Cristine sat alone in the quiet of the house, the stillness only amplifying the turmoil in her mind. The ticking clock on the wall marked the passage of time, but her thoughts were stuck in a loop. Andrei had left earlier that morning, giving her space to process everything. Though she appreciated the gesture, his absence created a void that allowed her doubts to fester.
She sighed, her hand instinctively moving to her belly. The baby’s subtle movements reminded her of the stakes involved—this wasn’t just about her anymore. Every decision she made would impact the life growing inside her.
Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, jolting her out of her thoughts. She hesitated before picking it up, her heart sinking when she saw the unregistered number.
Cristine opened the message cautiously
