Episode 1

I was suffocating.

For the past few months, I had tried to ignore my ex-boyfriend's looks of pity and contempt, pretending his words didn't affect me. "That's not my problem, Aurora. You deal with it." Those were his last words before he turned his back on me. I fought. I did every exam alone, finished college alone, prepared for motherhood alone. But now, I couldn't anymore.

Paris, with its dazzling lights and unparalleled charm, had become a cage of painful memories. I needed to go home. Even if it meant facing what I had been putting off for months.

The flight was tiring. My heavy body, swollen feet, and the constant movement of the babies prevented me from resting. When the plane landed, I felt a mixture of relief and dread. I didn't know what awaited me.

The Valmort mansion rose imposingly before me, with its classic facade and stained-glass windows reflecting the afternoon light. Almost four years away, and I still remembered every detail. The flawless marble stairs, the elegant columns, the large oak door that seemed heavier now that I knew what awaited me on the other side.

I took a deep breath and went in.

The aroma of my mother's tea wafted through the air, mingling with the house's characteristic floral scent. She was in the living room, flipping through a magazine, elegantly dressed as always, in a cream dress and her blonde hair tied in a perfect bun. When she heard my voice, her face lit up.

"Mother." My voice came out low, almost hesitant.

She looked up and smiled.

"Aurora! My girl! You're finally back!"

For a second, I had hope. But it was only a second. As soon as her gaze fell to my rounded belly, her smile crumbled. Her eyes widened in shock, and the teacup she held trembled in her hands.

"What... what is this?"

She stood up suddenly, as if my presence were a threat.

"Mother, I can explain..."

"Explain? Aurora, you're pregnant!"

Her tone rose, her indignation clear. Her face, flushed with anger, contrasted with her expression of pure panic.

The sound of firm footsteps echoed down the hallway. My father appeared at the office door, wearing an immaculate suit, his gray hair neat as always. His stern gaze shifted from my mother to me, and for a brief moment, there was silence.

Until he saw my belly.

His eyes, previously just curious, filled with fury.

"What does this mean?" His voice came out cold, cutting.

I tried to stay strong.

"I'm pregnant, Father."

"Pregnant?" He repeated, as if the word were an insult.

My mother began to mumble incomprehensible things, bringing her hands to her head, while my father approached, each step laden with disapproval.

"And where is the father of these children?" His voice sounded dangerous.

I swallowed hard.

"He didn't want to take responsibility."

My father laughed. A humorless laugh, heavy with scorn.

"So you come back to my house, after four years, pregnant and without a husband?"

"Father, I didn't plan this. But they are my children, and I need your support."

My mother gasped, as if my words were absurd.

"You've brought shame to our family, Aurora! How could you be so irresponsible? And now? You want us to raise these... these bastard children?"

My eyes filled with tears.

"Mother, please..."

My father didn't let me finish.

"Get out of my house."

A shock ran through my body.

"What?"

"You heard me. Take your things and go. There's no place for you here."

"Father, don't do this..."

"You've done enough to tarnish our name. If you made this decision, face the consequences."

My heart broke in that instant. No matter how much I pleaded, their cold stares said it all. I was alone.

I turned and left, feeling the weight of each step. The air outside was colder than I remembered, or maybe it was the ice settling inside me.

My arms wrapped around my belly in a protective gesture.

"Everything will be alright, my loves. I promise."

But I didn't know how to keep that promise.

I walked aimlessly through the city. The sky was beginning to darken, and the streetlights cast shadows on the sidewalks. My mind was a mess. Where would I go? What would I do?

It was then that everything happened.

The headlights came too fast. My body reacted late. A loud sound, the impact, and I was thrown to the ground.

The pain didn't come immediately, but the worry did. My hands instinctively clutched my belly, fear consuming me entirely.

A man got out of the car. Tall, imposing, in a dark suit and with a penetrating gaze. His black hair was perfectly styled, and his tense jaw showed concern.

"My God! Are you okay?"

I tried to answer, but a groan escaped.

"You're pregnant! Damn it! I'm going to call an ambulance."

"No... the babies..." my voice failed.

"Calm down, I'll take care of it."

He took out his phone, his jaw tight, and made a quick call. Before I could process it, he knelt beside me.

"My name is Dante. Dante Morelli. I'm taking you to the hospital."

Then, everything went dark.

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