I shouldn’t have trusted you

As the morning crept over the horizon, Rosa was stirred awake by a knock at her door. She sat up, leaning against the bed frame—her mind still foggy from sleep.

The door creaked open, and her private nurse stepped in.

"Miss Rosa, Sir wants you to prepare. We are leaving the island” the nurse said, her voice steady

Rosa's heart skipped "Leaving the island?" she repeated, her voice thick with disbelief.

The nurse nodded.

“Why”

"I don't know why Miss, He just gave the order"

Rosa's gaze darted to the window, the soft glow of dawn casting shadows across the room. What is he up to now?

After a quick shower and a change of clothes, she was escorted outside, surrounded by a group of guards. The feeling of being watched from all sides made her chest tighten.

A helicopter stood on the lawn, its blades spinning. One of the men waved for her to approach. Rosa hesitated, her eyes scanning the area, but something felt off—Silvio was nowhere to be seen.

"Please, miss” the leader of the men urged

She gave a slight nod and stepped into the helicopter, the doors closing behind her. It was a tight fit-only five could board, so the some of the men followed her in, along with her nurse.

The aircraft lifted off.. soaring high into the sky.

Rosa's gaze wandered through the window.

The clouds outside were beautiful, their soft white billows drifting lazily below. She pressed her fingers against the glass

After what felt like an forever, the helicopter landed on a rooftop. Several men were waiting "Please follow us” one of them said, his voice flat and neutral.

Rosa followed, feeling a sense of foreboding grow with every step. They entered an elevator and emerged into the lobby of a sleek office building, where eyes immediately turned toward them-curious.

Outside, two black vans stop.. their engines roaring to life as they approached. Without a word, they climbed inside and the vehicles sped off. The passing scenery did little to calm the growing anxiety in her chest.

The van came to a stop in front of a cemetery.

Rosa's heart fluttered with confusion "What are we doing here?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she scanned the quiet rows of grave stones

"To visit your mother” the leader answered simply.

Her breath caught "My mother?" The words barely left her mouth before her legs felt weak.

The man nodded, motioning for her to follow.

Rosa moved almost instinctively, her legs carrying her through the cemetery, her mind still grappling with the sudden revelation.

They stopped in front of an elegant gravestone, where her mother's name was etched in the stone. The sight of it hit Rosa like a physical blow. She crouched down, her fingers brushing the surface.. tears bursting up before she could stop them "Mum.." she whispered

Memories rushed back—the softness of her mother's voice, the comfort her presence brought. She had never gotten the chance to say a proper goodbye and She didn't know how to..

It felt like an eternity before her private nurse stepped forward, a gentle hand on Rosa's shoulder "It's alright, Miss. We have one more place to go"

Rosa blinked, as if waking from a trance. She nodded silently, standing shakily as the weight of the moment hung over her.

The van took them from the cemetery to a brightly lit baby clothing store, its windows lined with pastel colors and tiny garments.

Rosa stared at the cheerful display, confused.

"Why are we here?" she asked, turning to her nurse.

"Miss, you're eight months pregnant. We need to shop for baby clothes" the nurse replied gently.

Rosa frowned, an instinctive protest rising"We don't even know the baby's gender"

"It doesn't matter" the nurse said with a soft smile, taking Rosa's hand "Let's go inside"

Rosa yanked her hand free "I can walk on my own” she muttered, her voice cold as she made her way into the store.

Inside, the nurse began picking out clothes-rows of tiny onesies, soft blankets, hats. She showed each item to Rosa, but Rosa barely registered them. Her mind was elsewhere, distracted and numb

The nurse eventually led her to a chair, offering her a break. Rosa sat down, her body weary, her mind still racing.

She glanced across the store, her gaze falling on a mother and daughter. The little girl was beaming, holding up a pink dress, her voice bright with excitement “Mummy, I want this one!"

The mother smiled, tousling her daughter's hair. "Alright, my dear”

Something stirred within Rosa at the sight. She hadn't realized until that moment how long it had been since she smiled. How long since I allowed myself to feel anything? The way the mother and daughter interacted, so naturally, so full of love— made Rosa think of her own mother.

A deep ache of yearning overwhelmed her

Her hand instinctively went to her swollen belly. The reflection in the mirror caught her attention..her once full face now thin and drawn, her body so changed. Her stomach, round and heavy with life, was the only part of her that had remained untouched. I've never even acknowledged you, she thought, her fingers trembling as they rested on her abdomen.

The reality of it hit her all at once. The child she had tried to deny, the child she had once considered a burden-How could I think that?

The words left her mouth in a quiet promise "I'm sorry my child, I never should have..."

