Elizabeth

The bathroom was submerged in a profound silence, a silence only interrupted by the uneven sound of my breathing. I had settled on the edge of the bathtub, feeling the coldness of the ceramic beneath me. My hands, nervous and trembling, firmly held the pregnancy test, while my mind filled with contradictory thoughts and emotions. The tension in the air was palpable, and at that moment, the outside world seemed to vanish, leaving only the anxiety that enveloped me.

My heart raced with overwhelming intensity, as if trying to break the barriers of my chest. Each second felt like an eternity, stretching out endlessly, while a mixture of anxiety and fear invaded my thoughts.

“Please, let it be negative,” I murmured softly, with a hope I knew was practically useless.

It was a moment of pure agony, and finally, when I gathered the courage to look, the two pink lines appeared before me, shining with the certainty I wanted to avoid. More than a simple sign; they were a cry of reality staring at me, assuring me that the result was positive.

A few months ago, my life was completely different from what it is now. Back then, I was Alexander's secret girlfriend... yes, my boss, the CEO of one of the most prominent companies in the country. Alexander was everything any woman could want: he possessed brilliant intelligence, a charisma that lit up any room, and an extremely attractive appearance that did not go unnoticed.

Our relationship started in a strictly professional way; we were both part of the same team and worked side by side on different projects. However, as the days went by and we spent more time together in the office, the connection we began to develop was transforming.

However, our relationship came to an abrupt end. Alexander felt it would be best for both of us if we went our separate ways. He told me that he couldn't afford distractions in his professional life and that our relationship was a risk he couldn't take.

I got up from the edge of the bathtub and went to the mirror. As I looked at myself, I saw my eyes filled with tears, reflecting the whirlwind of emotions that dominated my mind. Confusion and fear intertwined in my thoughts. How was I going to deal with this situation? How could I face Alexander and tell him that I was expecting his child? The mere thought of having that conversation filled me with panic. It was clear that I had to make a decision, and I had to do it urgently.

I made the decision not to share this information with anyone, and in particular, not to tell him anything. I didn't want to run the risk of this news leaking out somehow and jeopardizing his career, which he had worked so hard to build. Furthermore, I was in a sea of doubt as to his possible reaction. I didn't know if he would offer me his support or if, on the contrary, he would reject me. The uncertainty of not knowing his answer was truly overwhelming and caused me great anguish.

The first few weeks of my pregnancy were an emotional roller coaster. My body was undergoing significant changes, and my hormones seemed to have gone haywire, causing a series of unforeseen reactions. A feeling of nausea accompanied me almost continuously, while fatigue became increasingly overwhelming, leaving me without energy and feeling exhausted at all times. However, the most distressing thing about this stage was the fears that invaded my mind. I felt a deep fear of the unknown, of the uncertainty that awaited me. The thought of having to face Alexander filled me with unease.

I made an effort to keep my daily routine as normal as possible. I went to the office every morning, greeting my colleagues with a smile, and carried out my professional tasks with the same dedication and commitment as always. However, every time I crossed glances with Alexander, I could feel my heart racing, as if I were on the verge of an imminent revelation of my secret. I tried to avoid him as much as possible, but in such a small work environment, where we all shared the same space, that was almost an impossible mission.

It was just another day at the office, but the atmosphere felt heavier than usual. I was in the kitchen, making myself a cup of tea in the hope that the heat and aroma of the brew would relieve the nausea that had been plaguing me for a while. As I waited for the water to boil, the sound of the door opening snapped me out of my thoughts.

Alexander appeared in the doorway, illuminating the space with his characteristic smile. He approached me confidently, but at the same time seemed attentive to how I was feeling.

“How are you, Elizabeth?” he asked, his voice soft and laden with concern.

“I'm fine, thank you,” I replied, avoiding his gaze. My eyes drifted to an undefined point on the floor, as if seeking refuge in that safe place, away from the intensity of his scrutiny. The truth was, I didn't feel as good as I said I did, but something inside me urged me to lie, to keep up appearances. I could feel the weight of the conversation in the air, but I'd rather not let words come between us. After all, sometimes it's easier to say we're fine than to open the door to how we're really feeling.

“You look a little pale. Are you really sure everything is okay?" he asked, his concern showing. I nodded quickly, trying to control my emotions and keep them from overflowing.

“Yes, it's just a little stress. It's nothing to worry about," I replied, with a lie on my lips.

Alexander watched me intently for a moment, as if he had the ability to see through the facade I had built around myself. After a moment that seemed eternal, he nodded and turned away, walking away from me. Thus, he left me alone with my thoughts and worries. I experienced a fleeting relief to see him go; however, deep down, I knew I couldn't keep this up indefinitely. Sooner or later, I would be forced to face the harsh reality that lay before me and make a crucial decision about my future and that of my baby.

