One more chance

NOELLE

I didn’t go to the shop the next day. Lila called twice.

The first time, I let it ring out. Then the second time, I picked up and told her I wasn’t coming in.

She didn’t ask too many questions. “Be careful Noelle. You're carrying a child now and you know how your body gets when you're stressed.” I smiled slightly, happy that at least I still had someone who cared about me. “ I'll be fine Lila don't worry. I'll be at the shop tomorrow.” 

“ Don't you dare!!. I'll handle the shop for you so you can stay home till next week” I didn't agree with her but I didn't wanna argue either so I said yes and ended the call. My body felt different. I wasn't just tired and weak but I had pains all over. Guess the pains came with pregnancy.

The doctor had warned me a long time ago that getting pregnant wouldn’t be easy for me. Even now, after it finally happened, she had still been careful with her words.

I needed rest and I needed to avoid stress. I needed to be careful with everything but it isn't quite going well.

Because my body wasn’t strong enough to carry pressure the way other women could.

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, one hand resting lightly on my stomach.

It had become a habit now unconsciously. Like I was always checking… making sure it was still there, still safe.

Two months, that was all.

And already, I felt like I was holding something fragile.

Something that could slip away if I wasn’t careful.

I shifted slightly and winced when a dull ache spread through my lower body. Yesterday hadn’t helped. The rushing and heat. Everything happened so fast.

And Adrian. My chest tightened at the thought.

I turned my face slightly into the pillow, closing my eyes for a moment. But it didn’t help. The memory of their closeness was still there. Adrian standing beside her, looking at her and choosing to stay with her over his own wife.

I exhaled slowly and opened my eyes again. The house was quiet as usual.

I didn’t know how long I stayed like that before I heard the door open. I didn’t turn immediately but I knew it was him. “Hey” I said with a soft voice

He rarely came home early.

So the sound of the door opening at that time felt strange.

Unfamiliar.

“You’re home,” I said softly, turning my head slightly to look at him.

He loosened his tie as he walked in, his attention already somewhere else.

“Yeah.” That was all.

My fingers tightened slightly against the bedsheet.

“I didn’t go to the shop today,” I added quietly. “I’m not feeling well.” He paused just for a second like he heard me then he continued walking.

“Then rest,” he said. The bathroom door closed.

I stared at it for a few seconds waiting for something. A glance, concern but nothing came.

The sound of running water filled the room instead.

I turned back slowly, staring up at the ceiling again. It was so hard to breathe these days.

It shouldn’t feel like this.

Telling your husband you’re not feeling well shouldn’t feel like you’re asking for too much.

The water kept running.

I swallowed and slowly pushed myself up against the pillows, adjusting my position carefully.

Even that small movement made my body ache.

I rested my hand on my stomach again gently. Like I was apologizing. “I’ll be careful,” I whispered under my breath. The bathroom door opened after a while.

I turned my head again.

Adrian stepped out, his hair slightly damp, already buttoning his shirt like he was in a hurry to be somewhere else. “You’re going out?” I asked.

“Yes.”

The answer was quick.

My chest tightened again.

“I… I’m not feeling okay,” I said, my voice softer this time. “Can you stay for a bit?”

He didn’t look at me immediately.

He picked up his watch, fastening it around his wrist.

“The maids are here,” he said. “They’ll take care of you.”

The words came out easily to him. He could say no to me so easily but I couldn't.

I swallowed, “They’re not you.”

That made him pause and for a moment, I thought he might turn.

Might look at me properly and finally understand what I was actually asking but then he exhaled.

“She doesn’t have anyone,” he said.

I didn’t need to ask who. It was probably Caroline.

“I told you yesterday,” he continued. “She’s alone right now.”

I didn't say anything because if I did I would probably burst out crying.

I nodded slowly. Even though it hurt.

“Okay,” I said softly, holding back my tears. He finally looked at me then.

Just briefly like he was checking if I would argue.

If I would complain.

If I would make it difficult.

But I didn’t.

Instead, I gave him a small smile. “I understand.”

The words felt heavier than they should. He didn't move and just stared at me like he wasn’t expecting that response. Then he nodded once.

“I won’t be long.” I didn’t answer.

Because we both knew that didn’t matter.

He picked up his phone and keys, already heading toward the door. I watched him go silently.

The door closed behind him.

And just like that…

The house felt empty again. I stayed in the same position for a while just thinking. Just… there.

Then slowly, I lay back down. My hand moved to my stomach again. The baby was still there, depending on me.

My chest tightened, and this time, I couldn’t stop it.

A tear slipped down the side of my face.

Then another.

I closed my eyes.

“I’ll be enough,” I whispered softly. “I’ll be careful.”

Because right now…

That was the only thing I could control.