The Hidden Truth

The happiness written all over Gloria's face was uncontainable. A beautiful smile stretched across her lips, lighting up her eyes and making her entire face glow. She clasped her hands together in excitement, bouncing lightly on the couch as though she could no longer sit still. The words on the tip of her tongue begged to be released. Being kept waiting could be irritating-especially when you were carrying news this important.

Her gaze drifted around the living room, slowly taking everything in. The high ceilings loomed above her, elegant and intimidating. A crystal chandelier hung proudly in the center, catching the light and scattering it across the room. Plush furniture filled the space, each piece screaming wealth and comfort.

'This is so extravagant... and adorable.'

The living room alone was three times bigger than the small room she shared with her husband back home. That realization always struck her whenever she visited, and it never failed to leave her slightly breathless. In a fleeting moment, her eyes landed on a picture frame mounted neatly on the wall.

She stared at it as if she was seeing it for the first time, even though she had admired it countless times before. She couldn't help but appreciate the sheer loveliness of the wedding photograph. It stood out prominently among the many pictures taken that day-her favorite, if she was being honest.

Like a memory freshly unsealed, Vanessa's grand wedding day flooded her mind. She could almost hear the laughter again, the music, the chatter of guests. Vanessa had been radiant-overflowing with excitement. She had married her dream husband, after all, even if their relationship had always seemed a little complicated from the outside.

Gloria sighed.

Honestly, she envied her best friend sometimes-perhaps more often than she cared to admit. Luck seemed to trail Vanessa wherever she went. Unlike her, Vanessa was endowed with riches, influence, and opportunities Gloria could only dream of. She was well educated and had risen to become the executive vice president of Anderson Corporation, the powerful company owned by her grandmother, who was both founder and CEO.

Vanessa's life could have been perfect in every sense, if only she had been able to give birth to a child of her own. But the Almighty understood best.

And even though Gloria's story was quite the opposite, filled with struggle rather than privilege, she still believed she had an upper hand over Vanessa.

Or at least, she hoped she did.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she spotted a young lady in an apron approaching. Gloria's eyes immediately fell on the tray the maid carried, particularly the glass of fruit juice resting neatly at the center.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Gloria. Ma'am Vanessa said she'll join you shortly," the maid said with a polite smile as she placed the tray on the small table beside her.

"Oh, thank you, Beatrice," Gloria replied warmly, returning the smile as she reached for the cold drink.

It felt like an answered prayer. The sun outside was scorching, and her throat had been unbearably dry. Only something chilled like this could quench her thirst at that moment. As soon as the maid turned to leave, Gloria gulped the juice down quickly, emptying the glass in a few eager swallows. She returned the cup to the tray almost immediately, suddenly conscious of herself-careful that her low-class habits wouldn't be noticed.

She wiped the moisture from her mouth with the back of her palm, then discreetly rubbed her palm against her dress.

"Gloria."

The sound of Vanessa's voice made her stiffen slightly. She looked up just in time to see her friend descending the stairs, graceful as ever.

"It's so good to see you."

In no time, Gloria sprang to her feet. They met halfway, pulling each other into a warm embrace, exchanging kisses on their cheeks like they always did.

"Me too," Gloria responded, smiling brightly before returning to her seat.

"So," Vanessa said as she settled beside her, "what brings you here?"

Gloria kept her eyes fixed on Vanessa's face, her grin widening deliberately. Her teeth shone as she smiled, hoping her obvious excitement would serve as a clue.

"Hey... what is it?" Vanessa asked, amused. "You look unusually happy."

"Don't you notice anything different?"

"Different?" Vanessa echoed.

"Yeah... like something unusual about me."

Vanessa's confusion deepened. She studied Gloria from head to toe, her brows knitting together before she finally shook her head. "No, I don't. You look the same to me. What's this about?"

"Alright, just try guessing."

"Come on, Gloria. You know I hate guessing. Just save me the stress."

Gloria burst into a joyful smile, unable to hold it in any longer. "Fine... Well, I'm two weeks gone!"

She waited, expecting excitement, maybe even squeals-but it never came. Instead, Vanessa froze. The silence that followed was thick and unsettling.

