Semua Bab THE PREGNANT GIRL AND THE RUTHLESS HEIR : Bab 171 - Bab 180

Kumba. I get to the hospital early which is not surprising at all, I am always early. The hospital lobby is quieter than usual at this hour, the bright lights reflecting off polished floors, everything too clean, too controlled. It’s almost ironic, considering how much chaos started within these walls.I stand near the entrance for a moment, checking my watch, then my phone, then the doors again.Five minutes early which is good, It gives me time to think.I adjust my jacket slightly, rolling my shoulders back, forcing my expression into something neutral and relaxed. The doors slide open and she walks in and for a second, I almost forget why I’m here.She looks absolutely stunning and there is no other word for it.Her dress hugs her perfectly, elegant but intentional, like she knew exactly what she was doing when she chose it. Her hair falls effortlessly over her shoulders, her makeup soft but precise.She looks like she belongs in places like this, like she owns the room the seco

DianeI couldn't move, Kerubo's words echoed inside my head, over and over, each repetition heavier than the last.If you don't tell her, I will.The fluorescent lights above me suddenly felt too bright.The hallway seemed to sway beneath my feet.Ten years, I had spent ten years convincing myself that chapter of my life was over.That what had happened would stay where it belonged, In the past.Now the past had found me again and this time it had a face, Gesare's face.My throat tightened.If she ever learned the truth, I couldn't even finish that thought because I knew nothing good would come out of it. I was so lost in my own mind that I didn't hear the footsteps approaching.A warm hand settled gently on my shoulder and I gasped.Spinning around so quickly my heart nearly leapt out of my chest."Kumba."My son frowned. "Mom what's wrong?"Concern immediately clouded his features."What's wrong?""N-Nothing." The lie came far too quickly.His eyes narrowed."You look flushed." He

KumbaThe silence in my mother's hospital room felt heavier than anything we had said to each other. Dr. Valentina had left us alone after explaining the diagnosis. The words still echoed inside my head.Advanced liver failure, she had advanced liver failure and I was having difficulty understanding that, there were medications, lifestyle changes, supportive treatment. But there was no miracle waiting around the corner and the damage had already been done.What made me angry the most was the fact that she found out about her diagnosis months ago and kept it a secret and also refused treatment. I looked at my mother and she seemed so much smaller than I remembered.Not because she had physically shrunk but because the woman who had always seemed invincible didn't anymore.She sat quietly on the edge of the hospital bed, absentmindedly twisting the blanket between her fingers.For the first time in my life she looked frightened and I hated it."You have been through enough for one lif

KumbaI found her exactly where I thought she would be by the pool.The afternoon sun reflected off the water, making everything look peaceful.It was a lie, nothing about our lives was peaceful anymore.Cliff stood up as soon as he saw me approaching."There you are." I said "I have been looking everywhere for my wife."Cliff smiled "I figured."He glanced briefly at Gesare before looking back at me."I should probably head out.""You don't have to." I said automatically.He shook his head "I have got a few things to take care of anywhere."He walked over and clapped my shoulder gently."You call if you need anything.""I always do.""I mean it.""So do I."For a brief second, something unreadable passed between us. It was gone before I could place it then Cliff turned to Gesare.He smiled warmly."Take care of yourself."She nodded "I will."He walked toward the front gate without another word. I watched him leave before turning back to my wife.She was staring at the water and look

GesareHospitals had a smell, a smell I had come to know far too well full of antiseptic and sometimes smelt like coffee that had been sitting too long.It also smelt like fear, It was strange how fear could have a scent.It lingered in waiting rooms, clung to walls, settled into the faces of strangers pretending they weren't terrified.I tightened my grip around the paper cup of coffee in my hands as I stepped through the oncology wing.My heart hammered so loudly I could hear it in my ears.I almost turned around, Part of me wanted to.Part of me wanted to run back to the car and pretend none of this was happening.Because if I walked any farther, I couldn't keep pretending my life hadn't changed but this is where I needed to be, he needed me and I was going to be there for him. I rounded the corner and there he was.He was sitting alone in one of the blue waiting room chairs, elbows resting on his knees, absentmindedly turning his wedding band around his finger.He looked smaller