Leona drove into the company’s parking lot slowly, her hands gripping the steering wheel tighter than usual. Her body was still sore, but her mind was sharper today. She needed to look normal, at least in front of everyone.As soon as she stepped out of her car, she didn’t even get the chance to fix her bag on her shoulder before Dana came rushing toward her.“Ma'am!” Dana’s heels clicked quickly against the pavement, her face full of worry. Without waiting for permission, she wrapped her arms around her boss tightly.Leona stiffened at first, caught off guard, then let out a small laugh. “Dana… I can’t breathe.”Dana pulled back, eyes glossy as if she had been crying earlier. “You scared me yesterday. Do you know how many times I almost drove back to the hospital last night? I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”Leona touched her shoulder softly. “I’m okay now. Really. The doctor said I just need to rest more. Nothing serious.”Dana didn’t look convinced. She crossed her arms and stud
Leona pushed herself away from the door and gathered enough strength to head upstairs. Her steps were light but tired, her body still aching from the long day. She walked straight to her father’s room and knocked gently before pushing the door open.Her dad was sitting on the edge of his bed, reading glasses perched on his nose, a newspaper spread across his lap. When he saw her, he lowered the paper and gave her a warm smile.“Leona,” he said softly, “how was work today? And how are you feeling?”Leona leaned against the doorway for a second, gathering her breath before walking in. “Work was fine,” she said carefully, her voice low. She didn’t want him to worry, but she also didn’t want to lie. “And… I went to the hospital today, after I passed out. The doctor said I need to rest more.”Her father’s eyes darkened with concern. He set the newspaper aside and removed his glasses, folding them neatly on the nightstand. “You went to the hospital? Why didn’t you tell me before you left?”
The doctor came back into the room just as the sun was setting outside the hospital windows. His steps were quiet but steady, and Leona quickly wiped at her face so it wouldn’t look like she had been crying again.He gave her a small, professional smile. “Ms. Leona we’ve completed everything for today. I’m going to discharge you this evening.”Leona straightened a little on the bed, her fingers tightening on the thin blanket. “So… I can go home?”“Yes.” He nodded kindly. “But you must remember what I told you. Your body is very tired, and stress is making it worse. Rest more, eat properly, and don’t push yourself beyond your limit.”Leona gave him a weak smile. “I’ll try. Thank you, doctor.”The man checked his notes, then added, “Mr. Wolfe has already gone to the desk to sign your discharge papers. He’s been very attentive.”Her heart gave a small jump at that, though she tried not to show it. “He… signed them?”“Yes.” The doctor smiled faintly. “You’re lucky to have someone who care
The doctor’s voice was calm, but his words were heavy. “It means that your body has been under suppression for a very long time. It may take years before you can conceive naturally again… and in some cases, the damage can be lasting.”Leona’s chest tightened. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes before she could stop them. Her hands trembled against the blanket as she tried to process the words.Her whole world felt like it stopped spinning for a second. The thought of being robbed of something so important, something so personal, made her heart shatter.“Years…” she whispered, almost to herself, her voice breaking. “Or maybe never?”The doctor looked at her with pity but didn’t answer directly. Instead, he placed a hand gently on the edge of the bed. “For now, focus on resting. Stress only makes things worse. We’ll run more tests if you agree.”Leona nodded faintly, biting her trembling lip as a tear slipped silently down her cheek.The doctor’s words still echoed in her head, he
The next morning, Leona woke up with her head pounding like drums. Her throat felt dry, and her whole body was heavy as if she had been carrying stones all night. She sat up slowly, holding her forehead.“Ugh… this headache,” she whispered under her breath. Her skin was hot, yet she shivered a little.Still, she dragged herself to the bathroom. The cold water from her shower helped her wake up, but the weakness in her bones didn’t leave. By the time she dressed in her work clothes and stepped out, she looked pale.At the dining table, her dad was already waiting, reading through some papers. He looked up as she sat down.“You don’t look fine,” he said at once, putting his papers aside. His sharp eyes scanned her face. “What’s wrong with you?”Leona forced a smile, picking up her spoon. “Just a little headache. I’ll be fine.”Her dad frowned, leaning closer. “You’re sweating. And your face is flushed. Leona, you’re sick.”“I know,” she admitted softly. “I feel a little feverish. But it
The sound of the heavy oak door shutting echoed faintly in the quiet hallway as Leona’s father, walked Selene into his private study. The room was dimly lit, only the warm glow of a table lamp spilling across the polished mahogany desk. The air carried a faint scent of old books and cigar smoke. Selene followed behind him, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.“Sit,” he said firmly, pointing at the leather chair across from him.Selene crossed her arms but sat down, her face holding that same smug expression she always wore. She smoothed down her dress as though she were in complete control, though her eyes flickered nervously for a second when she saw the stern look in his.Her father leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes studying her. “Why are you here, Selene?” he asked, his voice low, steady, but cold. “You walked out of this house years ago. You left your family, your sister. And now, suddenly, you show up at my door.”Selene tilted her chin up. “I came because I