"You... you're pregnant too?" Vanessa finally asked.

"Yes," Gloria replied, her smile faltering. "What's wrong? Why do you look so shocked?"

Vanessa only shook her head.

"Wait," Gloria said slowly. "Don't tell me... you're pregnant too."

Another heavy silence settled between them. And then, suddenly, understanding dawned on her. Her demeanor shifted instantly. The joy drained from her face, replaced by burning anger and a sharp sting of betrayal. They had always called themselves confidants-best friends who shared everything. Yet Vanessa had hidden something this huge from her.

Disappointment weighed heavily on her chest. She had come all this way to share her joyful news, only to discover that her so-called best friend had been keeping her own secret all along.

"Oh, I see," Gloria said bitterly. "So that's how it is now. I thought we were best friends... that we could trust and rely on each other no matter what. But I guess I was wrong. That was my misconception."

Vanessa leaned closer, her eyes filled with apology. She gently took hold of Gloria's arms, her grip careful and pleading.

"Believe me, that's not true," Vanessa said softly. "I was planning to tell you. Yours just came first. You know you're my best friend, Gloria. I would never do anything to ruin our friendship."

Well, Gloria found it hard to stay angry for long. Keeping grudges was never her strength. It was one of the reasons their friendship had survived since childhood, weathering storms that would have broken others apart. As Vanessa's innocent hand rested gently on her skin, her anger slowly melted away, replaced by a familiar warmth.

"It's fine," Gloria said at last. "What matters is that we're both happy about the news. And I pray to the Almighty that the child you're carrying will come out safely and in good health."

She knew that prayer was not just a formality. It meant everything to Vanessa-especially now. This wasn't Vanessa's first pregnancy. It was, in fact, one of the most painful struggles she had faced in her marriage over the past few years. Twice before, she had conceived, carrying hope in her womb-only for it to end in tragedy. Both babies had been born without signs of life, leaving behind scars no one could see.

"Amen. Thank you, Gloria."

Vanessa pulled her into a long, comforting hug, holding on as though afraid the moment might slip away. But just as their embrace lingered, an elderly woman appeared before them, her presence abrupt and imposing. She stood with a look of disdain etched across her face, radiating authority. There was no doubt-she was the matriarch of the household. Everyone revered her. Everyone feared her.

Vanessa and Gloria noticed her at the same time, and their moment of happiness came to an abrupt end.

"Grandma," Vanessa called, unease flickering across her face.

"Good afternoon, Madam Anita," Gloria said quickly, bowing her head anxiously.

The instant she saw Vanessa's grandmother, Gloria knew trouble had arrived. The old woman had never liked her-not from the very beginning, not since the day she became friends with her granddaughter.

Twenty years ago, when Vanessa's parents had died in a brutal robbery attack, Vanessa had been left shattered and alone. At school, people distanced themselves from her, whispering about misfortune and bad luck clinging to her name. Everyone kept their distance.

Everyone-except Gloria.

She had seen Vanessa's pain differently. She had felt sympathy, understanding that Vanessa needed a friend more than anything else. So she stayed. Even when Madam Anita disapproved of their friendship because of their glaring social class difference, Gloria refused to leave Vanessa's side.

She remembered the day her own education came to a halt-when her parents could no longer afford her high school tuition. Even then, she would sneak into Vanessa's bedroom just to sit with her, to play, to listen, to console her whenever life felt too heavy. From that point on, they had acknowledged each other as best friends.

Whatever Vanessa had, she shared with Gloria. However, it wasn't out of pity. She only did those to show how grateful she really was. A silent thank-you for standing by her during her darkest days, even when their meetings had to remain secret. Now, as adults, they saw no reason to hide anymore. Gloria visited openly, sitting in the mansion for casual chats.

And whenever Madam Anita discovered her presence, she never missed the chance to insult or humiliate her.

There had been moments when Gloria almost gave up-times when the humiliation felt unbearable. But Vanessa would plead with her, asking for patience, promising that everything would be fine someday. Eventually, Madam Anita stopped openly commenting on their closeness.

Yet, Gloria knew the truth.