Elizabeth

Work became a much-needed distraction for me. I threw myself into my job responsibilities, striving to keep my mind active and away from the harsh reality that awaited me outside those four walls. Every time I crossed glances with Alexander, it was as if a whirlwind of emotions erupted within me: love, pain, and now, a secret that had the potential to transform our lives forever. I tried to avoid him as much as possible, but in such a small office space, that was an almost impossible task to accomplish. Every interaction with him awakened within me a storm of feelings that I desperately tried to control.

At the end of the day, I felt completely exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I was aware that upon arriving home I would have to face my brothers and pretend that everything was in order, despite the burden I carried inside. As I walked through the door, I was greeted with cheerful smiles and the captivating aroma of a tasty home-cooked dinner. My brothers, always so considerate and attentive, had gone out of their way to prepare my favorite dish, which made me feel a little more relieved amid the emotional storm I was facing.

“Elizabeth! You're just in time for dinner!” exclaimed my older brother, Tomas, as he enveloped me in a warm hug. “We've prepared something very special for you.”

“Thank you, guys,” I replied, trying to sound as cheerful as possible. “It smells really delicious!”

We took our places around the table and began to enjoy the food. The words of the others flowed naturally, creating a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere; however, I was barely paying attention to what was being said. My mind was wandering to other thoughts, caught up in the uncertainty of the future and the important decisions I had to make. I tried to concentrate on the food, taking a bite into my mouth, but each time I did, I felt the food turn into a heavy load in my stomach, as if each bite was a rock that made my digestion difficult and increased my anxiety.

Suddenly, an intense feeling of nausea washed over me. My stomach began to churn with growing discomfort, and at that moment I realized that I could no longer continue to hide my discomfort. Without thinking twice, I quickly got up from the table and, in a hurry, ran to the bathroom, managing to arrive just in time to avoid a major disaster. Behind me, I could hear my brothers, who, alarmed, followed me, concerned about my condition.

“Elizabeth, are you okay?” asked my younger brother, Javier, with clear concern in his tone of voice.

“Yes, just… a little upset,” I lied, trying to sound convincing. “Must be something I ate.”

Tomas observed me with distrust, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and doubt.

“It doesn't sound like just an upset. Are you completely sure everything is okay?”

Despite his question and the unease his words generated in me, I nodded. However, deep down, I was aware that I could not continue to hide reality for much longer.

"Yes, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound convincing. "I just need to rest a little."

My brothers looked at each other with worried expressions on their faces, but in the end they decided to leave me alone. I settled on the bathroom floor, tucking my legs in and hugging my knees tightly as I struggled to contain the tears that threatened to spill. I was aware that I had to make a decision in the near future; I couldn't keep carrying this secret and facing the constant fear of someone finding out. The pressure was overwhelming and every moment felt like an eternity.

That night, after my brothers had settled into their beds and silence invaded the house, I lay awake, absorbed in my thoughts. Confusion and worry about my situation kept me restless, churning in my mind. It was evident that I needed to vent and talk to someone about what was tormenting me, but I did not feel prepared to face Alexander and the complicated conversation that would entail.

It was then that I decided that the most sensible thing to do would be to seek the support of my closest friend, Laura. She had always been my confidante, the person I could trust without reservation. She was the only one who truly understood me.

................THE NEXT DAY...............

The next day, I called Laura and asked her to meet me at our favorite coffee shop. When I arrived, she was already there, waiting for me with a smile.

“Elizabeth, what's wrong? You look worried."

I sat down across from her and took a sip of my coffee, trying to find the right words. “Laura, I need to tell you something. Something important."

She looked at me with a worried expression on her face. "What's going on? You can tell me anything, I'm here to listen."

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts before speaking. With some hesitation, I began to tell her the whole story: how my relationship with Alexander had been, the happy moments and the complications that had arisen; then, I mentioned the positive pregnancy test I had recently taken, and how that news had triggered a series of mixed feelings within me. Finally, I confessed my decision not to reveal any of this for the time being. Laura listened to me in silence, paying attention to every word that came out of my mouth.

“Elizabeth, this is… this is really huge,” she finally said, in a tone that denoted both astonishment and concern. “Are you completely sure you're not going to tell Alexander? He has every right to know about this."

“I know,” I replied, as tears began to well up in my eyes and cloud my vision. “But I can’t. Not after what happened at the end. I don't want to ruin his life or his career."

Laura, with an understanding look on her face, took my hand and looked deeply into my eyes.

“I understand that you are afraid,” she said softly, “but you also have to think about yourself and your baby. You cannot carry this weight alone."

I nodded, acknowledging that she was indeed right. However, the mere thought of having to face Alexander filled me with deep terror.

“I need some time to think. I'm still not ready to tell him,” I replied.

“Whatever decision you make, I want you to know that I will be here for you,” she assured me, with sincerity in her gaze. “You don’t have to deal with this alone if you don’t want to."

Elizabeth

The days passed with an overwhelming slowness since I made the decision to keep my pregnancy a secret. Every morning, upon opening my eyes, I felt a powerful mixture of fear and determination taking hold of me. I was aware that I had to continue with my life, but the uncertainty about what the future held became a heavy burden that I carried within me. My brothers, Tomas and Javier, were beginning to perceive that something was affecting me, that there was a change in my behavior, but I tried to disguise it, insisting that it was all due to the stress that work was causing me.

