, she called after me.

“Ath? You didn’t come home last night. Were you crying?”

I stopped halfway up and gave her a look.

“I stayed at the condo. Yes,” I said, short and flat. Then I rushed up. I had no strength to talk. If I did, I might explode.

As soon as I got to my room, I locked the door and dropped onto my bed. My whole body was tired. My eyes felt heavier than my heart.

Now, here I am, watching over Vivienne. Mom, Dad, and her parents are too busy. They are all in a frenzy, planning Maya’s birthday. It is still two weeks away, but you would think a queen is coming. They want it to be grand. A huge party. Big surprises.

They will not tell me what the big news is, but I can already guess. I saw Maya throwing up earlier. Classic sign. Morning sickness. She never used to be like that. So yeah, I am calling it, she is pregnant. Again.

Wow. Baby number two. Good for her. And me? Still nothing. It has been a week since that night. I took a test. Negative. But maybe it is too soon. Maybe two more weeks. Maybe I will see two lines next time. I can almost feel it, this time, I might be pregnant.

Once that test turns positive, Mom and Dad will finally stop nagging me. No more lectures. No more pressure. Just me and my baby. I will not have to fake smiles anymore. I will not feel like the empty one in the family. One week left before my leave ends. Then I am back at the hospital. And guess who I might see?

Ethan. Mr. One-Night-Stand. Ugh. Just thinking about it makes my stomach twist. The hospital is big. I should be able to avoid him… right?

Please, let me avoid him. I do not think I can look him in the eye. Not after that night. I looked down at Vivienne, playing with blocks on the floor.

“Poor baby,” I said softly. “Looks like Mommy and Daddy are having another one. You will not be the baby anymore.”

“M-Mam,” she mumbled, trying to speak. My heart squeezed.

I scooped her up and tossed her gently in the air. She giggled so loud, so pure, it made my chest warm.

For a second, I forgot the pain. For a second, she made me believe I would be okay.

"The baby! Baby Vivienne is so cute. Burbur bur! Yieeyah!" I said, grinning as I cuddled her tight. I could not help it. She was too adorable. I hugged her close and whispered, “One day, I’ll have one just like you.”

“Hehehe,” she giggled, and I laughed along… until a strong smell hit me.

“Uhm… baby? Did you poop?” I asked, even though I already knew.

I checked her diaper. Yep…confirmed. Without calling the maid, I scooped her up. “Let us take care of this ourselves, hmm?” I carried her upstairs to Maya’s room. That was where all her baby stuff was, diapers, wipes, powder, alcohol. Everything.

I pushed the door open with one hand, holding Vivienne in the other. We went straight to the bathroom, and I cleaned her gently.

“Tat-a!” she squealed, splashing a little. I smiled, kissed her forehead, and pinched her tiny nose. “You’re too cute, baby. Too cute for this world.”

After washing her, I cleaned my hands and dried them. I laid her gently in the crib.

“Stay right there, okay? Don’t roll around,” I told her, even though she probably understood nothing.

“Hehehe!” she answered anyway, giggling again.

I smiled and reached for the wipes, powder, and sanitizer. I lined them up on the changing table.

Then I opened the cabinet to grab a diaper. One slipped from my hand and fell. I bent to pick it up. That is when I saw it. Something dark under the bed. A box.

“Huh? What is that?” I whispered, narrowing my eyes.

It was black. Clean. A little shiny. But what caught me was where it was, hidden under the bed. Why hide it? I looked at Vivienne. She was busy playing with her toes. Then I got on my knees and pulled the box out. It felt heavier than it looked. My chest thumped. I stared at it for a second, then slowly opened the lid. What I saw inside… made my hands stop. It was not just a box. It was a secret.