Deep down, the old woman still despised her.

Madam Anita rolled her eyes indifferently and walked out of the living room without saying a word.

"Please excuse me. I'll be right back," Vanessa said to Gloria.

.

.

.

Vanessa rose hurriedly and followed her grandmother into the front yard, where the old woman stood staring into empty space. Vanessa appeared behind her, already knowing how this conversation would go. It felt like a scene she had lived through countless times-a loop that never seemed to end.

She drew in a breath, straightened her shoulders, and spoke anyway. "Grandma."

Madam Anita turned at once. The sharpness in her eyes made Vanessa's chest tighten. It was the same cold and impatient look that always made her feel as though she had done something unforgivable, even when she hadn't.

Vanessa's fingers curled slowly at her sides. She took a step closer, careful with her tone. "But Grandma...What you're asking of me isn't easy."

Madam Anita's lips pressed into a thin line.

"I can't just sever my ties with Gloria like that. She's my friend... my best friend. She's the only one who stayed when I needed someone the most. I can't just throw her away like she means nothing."

"And so?" Madam Anita snapped. "So what if she stayed? Haven't you repaid her enough? You gave her more than she deserves. You're even now. You owe her nothing."

Vanessa shook her head slowly. "It doesn't work like that, Grandma." She stepped forward again, her voice growing a bit louder. "You can't measure kindness, especially not the kind that comes when you're broken and alone. What Gloria did for me-" Her voice faltered for a split second before she forced it steady. "It was exceptional."

Madam Anita scoffed. "I don't understand you anymore. You don't listen to me like you used to. You are even raising your voice at me now. Is that what you learned from that Gloria?"

Realizing her grandma was right, she immediately brought her gaze downward, softening her voice. "I'm sorry if I sounded rude. But Gloria isn't what you think. She's different." She lifted her head again. "She's the one who taught me most of the good things I know today."

Madam Anita's jaw tightened. "You're still defending her! What's wrong with you, Vanessa?" She took a step closer. "How do you expect to keep your pregnancy a secret when you insist on seeing her all the time?"

Vanessa didn't answer. She felt her throat tighten, her eyes dropping to the tiled floor beneath her feet.

Madam Anita's gaze followed the movement. "Don't tell me," she said slowly, "that she already knows."

Vanessa's shoulders sagged. "I'm sorry, Grandma."

She couldn't bring herself to look up.

A sharp gasp cut the air. Madam Anita lifted a hand and pressed it against her forehead. "Oh my goodness! What were you thinking? Why would you tell her?" Her hand dropped. "You've just ruined everything."

"I didn't have a choice," Vanessa said quietly. She clasped her hands together. "She would've found out sooner or later. And I don't see why I should hide it from her." Her voice hardened, just slightly. "She's not the reason my other pregnancies ended the way they did."

Madam Anita's eyes flashed. "You trust that woman far too much. All she brings is bad luck. Didn't it ever occur to you that she might be using black magic?" She leaned closer. "She crept her way into this family like a poisonous snake. Isn't that enough to arouse your doubt?"

Vanessa recoiled as if struck. But she straightened immediately. "That's not true. You're just overthinking this. I know Gloria. And I believe she would never hurt me."

She paused for two seconds before gathering her words together.

"Forgive me, Grandma," she said again, softer now. "But I can't do what you're asking of me. Staying away from her would be too difficult."

With that, she took a step back and walked out of her grandmother's sight.

As the evening wore on, the sky slowly darkened into something heavy and foreboding. And when the rain finally came, it did not arrive gently. It poured very hard and relentless-lashing violently against the windows like an angry visitor demanding entry. A sudden, deafening crack of thunder boomed outside, so close it felt as though it had exploded directly above the house, and Gloria startled despite herself.

For a brief second, the room was drenched in an eerie flash of lightning, the pale white light slicing through the darkness and exposing the shadows like a photographer's strobe. Her heart thudded wildly as she hurried toward the window, her bare feet barely grazing the floor.

She could feel the storm's raw energy pulsing through her veins, unsettling and strangely alive. As she stretched for the louvers, a fierce gust of wind forced its way inside, spraying cold rain across her face. The droplets stung like icy needles against her skin. She gasped, blinking rapidly, and quickly shut the louvers before yanking the curtains closed, sealing out the raging tempest along with her rising unease.

