CHAPTER 008
OLIVIA’S POV
The morning sun shone through the hospital windows, and I slowly stirred awake, my body aching from the events of the past day. The sterile scent of the hospital was still in the air, and the soft beeping of the machines beside me was the only sound filling the quiet room. As my vision cleared, I noticed Julian slumped in the chair next to my bed.
His head rested against the side of the chair, his arms folded across his chest, his breathing deep and steady. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, and the faintest shadow of stubble had formed on his jawline. I was actually shocked. He had stayed. Through the night, even.
At the same time, I was really happy that Julian stayed. Unlike Adrian, the man I called my husband who had abandoned me without hesitation, Julian had chosen to be here. He had chosen to care.
My pains had reduced, and I wasn’t feeling dizzy anymore, but my heart was still heavy from the news of the previous day.
I used my hands to cover my face for a few seconds before sitting up. My body still felt sore, but at least the dizziness had faded.
As if he knew my eyes were on him, Julian stirred, shifting slightly before blinking awake. When his gaze met mine, a small, tired smile touched his lips.
“Hey, you’re up,” he said, stretching before rubbing the back of his neck. “How are you feeling?”
“Good morning,” I greeted, my voice still hoarse from the exhaustion weighing down.
on me.
I swallowed the lump in my throat. “Like I got hit by a train,” I added.
Julian chuckled softly. “Well, that’s understandable. You went through a lot. But you’re still here, and that’s what matters.”
I forced a weak, smile but couldn’t shake the heaviness in my chest. The loss of my child, Adrian’s indifference, and the weight of my failing marriage all settled on my shoulders like an unbearable burden. For crying out loud, I am only but one human being.
Julian seemed to sense my spiraling thoughts because he leaned forward and nudged my arm gently. “Alright, enough of that sad face. I know something that might help.” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? A Successfully unlocked!
“Pizza.”
traus
Despite myself, I let out a small laugh. “Pizza?”
1/3
CHAPTER 008
“Yes, pizza. It has magical healing properties, trust me.” Julian stood up, stretching.” Hospital food is the worst, and I know you haven’t eaten. So, let me go get you something worth having.”
I hesitated. “Julian, you don’t have to…”
He held up a finger, stopping me. “Shh. No arguments. I’ll be back soon.”
With that, he grabbed his jacket and walked out the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stared at the ceiling, my mind racing.
After a few minutes, I let out a sigh, I got up and walked towards the window. “I didn’t even know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t know I was pregnant
… and now…”
My fingers absentmindedly touched my stomach. A fresh wave of sorrow threatened to consume me, but I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, willing myself not to cry
again.
True to his word, Julian returned less than an hour later, holding a takeout box in one
hand and a bottle of juice in the other.
The moment he stepped into the room, he grinned. “Behold, the cure to all sadness – pepperoni and cheese.”
I sat up slightly as he placed the box on my lap. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I know,” he said, taking a seat beside me. “Now eat.”
I hesitated before pulling open the box. The smell instantly made my stomach growl. I hadn’t realized just how hungry I was until now. Taking a small bite, I hummed in appreciation. “Okay, you might be right about the magical healing properties.”
Julian smirked. “Told you.”
We ate in silence for a while, and then a sudden knock on the door broke our moment. The nurse entered, holding a clipboard. “Miss, the doctor would like to discuss your discharge options.”
I nodded weakly, and the nurse left, giving me a moment to process. Discharge. That meant leaving this place, facing the reality of my life, and figuring out what came next.
***
The ride home was quiet. I didn’t want to go to Adrian’s so I decided to
go to my parents. I stared out the window, watching the city blur past, my thoughts swirling.
Julian didn’t push me to talk, simply keeping the radio on a soft volume, offering me silent support. When we finally pulled up to my parents‘ house, I sighed, dreading whatever awaited me inside.
“You sure you’ll be okay?” Julian asked, glancing at me with concern.
I forced a smile. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for everything, Julian. Really.”
CHAPTER 008
He gave me a long look before nodding. “You know where to find me if you need me.”
I stepped out of the car, wrapping my arms around myself as I approached the front door. Pushing it open, I stepped inside, the familiar scent of home washing over me.
I was about to call out when I heard voices drifting from the living room. My parents.
Curious, I took a quiet step forward, but the words I heard next made me freeze in place.
3/3
