Chapter Six 

**Nina**

“That’s not hers. How could she possibly afford something like this?” Liana rushed forward and snatched the necklace from the maid’s hand. The maid only bowed slightly before leaving.

I didn’t bother turning back or checking if the necklace belonged to me. I was done.

I walked out of the house and immediately boarded a taxi back to my apartment. It had been over three days since I left, and I needed to get my belongings.

Within twenty minutes, the taxi stopped in front of my apartment building. One of my neighbors noticed me and quickly walked over. We exchanged greetings.

“A man has been coming here looking for you,” she said. She paused, trying to remember something.

“Ah, I think his name was Nolan.”

My hand froze for a second.

“Oh… when was the last time he came?” I asked while trying to unlock my door.

“He came yesterday, but I haven’t seen him today,” she replied.

Of course. This was the only place he would look for me. He wouldn’t dare go to Zoe’s place. He knew very well that Zoe didn’t like him, and showing up there would only be asking for trouble.

“You look different,” my neighbor suddenly added, studying my face. “Like you’re tired… and you look thinner.”

I stared at her. All my life living here, I had never really gotten close to anyone. I greeted people politely and moved on. I had never once stopped to have a proper conversation with them. So how did she notice so much?

“I’m okay,” I replied awkwardly. “Thank you for worrying about me.” Then I hesitated.

“If Nolan comes again, please tell him I don’t live here anymore.”

She nodded before leaving.

I entered my apartment and started packing. I couldn’t stay here anymore. And honestly, I didn’t want to see Nolan. There was no point in asking for explanations. The truth was already right in front of me.

The apartment was slightly dusty. I pulled open the curtains, allowing sunlight to fill the room, but instead of feeling warm, the sight around me only hurt.

Pictures of Nolan and me covered the walls. Memories. My high school days flashed through my mind.

The days I spent helping him with assignments. The days he bought me ice cream and flowers. The day he asked me to be his girlfriend. The promises. The laughter. The love.

Then the image of him with Liana on that hotel bed appeared. I quickly shook my head.

Enough.

I grabbed the pictures and placed them inside a carton.

“I won’t cry for him,” I whispered. “I won’t waste my tears on someone who doesn’t deserve them.” My voice trembled slightly as I fought back the tears threatening to fall.

I packed the few things that truly mattered to me. Then I took the pictures outside and burned them. Nolan didn’t deserve to live in my memories anymore.

When I returned to Zoe’s apartment, it was already 1:54 PM. She wasn’t home yet.

I picked up my phone and checked my messages. Three messages waited for me.

One was from Zoe asking how everything went. The second was from an unknown number. The third was from Liana.

I opened the unknown message first.

"Nina, please, give me a chance to explain myself. What you saw wasn’t what it looked like. Please give me another chance. You can't throw away our years of relationship like that"

Anger immediately filled my chest. Wasn’t cheating enough? Now he was trying to convince me that what I saw wasn’t real. A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

Then I opened Liana’s message. Honestly, I already knew what she would say, but curiosity got the better of me.

"Hey sis, did you enjoy my performance? I hope this teaches you a lesson not to mess with me again."

My fingers tightened around my phone. No matter how many times I tried, I couldn’t bring myself to block her.

But this time… I finally did. I blocked her.

Then I opened Zoe's message.

"Hey, how was it?"

“Didn't work out fine,” I texted Zoe back and checked my email. 

Then I checked my email. My eyes widened.

I had received admission offers from three top universities with partial scholarships and one full scholarship offer from my dream school.

“Wow… that was fast,” I whispered.

For the first time in days, something actually made me smile. I walked to the fridge, grabbed a drink, and waited for Zoe to return before making my final decision.

Zoe usually came back around 4 PM, so I decided to take a short nap.

“Nina…”

“Nina…”

I felt someone tapping my shoulder. My eyes slowly opened. I checked the time. 5:37 PM.

“When did you come back?” I asked sleepily.

“About an hour ago,” Zoe replied. She smiled softly.

“When I came in, I saw you sleeping, so I didn’t wake you up. But it’s already late.”

I nodded.

“I saw your message,” she continued. “I’m sorry things didn’t go well with your father.”

“Thank you, Zoe, but it’s not your fault.” I sighed.

“For now, I just want to focus on my studies.” Then I remembered.

“That reminds me… I got admission offers from four universities.” A smile spread across my face.

Zoe’s eyes widened. “Wow, Nina! Congratulations!” She jumped up happily. “This calls for a celebration!” She rushed toward the fridge and grabbed a bottle of wine.

“I haven’t chosen a university yet,” I reminded her.

“Details,” she laughed.

We spent hours talking. From choosing the best school to preparing a list of things I would need for my trip. For the first time in a long time, I felt excited.

I would meet new people, experience different cultures, try new food, and start a completely new chapter of my life.

A few weeks later, my student visa was approved. The day of my departure finally arrived. Zoe was happy and sad at the same time.

Happy because I was finally continuing my education and preparing to take over my family’s company. Sad because I would be far away from her.

“I’m really going to miss you,” Zoe whispered with teary eyes as she hugged me tightly.

We stood at the airport, holding onto each other longer than necessary. Truthfully, I would miss Zoe more than words could explain. Life without her would be different. Especially starting over in a completely new place.

Eventually, it was time, and I boarded the plane.

                                                                 ***********************

Hours later, I arrived at my new school. Everything looked clean, different, and new.

After completing my registration and settling the necessary paperwork, I finally received my room key.

Room 216 in Harrison Hall, third floor.

After arranging my things, I called Zoe. We talked about my new environment and everything happening around me, but suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit me.

Maybe it was just the stress of traveling. I decided to rest.

When I woke up, I felt weak and exhausted.

“I think I have a fever,” I whispered.

“I should go to the clinic.”

I stood up, but before I could leave, I rushed to the bathroom and threw up.

“What’s wrong with me?”

I was new here and already homesick. Maybe I was just overthinking. Maybe it wasn’t serious.

After cleaning myself up, I tried leaving again. But once more, I rushed back into the bathroom. This time, I knew something was wrong.

I got dressed and used the school map to locate the clinic. After a few tests, the nurse finally returned.

“Congratulations, Miss. You’re one month pregnant.”

I was still wondering why a male would be an obstetrician when the words hit me like a heavy blow. Pregnant? Did he just say pregnant? I stared at him in disbelief.

“What congratulations?” My voice came out weak.

This isn’t good news. The nurse looked at me carefully.

Then he added... “And it’s triplets.” My eyes widened.

“What?”

“Triplets?”

I didn’t even realize I had shouted.

I was finished.

“Judging by your reaction, I can tell you weren’t expecting this pregnancy,” he said.

He paused. “But children are blessings.” He removed his gloves. “Although abortion is an option, I wouldn’t advise you to choose that.”

At the mention of abortion, my stomach tightened. I remembered my cousin. I remembered how she lost her life because of it.

“No,” I said firmly. “I won’t consider abortion.”

“Good,” he replied calmly. He returned his attention to the computer in front of him.

“Now that you know you’re pregnant, you need to take care of yourself. Eat properly and maintain a balanced diet.”

While he spoke, I found myself staring at him. He had a sharp nose. Thick black hair. Golden eyes that stood out. He looked like he was in his mid-twenties. He was unbelievably handsome.

I wondered if he had a girlfriend. She must be lucky. As for me… I was done with relationships.

“Miss Nina.”

His voice pulled me out of my thoughts.

“You’ve been staring at me for a while. Are you okay?”

My face heated instantly. “Yeah. I’m fine.” I quickly stood up and left the room.

He probably thought I was admiring him.

Well…

That was his business.