Only then did she turn back to her husband on the bed.

Gerald's calm presence grounded her, and she exhaled softly as her heartbeat began to slow.

"By the way," Gerald asked casually, breaking the silence, "how did your visit at Vanessa's go?"

"It went well," Gloria replied, forcing a steadiness into her voice. She walked back to the bed, slipped beneath the covers beside him, and instinctively nestled closer.

"It went well?" he repeated, a hint of skepticism in his tone. "You mean there was no argument between you and Madam Anita?"

Gloria's thoughts drifted before she could answer. Well, anyone who had spent even the shortest time around Madam Anita would have known better. The old woman's wealth seemed to have hardened her over the years, turning her distant, cold-someone who rarely spared compassion for those she considered beneath her.

"Thankfully, that didn't happen," she said finally. "But you know Madam Anita. Even though she didn't say anything, what she feels for me is still the same. I could tell just by the way she looked at me earlier."

Gerald sighed. "Just ignore her, okay? I know she'll come around soon enough. She'll eventually see that your friendship with her granddaughter is genuine."

'I hope so.'

The words echoed silently in her mind long before she spoke them aloud. Her eyes fluttered closed as a slow, heavy yawn escaped her lips, exhaustion finally catching up with her. When she responded, her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I hope so."

"I see you're feeling sleepy already," Gerald grinned. "It's fine-go ahead. We'll talk much better tomorrow."

"Thanks, honey," she murmured, comforted by his understanding.

Gerald shifted closer, lowering his head until his ear rested against her gently rounded belly. Gloria felt her heart swell at the tenderness of the gesture.

"Did you hear that?" he teased lightly. "The baby just said, 'Goodnight, Daddy.'"

She chuckled. "Hey, come on...We're just two weeks in, and you're already hearing the baby's voice?"

"Of course," he replied with quiet conviction. "That's the kind of bond we already share. I really can't wait to become a father, you know?"

Her chest tightened. "Same here. I would be the happiest woman on earth if I ever become a mother."

"Me too."

Her eyes sparkled faintly as she leaned in, resting her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Gerald wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, and as the storm raged on outside, Gloria allowed herself to relax fully in the warmth of his embrace.

*******

9 Months Later

Anita's slippers whispered against the polished floor as she moved slowly through the immaculately tidy living room. She was still in her pajamas. For the first time, the house was usually quiet. It was never like that-not on a weekend. At this hour, Vanessa should have been awake already.

Her eyes swept across the room. She had checked Vanessa's bedroom earlier, only to find it empty. Even the maid was nowhere to be found. And of course, Eduardo-Vanessa's husband, the last person she wanted to concern herself with-had called the previous night to inform them he wouldn't be coming home, buried in work at the office, as usual, so he was of no concern.

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she shuffled out of the living room and headed toward the garage. The moment she stepped in, she spotted Rico. The driver was already busy washing her car, moving with careful attention. As always, he knew better than to touch any other vehicle before hers.

Her patience thinned with every step she took toward him. Rico glanced up and immediately froze, the cloth in his hand pausing mid-motion. His shoulders tensed, and his grip tightened around the bucket.

It wasn't new to her, though. People always looked that way when they saw her approaching. She did not tolerate delays. Punctuality was law in her house, and excuses had never earned anyone mercy.

"Rico," she said sharply, "have you seen Vanessa anywhere today?"

"No, madam. I-I guess she should be inside."

Her jaw tightened. "Do you think I would be standing here asking you if she was inside?"

"I'm sorry, madam. I just felt that-"

"I wasn't asking for how you feel," Anita cut in coldly. "It's either yes or no. I asked for a straight answer."

Rico lowered his gaze at once. His shoulders curved inward, his voice dropping when he spoke again. "I'm sorry, madam...I haven't seen her today."

Anita's eyes narrowed. "And Beatrice? Have you seen her anywhere?"

Rico looked up briefly. "Yes, madam. I saw her leaving a while ago."

"Did she say where she was going?"

