Chapter Two

Aurelia's POV

I stood outside the door for a long time.

Some foolish part of me still hoped it would open, that Caspian would come out and say he'd made a mistake, or that Camelia would see me shivering in the snow and remember I was her sister.

But the door stayed shut. Behind it, I heard music, followed by laughter. Her laughter.

Snow settled on my hair, and my fingers had gone numb around the strap of my bag. Eventually, I turned and walked back to my car.

I don't remember starting the engine. I only remember gripping the steering wheel, trying to steady my trembling hands.

The streets were almost empty. Every house I passed glowed with Christmas lights. I could see families gathered around their tables, enjoying the evening together. Everyone seemed to have someone to celebrate with. Everyone except me.

The doctors have practically given up on you.

Caspian's words came back to me, and tears filled my eyes again. I wiped them away, but they kept coming.

How long has it been going on? Every late meeting, every extended trip, every time he said he was too tired to talk. Had he been with her all those nights?

And Camelia. My baby sister. The person I'd trusted with every tear and every failed pregnancy test.

I'm giving the Houstons what you couldn't.

I placed a hand over my stomach.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "This was supposed to be the happiest night of my life."

The radio was still playing a cheerful Christmas song, but I couldn't bring myself to turn it off.

I approached a junction and turned without really looking. My mind was still on the candles I'd never lit and the way Caspian had called my hands filthy, as though six years of loving him meant nothing.

Then headlights appeared in front of me. Bright and blinding.

I slammed on the brakes, but the tyres slid on the snow. A horn blared, followed by a loud crash. My head struck something hard.

I barely had time to react before I felt a sharp pain and screamed.

My last thought was of the tiny life inside me.

"Please, God. Please let my baby be okay."

Those were the last words I managed to whisper before everything went dark.

——————

My eyes fluttered open, but everything was blurry. I tried to open them wider, blinking several times until the room slowly came into view.

A sharp pain throbbed across my forehead. I could feel something wrapped around it. When I tried to move my hand, I noticed a cannula connected to an IV drip.

I turned my head slightly and saw a man sitting beside my bed.

The moment he noticed I was awake, he quickly got to his feet and rushed towards me.

"Oh, thank God. You're awake." His face was filled with concern. "How are you feeling? Does it hurt? I'm really sorry. I was trying to get home to my daughter."

He looked like someone who had never had to worry about money in his life. His expensive clothes, wristwatch, and overall appearance gave away his wealth. Yet, there was something surprisingly humble about the way he spoke to me.

"It's alright," I said weakly. “I was at fault too. "I'll be fine soon."

The doctor stepped in with two nurses and asked him to wait outside. It seemed he had been there all night.

The doctor wheeled in a portable ultrasound machine and moved the probe across my stomach. He paused on the screen a moment longer than I liked.

I grew nervous and immediately asked, "Doctor, is my baby okay?”

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he whispered something to the nurse beside him, who quickly wrote it down.

I was slowly losing my mind as I waited for him to say something.

"Mrs. Sterling..."

"Mrs. Sterling? Doctor..." I couldn't even finish before he spoke.

"Your baby is perfectly fine."

I let out a breath I hadn't realised I was holding.

"Please drive carefully next time. Your husband can always get you a driver."

The word husband made my chest tighten.

"You might not be this lucky next time." He glanced at his notes. "The nurses will administer your medication, and by this evening, you'll be discharged. Make sure you come back for your check-up."

He said this as he walked out, leaving the nurses to check my blood pressure and pulse.

A little while later, the stranger walked back into the ward. He was holding a takeaway bag, which he placed on the drawer beside my bed.

"Miss, I brought you some food. I've spoken to the doctor, and he said you'll be discharged by this evening. I'll send my driver to pick you up and take you home."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"I've been away from my family since yesterday, and it’s Christmas. I really need to make it up to them."

He picked up a business card and slid it into the takeaway bag on the drawer beside me.

"Here's my business card. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call me."

"That's fine, Mr..." I said respectfully. "I'll find my way home. You don't need to worry. You've already done so much for me. Please, go and be with your family. I'll take it from here.”

"One last favour," I said just as he was about to walk out. “I must have dropped my phone at Camelia’s.” Could I make a call with yours?"

"Sure, you can."

He gently handed me his phone. I dialled the only number I knew by heart and it went through on the second ring.

"Hello, it's Aurelia. Can you come to Ella-Mart Specialist Hospital on Westbrook Avenue? I'm in ward 258 upstairs. I'll explain everything when you get here."

I ended the call and gently handed his phone back to him.

"Thank you," I said.

He gave me a small smile, wished me well, and finally walked out.