Chapter 006

Nina’s POV

The world around me was a haze. Soft beeping echoed somewhere close, like a distant lullaby pulling me from sleep. My eyelids fluttered, heavy and dry. I opened them slowly, and everything blurred into light and shadow. I could see white walls, a pale ceiling, and I could also hear soft voices speaking nearby.

I blinked, trying to make sense of the shapes. A woman in a white coat stood by the foot of the bed, talking quietly with a nurse. I could barely make out their faces. My head felt like it was wrapped in cotton.

Where… was I? I tried to sit up, but pain bloomed in the back of my skull.

"Ma'am,... ma'am, please lie back," the doctor said gently, rushing to my side. Her voice was calm, she sounded professional, but kind. "You’re safe now. Just try to breathe slowly ok." I swallowed hard, throat dry. “Where am I?” I croaked.

“You’re in St. Aldric Memorial Hospital,” she replied softly, checking something on a chart. “You fainted couple of hours ago. You were found unconscious on the hospital stairs by a janitor. He called for emergency help right away.”

I blinked again, the memory rushing back like a cold wave. The hallway. Elena’s room. His voice… The doctor continued, “Fortunately, you didn’t suffer any fractures or serious injury. It seems it was emotional exhaustion… and perhaps shock.”

Shock. Yes. That would make sense. I stared up at the ceiling, my eyes were slowly clearing, but the ache in my chest stayed. Then I turned again slowly toward the doctor, my voice shaky. “Is… anyone else here? I mean, does anyone know I’m here?” She gave me a soft, understanding smile. “That’s what we were waiting to ask you madam. We didn’t want to contact anyone until you were awake, so we could reach out to your family if needed.” “No,” I said quickly, almost panicking. “That’s not necessary. I’ll be fine.”

“You’re sure?” I nodded. “Yes. I’m fine. Right?” My voice cracked a little, but I held on. She glanced down at the chart in her hands once again. “Yes, you’re stable. And you’re in good hands now.” I swallowed hard, trying to settle the flutter in my chest. Then her tone shifted gently. “What really happened?”

I looked away. “I… I don’t know. The last thing I remember, I was coming down the stairs… and then everything went black.” The doctor gave a thoughtful hum. “It could’ve been caused by your pregnancy.” I blinked. “Pregnancy?”

She looked back at me, a little surprised. “Yes. You’re seven weeks along.” I stared at her. My mouth opened, but nothing came out. “You… didn’t know?” she asked, watching my face closely. I shook my head slowly, the room spinning all over again…this time not from falling, but from something deeper.

No. I didn’t know. Not until now. But those words never came out of my mouth. I didn’t give her any answer. I couldn’t. I just lay there, my eyes wide open, and my heart pounding.

Silence settled in the room like a blanket. I stared back up at the ceiling, trying to piece everything together. The news still echoed in my mind…pregnant.

I didn’t feel ready. Not for this, not for more confusion with Elijah. But even in the chaos of my thoughts, a strange calm held me. After everything I’ve lost… could this be something I get to keep? My hand moved to my stomach, slowly, gently. It didn’t feel real yet. But it was real, for me it is. A tiny heartbeat. A life. Maybe this changes everything. Maybe this child… is the only part of me Elijah can’t ignore. Maybe now… I’ll matter to him.

“Are you sure you don’t want us to contact anyone?” The doctor’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. “No,” I said quickly, forcing a small smile. “I’m fine… right?” “Of course you are, madam.” She offered a kind nod. “I’ll leave you for now. If you need anything, just press that button beside you. A nurse will come immediately. For now, just rest. Once we’ve confirmed everything is stable, we’ll prepare your discharge.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, watching her walk out of the room. As the door clicked shut, I exhaled. I couldn’t hide the small joy building inside me. His baby. My fingers slowly moved to my stomach, resting there gently. I didn’t know how to feel, so many things had broken inside me already. But in this one moment, as I lay alone in a quiet hospital room, I felt a small, steady warmth. This time it wasn’t pain, it wasn’t fear. It was hope. I blinked slowly. My smile was faint, but real.

I wasn’t just fighting for answers anymore. Now, I had something more. I’ll have this baby. This child… will hold my marriage together. And Elijah… he won’t be able to turn away this time. He won’t have a reason to.

I closed my eyes briefly, feeling my hand tighten over my belly. He chose her eyes… but now, I carry his blood.