"No, madam. She just left. From the look of things, I think she went on an errand."

Without another word, Anita turned and walked back into the house.

Once she got back inside, her unease grew even more heavier. She returned to the living room and dialed Vanessa's number. The ringing sound echoed faintly from upstairs. She followed the sound back to Vanessa's bedroom and found the phone lying abandoned on the bed.

Her fingers tightened around it, before checking the bathroom next. Yet, it was empty. She hurried down the stairs, calling out Vanessa's name, her voice rising with every unanswered call. But still, there was no response. She would not have been this alarmed under normal circumstances. But Vanessa was heavily pregnant now-far too close to her delivery date-and the absence felt dangerous. What if something had happened? What if she needed help? Who would be there for her?

She stopped short as soon as she heard that strange noise coming from the kitchen. Vanessa had never been fond of kitchen chores. She would rather do anything else than stand over a sink washing dishes. And Beatrice, their housemaid, wasn't around either.

Her steps quickened as she made her way to the kitchen. There, standing by the sink was Vanessa. She was washing dishes, a headset resting comfortably over her ears, her head swaying gently to the rhythm of whatever music she was listening to.

A rush of conflicting emotions surged through Anita. Relief hit her first, knowing Vanessa was safe and unharmed after all. But it was quickly followed by irritation.

"So you were here all along."

The words fell uselessly into the air. Vanessa continued nodding to the music, unaware. Anita walked closer and leaned against the pantry, arms folding across her chest.

"Are you not seeing me," she said coolly, "or are you just pretending?"

The sound of her voice cut through the music. Vanessa turned in surprise, eyes widening as she noticed her grandmother. She quickly rinsed her soapy hands and removed the headset.

"Good morning, Grandma," Vanessa said with a cheerful smile. "I didn't notice you were awake already."

The smile did nothing to soften Anita's expression. Her face remained stern.

"Come on, Grandma," Vanessa added lightly. "Don't look at me like that. Did I do something wrong?"

"Yes!" Her voice rose before she could stop it. "Do you realize how worried you made me? You disappeared, and I couldn't find you anywhere. I thought something bad had happened to you."

"But I didn't go anywhere," Vanessa replied quickly. "I'm just in the kitchen."

"And how was I supposed to know that?" Anita shot back. "Since when do you do chores like this? I don't ever see you standing by the sink."

Vanessa's shoulders dipped slightly. Her earlier brightness faded, replaced by a subdued expression Anita recognized all too well. Guilt, perhaps. Or awareness. The girl spoke again, slower this time.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," she said. "I only wanted to help Beatrice for a while. I sent her to the next street to get me a few things. Besides..." She gestured vaguely to her belly. "I need to move around. A little exercise will make the delivery easier, you know?"

Anita watched her closely. Vanessa's tone might sound reasonable, and maybe almost convincing, but that didn't erase the tight knot that had formed in her chest earlier.

"Even so," she said firmly, "you should have informed me. At least then, I would have been at peace."

"I'm sorry," Vanessa said again, flashing a soft, disarming smile. "I'll do that next time, alright?"

Anita exhaled. The tension eased, if only slightly. "It's fine." Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "By the way, have you thought about the name to give the baby when he's born?"

"Yes," Vanessa replied. "Eduardo and I have decided already. If it's a boy, we'll name him Michael. And if it's a girl, Hannah."

Anita's face hardened immediately. "Michael?...Hannah?" Her lips curled in clear disapproval. "Why those names? They sound so... ordinary. So low-class. Why not Sebastian? Or Tristan, if it turns out to be a boy. And if it's a girl, Alexandra would be far more suitable. Or Charlotte. There are plenty of beautiful, refined names to choose from-not the ones you just mentioned."

Vanessa chuckled lightly. "We see them differently, grandma. Their biblical nature means a lot to us. Even their simplicity made us love them that way."

Anita scoffed. "I already know you have poor taste when it comes to names. So it's fine. Do whatever you want. It's your child, after all."

Vanessa smiled at the remark, as though used to it. She turned back to the sink and reached for the plates again, rinsing them carefully under the running water. Then it happened.

Vanessa stiffened.

