Struggle begins

Belinda slowly opened her eyes as the sun's hot rays touched her face. She winced, feeling a throbbing pain at the back of her head as she tried to shield herself from the sun. Using her hand to block the rays, she fully opened her eyes and surveyed her surroundings as she sat up.

She found herself in an isolated place, far away from civilization. The events of the previous night rushed back to her instantly—the night she was forcefully expelled from the palace, treated like an unwanted stray.

Her eyes welled up with tears, and a surge of emotions overcame her. She held the back of her aching head and struggled to stand up, leaning against the tree beside her for support.

As she rose to her feet, she instinctively placed her palm over her belly, feeling through the fabric of her garment. Through tearful eyes, she murmured, "I won't give up on you, my love. No matter what they try, I'll protect you. We'll be reunited with your father, and we'll find happiness once again."

Beside her, t