One morning, while I was getting ready to go to the office, Tomas intercepted me in the kitchen with a serious expression on his face. He looked at me fixedly and, in a grave tone, said:

"Elizabeth, we need to talk."

His tone made my heart race a little.

"You can't keep behaving like this. We all notice that something is bothering you."

I let out a deep sigh, aware that it was in vain to try to continue hiding what I felt.

"Tomas, I'm fine. I just need a little time to clarify some things that I have on my mind."

I looked at them both carefully, feeling a pang of remorse invading my chest for not being able to open up and share the secret I was keeping.

"I understand and I value very much what you have done for me," I told them sincerely. "However, there are certain things that I feel I must face and resolve on my own."

Tomas and Javier looked at each other with expressions of concern, exchanging a silent message that only they understood. After a few moments, they both nodded resolutely. Tomas came closer to me and, in a warm and comforting voice, said: “Okay, Elizabeth. We just want you to know that we are here for you, no matter what happens." Then, he enveloped me in a sincere hug, transmitting his unconditional support.

"Thank you very much for what you have done, guys," I replied, feeling a sense of relief as I uttered those words. "I am aware of all the effort you have put in, and I really appreciate it."

............. *WEEKS LATER* ................

I began a research process in search of alternatives to move to another country. I longed to find a place where I could start a new stage in my life, where no one had any knowledge of my history and what I had lived up to that moment. I was aware that this change entailed numerous challenges and difficulties, but I was completely determined to carry it out for the well-being of my baby. I could not allow my child to grow up in an environment full of secrets and deceit, where truths were hidden and lies became the norm. My goal was to give him a different future, one in which he could develop in an honest and healthy environment.

As the days went by, my determination became firmer and firmer. I was aware that I had to leave before my pregnancy became evident to everyone. The idea of having to deal with the prying questions and inquisitive glances from my colleagues was overwhelming. But, above all, I felt a deep aversion to having to confront Alexander. His presence and his ability to delve into my thoughts terrified me, and I wanted to avoid any kind of awkward conversation that might arise between us.

Finally, I made the difficult decision to leave everything behind. I started to organize myself, making a list of the things I needed to take care of. I sold my belongings, each object carrying a story and a memory, which made the process even more painful for me. I also resigned from my job, a decision that, despite being necessary, filled me with uncertainty. However, I was clear that it was the best for both me and my baby, who would soon arrive in my life.

The day I left the city became an unforgettable moment; inside me, feelings of sadness and relief were mixed. I was saying goodbye to everything I loved.

As the plane began to rise in the air, I fixed my gaze on the window and, suddenly, a tear slid down my cheek. It was an emotionally charged moment, as I understood that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in my life. An uncertain future lay ahead of me, full of challenges and obstacles that I would have to face. However, deep down, I was convinced that I was making the right decision. The reasons that had driven me to embark on this journey were clear: I was protecting my baby, giving him the opportunity to grow up in a better environment, full of possibilities and hope. A mix of sadness and determination.

The flight lasted several hours, and every minute seemed like a challenge that tested my endurance. I tried to close my eyes and immerse myself in a restful sleep, but my mind could not find peace. Instead of resting, I was caught in a whirlwind of thoughts about everything I had left behind.

Every time I tried to relax and sink into the darkness of sleep, the image of Alexander's face flooded my mind. I couldn't help but wonder how he would react if he ever learned the truth I kept in my chest. Would he look at me with contempt? Would he develop a deep resentment towards me for not being honest with him?

Finally, the plane landed at the destination I had chosen. I opted for a small and peaceful town, far from the constant noise and pressure of my previous life. I longed to find a place where I would have the opportunity to start over, a place where no one would know my past history. As I walked through the wide corridors of the airport, an intense mixture of relief and nervousness invaded me. I was alone in an unknown environment, surrounded by strange faces and voices that I had no way of interpreting. However, despite this uncertainty, I also perceived the exciting possibility of building a new life for both me and my baby.

I took a taxi that took me to the small, cozy apartment I had rented. Although it was modest in its decoration and size, it had a warm atmosphere that made me feel at ease. It was located a considerable distance from the bustling city center, which offered me the peace and quiet that I needed so much at that time. As I began to unpack my belongings, I tried not to think about what I had left behind, about the previous life I had decided to leave. This place represented a new beginning for me, a new opportunity, and it was vital that I focus my energy on the future and everything I could build from here.

The first few days in my new home felt profoundly lonely. I was in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by a familiar yet strange environment. I hadn't made any friends yet, so most of my hours were spent within the four walls of my house. I was trying to find my place, to adapt to this new life that was presented to me. The daily routine consisted of exploring my surroundings, familiarizing myself with the corners of my new space and, at times, getting lost in my thoughts, remembering past moments. The feeling of emptiness often accompanied me, as I tried to cope with this transition and find ways to connect with the new community that surrounded me.