A sharp sound followed as the plates slipped from her hands and crashed onto the floor, shattering loudly. Vanessa groaned and clutched her belly, bending forward.

Anita reacted instantly. She rushed forward and wrapped a firm arm around Vanessa, steadying her before she could lose her balance. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice tight with urgency.

Vanessa froze mid-bend. Then she straightened slightly, her face pale. She lifted the hem of her gown slowly-and Anita saw it.

Water.

Her breath caught. "It's time?"

"I think it is, Grandma," Vanessa replied with a strained voice.

Anita didn't waste another second. "Just hang on." She guided Vanessa toward the pantry so she could lean properly. "I'll get the car ready right now."

Vanessa nodded quickly, lips pressed together. Anita turned and hurried out of the kitchen, her steps faster than she thought possible. She was startled by her own energy. She couldn't remember the last time she had moved this quickly-not since Vanessa's previous pregnancies.

Those memories surfaced uninvited.

Each time, she had prayed. Each time, she had hoped. Each time, the outcome had broken her in ways she never spoke of.

But this time...She clenched her jaw.

'Let this time be different.'

"Rico!" She snapped her fingers to get his attention. "Get the car ready. We're going to the hospital. Now."

Rico didn't hesitate. He moved at once, urgency written all over his face. By the time Anita returned with Vanessa, the car was already prepared.

"I'll take it from here, madam," Rico said, stepping forward.

He supported Vanessa carefully, draping her arm over his shoulder. Anita led the way, opening the door wide and making sure Vanessa was seated properly. Rico rushed ahead to open the gate, then returned to the driver's seat.

The engine roared to life.

And just like that, they were on their way.

Gloria stopped short when she saw the new price tag on the same dress she had admired the previous week, meant to be affordable, had suddenly gone up now. Her face twisted in regret, wishing she had bought it when she had the chance. She glanced at the rack again, as though the dress might magically change its cost if she stared long enough.

Despite not knowing the baby's gender yet, she had insisted on Gerald coming along with her to the local store, even though it was several steps away from their house. She had been too excited to wait. Their child deserved something special, even if it was small.

In the end, she settled for a unisex dress, similar in style to the one she originally wanted. When she showed it to the woman in charge and asked for the price, the response made her retreat almost instantly.

It was far beyond what they could afford.

Her fingers tightened around the fabric before she slowly let it go. If local vendors were already pricing items this high, she couldn't help but wonder what shopping in a mall would be like. The thought alone made her chest feel heavy.

Vanessa's face drifted into her mind. Her best friend wouldn't have to think twice about prices like these. Vanessa could walk into any store and walk out with bags full of baby clothes without worrying about cost. If Gloria were half as wealthy, she wouldn't be standing here calculating expenses in her head or searching desperately for cheaper options.

Momentarily, she shot Gerald a frustrated glance. They had only been there for a few minutes, yet she already felt drained-tired of the market, tired of the prices, tired of being reminded of what she couldn't give her child. Gerald merely shrugged in response, and that small gesture made her heart sink further. She had been the one who insisted on coming, after all. She couldn't blame him for that.

"Are you still getting this, ma'am?" the vendor's voice cut through her thoughts.

Gloria shook her head slowly, heat creeping up her neck. "No need. We're leaving already."

She turned away with Gerald, the silence between them growing heavier with every step they took past the stall. She kept her eyes on the ground, afraid that if she looked back, she might regret walking away.

After a while, Gerald glanced at her. She felt it without looking. "You love those dresses, right?"

"It's fine," she replied, forcing herself to sound composed. "I understand. We're probably not meant to get them."

The words tasted bitter in her mouth.

"Don't worry," Gerald said after a brief pause. "I'll get them for you. It's for the baby anyway. And he's our first child-we should do everything we can to give him what he deserves."

Her steps slowed.

She turned to him, surprise lighting up her face. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," he nodded, smiling. "Anything for you and the baby."

A smile bloomed across her face. "Thank you so much, honey."

"Don't mention it," he replied. "When I get back from work tomorrow, I'll come here and buy them."

