Chapter 4

The morning light filtered through the hospital window, casting a soft glow across the room. I was still lost in thought when the door opened and the doctor walked in, a warm smile on his face.

“Serah, you are absolutely fine,” he said reassuringly. “I’ll prescribe you some medication to help with the head injury, just to ensure it heals completely. But overall, you’re doing well. From now on, take good care of yourself, for the sake of your baby.” His words struck a chord in me. The reminder of the life growing inside me made everything feel real again.

After giving me the discharge form, he turned and quietly left the room.

Mia stood up from the chair she had been sitting in and stretched. “Serah, let me go and clear the bill,” she said, her voice calm and focused. “You change into your clothes, and when I come back, we’ll head home.” She grabbed her purse and walked out.

I slowly swung my legs off the bed, my body still sore from the injury. I picked up my clothes and made my way into the bathroom. As I stood in front of the mirror, I barely recognized the reflection staring back at me. My eyes were puffy and red, my face still swollen from all the crying and the trauma. A lump formed in my throat as I took in the bruises and the dullness in my once bright eyes.

"Is this really me?" I whispered to the mirror.

“Serah, are you done?” Mia’s voice came from outside the bathroom door. I snapped out of my thoughts, still staring at the image of a girl I barely recognized anymore.

“Yes, I’m almost done,” I replied softly, wiping the corners of my eyes. I put on my dress and stepped out of the bathroom.

“You look beautiful, sister,” Mia said with a gentle smile as soon as she saw me.

I let out a shaky laugh, tears stinging my eyes again. “Are you just saying that to cheer me up? I know I look awful. My face is swollen... I can barely recognize myself.”

Mia walked over and hugged me tightly. “Don’t say that, Serah. I mean every word. You’re still beautiful, and you will get better. Everything will be okay, I promise. Now let’s go home. You need rest, and home is the best place for that.”

She began gathering the items she had brought to the hospital, and I followed her out of the room. As we walked through the hospital corridors, I glanced around at the other patients and nurses. Everyone seemed busy with their own lives, yet here I was, trying to rebuild mine piece by piece.

“Mia, are you going to work today?” I asked quietly as we walked toward the exit.

“No, the boss gave me two days off. So I’ll go back tomorrow,” she replied.

“So... you’ll stay with me today?” I asked, needing the reassurance more than I cared to admit.

“Yes, sister. I’m not leaving you,” she said, gently holding my hand. Her words filled me with a strange sense of comfort. She was my rock through all this.

We stepped outside and got into a cab. Within thirty minutes, we arrived at our apartment. It felt strange to be back, but there was a sense of familiarity that I desperately needed.

Mia opened the door, and we walked inside.

“We’re finally home,” she said with a sigh of relief. “Just lie down and rest while I make you some soup. You’ll feel better after you’ve had something warm.” I didn’t argue. I was tired, tired in every way a person could be.

Five Days Later

Time moved slowly, but healing began to take root. After five days of rest, medication, and the unwavering care from Mia, I started to feel like myself again. The pain in my head had eased, the swelling on my face had gone down, and the bruises were fading. I finally removed the bandages. For the first time in days, I felt a bit lighter.

Physically, I was better. But my heart was still heavy, still aching for Brian. I missed him. No matter how much I tried to push the thought away, he stayed buried deep in my mind. I longed to see him, to talk to him, to tell him the truth: we were having a baby.

“Serah, I’m going to work now,” Mia’s voice called out from the hallway, pulling me from my thoughts. “Your food is already in the kitchen. Just warm it and eat.”

“Okay, sister. Thank you. Have a lovely day,” I replied as she grabbed her bag and left the house.

The silence that followed her departure felt deafening. The apartment seemed larger without her presence. I hated being alone all day. The walls felt like they were closing in on me.

I took a long breath and made a decision.

Today, I wouldn’t stay locked inside. I needed air. I needed to feel the world again. Maybe it would help me escape my thoughts, even if just for a little while. After taking a quick shower and eating a light breakfast, I grabbed my jacket, some money, and, of course, my phone. I never went anywhere without it.

The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold. I ended up carrying my jacket instead of wearing it. The fresh air filled my lungs as I walked, and I felt free for the first time in days. It felt like stepping out of a prison I didn’t know I had built around myself.

As I walked down the quiet street, a voice called out from behind me.

“Hey girl, can I give you a ride?”

I turned to see a man on a motorbike, his eyes fixed on me. He was undeniably handsome, tall, confident, with a charming smile and an irresistible look. His presence caught me off guard.

“Excuse me?” I asked cautiously.

“I said, can I give you a ride? Where are you heading? Maybe I can drop you off.”

“No, thanks,” I said firmly. “I’m not going far. I’ll reach there soon. But thank you for the offer.”

As I turned to continue walking, he called after me again. “Hey, that’s rude. I’m not done talking to you yet.”

I sighed, my patience thinning. “Excuse me? What else do you want to say?”

“Hey, relax,” he said, raising his hands slightly. “I don’t mean any harm. I just saw you walking alone and wanted to help.”

“I’m sorry for being rude,” I replied, calming myself. “But I’m heading somewhere, and you’re distracting me. I really don’t want a ride.”

“That’s okay,” he said with a shrug. “But can I at least know your name?”

“Why do you want to know my name? You’re really persistent,” I said, shaking my head.

“Don’t be mad,” he replied, laughing lightly. “Just tell me your name. That’s all.”

“Fine. My name is Serah. Serah Stones.”

“Serah... What a beautiful name,” he said. “I’m Raphael. Nice to meet you, Serah Stones. I won’t forget that name.”

“Nice meeting you too,” I muttered and started walking again. After a few steps, I turned slightly and saw him still staring at me.

“Such an irritating man,” I murmured under my breath. “I wonder what he’s looking at.” I shook my head and kept walking.

At the Park

The park wasn’t far, and within minutes, I arrived and found a bench under a tree. I sat down, letting the breeze brush against my skin. The quiet rustle of leaves and distant sounds of laughter felt oddly soothing. For a brief moment, I felt at peace.

That peace shattered instantly when I saw him.

He was a short distance away, but I recognized him instantly, Brian. My heart skipped a painful beat. He turned, and our eyes met for the briefest second before he looked away. He was holding hands with another woman. A sharp pain pierced through me.

So it was true. He had moved on. Just like he said he would.

My heart crumbled. Tears welled in my eyes, and I stood up quickly, turning away from the painful sight. I couldn’t stay here. I had to leave.

When I reached home, I slammed the door shut behind me and dropped onto the couch. My body shook as I let out sob after sob, burying my face in the cushions.

“Why does it have to be like this?” I cried. “Why is it so hard to love someone who doesn’t love you back?”

I felt exhausted, emotionally, mentally, completely. I hated the way I felt. I hated that no matter how much I tried, Brian still had power over my heart.

And worst of all, I was carrying his child.