She closed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears. "I promise you, l'll protect you. We will be happy soon, I swear it"

*****

It’s been two weeks since Rosa visited her mother's grave. She had been eating well and, for the first time in a long while, Rosa felt like she was regaining some control over her life. But on this particular evening, as she stared out the window.. a noise from outside her room broke the silence

Curiosity nudged her forward and she quietly slipped out of her room. To her surprise, there were no guards stationed outside. Her heart raced as she crept through the dim hallway, the sound growing louder. She stopped in front of a room that was slightly ajar, careful not to make a sound. Peeking inside, she saw the guards gathered together, laughing and talking in low, slurred voices. They were drunk.

This is it—her pulse quickened with the thought. This was her chance.

She took a step backward, making sure her footsteps didn't give her away. When she was sure she was far away, she murmured to herself "How do I get away from this place?"

Her hand instinctively ran through her hair and she looked around, eyes scanning for any possible escape. Then—she saw it. A boat, anchored by the shore.

Her heart skipped. Could it be? Silvio never used a boat. Only the helicopter but the helicopter wasn't parked outside. She took a deep breath and moved toward the water, her steps growing faster.. Is it Silvio? No-it couldn't be. But there was no time to waste.

She walked into the shallow water, her voice shaky but desperate "Please! Help me!" She waved her arms, hoping someone would see her.

The boat shifted and moved toward her. As it drew closer, Rosa's heart thudded in her chest.

When she saw who was at the helm, she froze.

Mira.

Rosa stepped back. Why is she here? Mira was associated with Silvio. She couldn't trust her. But then Mira spoke, her voice urgent

"I can help you escape, Rosa" Mira said, glancing back toward the shore "We don't have time to waste. Please get in"

Rosa stood there, her mind racing with doubts Why would she help me? But then again, Who else could?

Mira's face was serious and Rosa could see the tension in her shoulders. She was trying to make this quick. Her gaze flickered between Rosa and the distant mansion.

Rosa hesitated for a heartbeat, then, without another word, she reached out and grabbed

Mira's hand.

The boat sped away from the island. Rosa watched as the mansion—her prison for so long..grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Finally, it was gone.

She took a deep breath, tears stung her eyes as she spoke "We made it" Her hand brushed gently over the curve of her belly.

Her tears fell freely and she didn't wipe them away right away.

Then, she felt a cold weight on her neck. Her spine stiffened and the air around her grew thick. Before she could react, she turned and there she was—Mira holding a gun in her hand, a wicked smile curling on her lips.

"What are y... you doing?" Rosa stammered, her voice trembling as panic surged through her.

Mira smirked, almost amused "Pointing a gun at you" she answered coolly, like it was nothing.

Rosa's stomach twisted with the realization "I shouldn't have trusted you and I shouldn't have gotten in this boat" The words tasted bitter on her tongue, but she couldn't take them back.

Mira's eyes glinted with dark amusement "But you did”

The boat bobbled in the water, but all she could focus on was the gun aimed at her "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice faltering

Mira didn't answer right away. She simply lowered the gun, aiming it at Rosa's stomach.

Rosa's body went rigid. Her hands immediately wrapped protectively around her belly, holding it as if she could shield her child from whatever was coming.

"Don't you dare hurt my baby!" she cried out, her voice sharp.

Mira laughed—a cruel, biting sound that made Rosa's blood run cold "Your child, huh?" she sneered. Her tone shifted, colder and harder.

"Silvio wants me to kill you”

Rosa's breath caught in her throat. Her body shook, but she forced herself to speak "You're lying. He wouldn't do that.. knowing I'm carrying his child”

Mira took a step closer, the gun now leveled at her heart "Oh, you poor thing. You really think Silvio cares? You're nothing to him. Just a vessel for his child. Do you really think he'll spare you?After trying to escape?

Rosa's body trembled with a mix of disbelief and rage. She couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe this was happening "You're wrong... you're wrong," she whispered, more to herself than to Mira. But Mira was unphased. She just steadied the gun, her finger now lightly caressing the trigger.

"Wait" Rosa choked out, her voice breaking.

"Spare us. Please. Please."

But Mira's expression didn't change. She tilted her head, her eyes cold and empty "Never"

The shot rang out.

Pain exploded in Rosa's chest. It was a jagged, searing burn that sent her stumbling backward. Her body hit the cold water with a heavy splash, and everything felt distant, hazy. Blood began to swirl around her in the dark water, turning it into something else. Rosa gasped for air, but all she could taste was blood

Mira fired again, and then another shot. The water became redder with every moment

Mira's voice was distant, almost nonchalant, as she looked down at the blood-stained water "Silvio belongs to me. Not anyone else"