Gloria stared at him for a moment, gratitude swelling in her chest. Even when they didn't have much, he always found a way to make her feel cherished. Always made her feel like she wasn't alone in this.

"I don't know what I'd do without you," she said quietly. "I'm really lucky to have you in my life."

"And so am I."

The moment shattered without warning. A sudden contraction gripped her belly, sharp and unforgiving. Gloria gasped, clutching her stomach as pain surged through her. Her legs froze, refusing to move, and she instinctively grabbed onto Gerald for support.

"What is it?" he asked quickly. "Are you alright?"

Her breath came out uneven. "I think... I think the baby is coming."

The words felt unreal as they left her mouth.

Gerald stared at her, clearly startled. "What? Now? What are we going to do?"

The question struck her harder than the pain of the contraction itself.

"Are you asking me that?" she snapped, the pain and fear spilling over before she could stop herself.

She saw the look on his face immediately and regretted it, but another contraction seized her, stealing the chance to apologize. She had never spoken to him that way before-not once in all their years together. If she weren't in so much pain, she knew she wouldn't have.

"I'm sorry," Gerald said quickly. "Hold on. I'll get a cab."

He pulled away and ran down the street, leaving her standing there, breathing through the pain. It felt like only seconds before a white taxi pulled up. Gerald jumped out and rushed to her side, carefully helping her into the back seat before sitting beside her, holding her hand tightly.

The cab drove on, and soon it came to a stop in front of a large medical center. Gloria barely registered the building until her eyes caught the inscription above the entrance.

Santos Medical Center.

She had heard of it before. It was one of the largest hospitals in Bristol. And the closest to the market. Everyone knew places like this didn't come cheap. And she had hoped they wouldn't come here. It was nothing like the small clinics she was used to.

She clutched Gerald's hand a little tighter, fear creeping in alongside the pain. They didn't have much. She knew that. Whatever he had on him now was barely enough for transport, let alone hospital bills.

But what choice did they have? She couldn't risk her baby.

The driver got out and opened the door, assisting Gerald as he helped her down. Every step felt heavier than the last as they made their way inside. Gloria clinged to Gerald's arm, praying silently that they would both make it through what was about to come.

*******

An hour later, shortly after Vanessa had delivered a baby girl, Anita decided to check on the child. She slipped quietly into the ward, and went straight to the bed. Vanessa lay unconscious, her face pale against the white sheets. Anita gently took her granddaughter's wrist, her gaze lingering on the needle taped carefully into her skin. Then her eyes drifted to the pint of blood hanging from the IV pole beside the bed, its dark red contents glowing faintly under the dim hospital light.

Vanessa had lost a great deal of blood-far too much for Anita's liking. But it was not entirely unexpected. It had always been this way whenever Vanessa gave birth. Still, she had survived it before, and she would recover again, even if it left her thinner and weaker for a while, just as it always did.

Anita released her wrist and took a few measured steps toward the bassinet. The baby lay there, wrapped neatly, her tiny chest rising ever so slightly. Anita studied her for a moment, then allowed herself a small, restrained smile.

'Finally,' she thought. 'This one survived.'

She had prayed for this outcome every single day-pleaded with heaven not to repeat the past. And now, at last, her prayers seemed to have been answered. She imagined what it would feel like to carry her great-grandchild once Vanessa woke up, to hold her properly and feel the warmth of living flesh beneath her arms.

And then, almost immediately, something unsettled her. The baby's complexion looked unusually pale. Her smile faded at once. A chill crept down her spine as she leaned closer. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached into the bassinet and brushed her fingers gently against the baby's cheek. She waited-listening, watching, hoping to feel a breath, a stir, or any sign of movement.

There was nothing.

Her breath caught painfully in her throat.

No... not again.

Panic surged through her as the realization struck her like a blow. "This one too is gone?"

She rushed out of the ward without a second thought, her heart pounding as she scanned the corridor for a doctor. At first, she tried to convince herself the baby had only been sleeping, but the stillness had felt terribly wrong.

She spotted a doctor a short distance away and frantically called out to him. Within moments, she was already turning back, leading him briskly down the corridor toward the ward. The doctor matched her pace, his white coat swaying with each hurried step.

Eduardo joined them along the way, falling into step beside the doctor, his face tense as well. But Anita barely registered him as her own thoughts were fixed solely on getting the doctor to the baby.

The doctor entered the ward at once, with Eduardo close behind. Contrarily, Anita slowed near the doorway-and then stopped. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a young nurse rushing down the corridor, something bundled tightly in her arms. The way the nurse moved- almost frantic-made Anita's gaze follow her instinctively. Before she could think further, the nurse disappeared around the corner and out of sight.

But of course, she couldn't dwell too much on the strange unease that settled in her chest that moment. She dismissed it almost immediately. This was no time for suspicion. Her mind was already burdened enough, and she refused to indulge thoughts born of fear and exhaustion. After all, hospitals were full of hurried nurses. There was nothing unusual about that.

When she finally entered the ward, the doctor was already examining the baby. She closed the door behind her and moved to stand beside him, her eyes fixed on the bassinet. At first glance, the baby appeared healthier than before. The color was there now. Her tiny features were more defined than what Anita remembered seeing moments earlier.

But that wasn't what unsettled her most.

The baby looked... different.

'How is this possible?' she thought. 'Am I imagining things? Or has fear finally begun to play tricks on me?'

She was still grappling with the thought when the doctor straightened. "Everything is fine, madam...There's nothing wrong with the baby. She's just sleeping. You don't need to worry."

Anita studied the child again, her doubts refusing to dissolve so easily.

"But..." she murmured, barely aware she had spoken.

The doctor turned to her. "Did you say something?"

She hesitated, then voiced it aloud. "I don't know. I just feel something is odd about the child. She looks... different."

The doctor chuckled softly, clearly amused. "You're so funny, madam. That's impossible. We all know newborns often look alike, except for differences in complexion. Besides, you've only seen her for a very short time. I assure you-nothing has gone wrong."

Before she could say anything else, a weak movement caught her attention.

Vanessa stirred.

Her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze unfocused as she stared at the white ceiling. She seemed confused at first, as though unsure whether she was awake or still dreaming. Then her eyes shifted toward the bassinet-and toward the unfamiliar figures around it.

Alarm spread across her face. She tried to rise, panic overtaking her fragile state as tears welled instantly in her eyes. "What happened to my baby?"

Anita stiffened. The fear on Vanessa's face was unmistakably dangerous. She knew that look all too well. It was the look of a woman who could shatter completely if the past repeated itself.

Eduardo moved quickly to the bedside, wrapping an arm around Vanessa's shoulders. "Relax," he said softly. "The baby is fine. She's okay."

"I want to see her," Vanessa insisted weakly. "Please... let me see my baby."

Anita exchanged a glance with the doctor. He gave a small nod toward the bassinet.

Carefully, she lifted the baby into her arms. As she did, doubt flickered through her mind again-but she forced it down. Perhaps she had been mistaken earlier. Perhaps fear had distorted her senses. This was new territory for her, after all-being a great-grandmother.

'It's best to set aside these suspicions,' she told herself. 'For Vanessa's sake.'

She carried the baby over and placed her gently into Vanessa's arms.

"Eduardo is right," Anita said evenly. "Your baby is doing fine."

Relief flooded Vanessa's face as fresh tears slipped down her cheeks-this time from joy. She kissed the baby's forehead tenderly. "I'm happy you survived, baby. I love you so much," she whispered. "Your daddy and I are here now... I promise we'll never abandon you."

She looked up, smiling weakly. "Look, Grandma. Your great-grandchild is here now. Our family is finally complete."

Anita watched her, the joy on Vanessa's face settling something inside her.

Perhaps she had done the right thing. There was no proof anyway. It was only just a hunch. And hunch were dangerous things to act on.

"Yes," Anita agreed calmly. "She's a beautiful child. I'm happy for this new addition to our family. Together, we'll raise baby Hannah with love and care."

At the sound of the name, Eduardo glanced at her briefly, surprise flickering across his face. "You already know?"

Vanessa smiled faintly. "I told her."

Anita returned the composed smile. For now, peace was more important than doubt. And if she was wrong...then nothing had been lost.