"When I received the call ," Dr jake continued, opening his medical kit, "I brought medication suitable for pregnant women."

"Thank you, Doctor," I said softly.

He helped me sit up slightly and guided me as I took the medication. Afterward, he packed his things and looked at me seriously.

"Your pregnancy is still in its early stages. You must avoid stress and danger like this. For your safety—and the baby’s—you need to inform your family soon."

I forced a small, tired smile. "I will... thank you."

"Get some rest," he said gently.

I lay back down, exhaustion taking over again. That was when I noticed I was no longer wearing my soaked dress.

Aunty Rose must have helped me change.

My thoughts drifted to Alexander... but he wasn’t here.

Nana hadn’t mentioned him either. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He probably wasn’t back yet... and perhaps she didn’t want to worry me.

With that thought, my eyes slowly closed, and I drifted back into sleep.

I was woken again by the soft sound of the door opening.

Groggily, I opened my eyes and saw Nadia walking toward me with a tray of food. She placed it on the table beside the bed before gently helping me sit up. Then she handed me the bowl.

"I thought the soup would help with the cold, so I made you some," she said softly.

I looked up at her. "Nadia, you shouldn’t have bothered yourself. The staff could have handled it."

"It’s alright, Alicia. It’s no trouble."

I gave her a small, grateful smile and began eating. I had no appetite, but I forced myself to take a few spoonfuls—for my baby’s sake.

Nadia sat quietly at the edge of the bed, watching me.

I lifted another spoon to my mouth, but the moment I swallowed, a wave of nausea hit me.

I quickly set the bowl aside and bent over the side of the bed.

Nadia immediately stood up and rushed to grab a trash can. "Alicia, are you okay? Should we go to the hospital?"

I kept gagging, but nothing came out. After a moment, I slowly sat back up, breathing unevenly.

Nadia was already reaching for her phone when I stopped her.

"It’s nothing," I said weakly. "I’ve just been having some stomach issues lately. I already met the doctor."

"Are you sure?" she asked, clearly worried.

I nodded.

"If you don’t like the soup, I can make something else."

I shook my head immediately. She had already done too much. I knew how busy she had been with the party—I didn’t want to burden her further.

"I don’t think I can eat anymore... I’m sorry."

"It’s alright," she said gently. "Just get some rest. I’ll come check on you later."

"There’s no need—"

"I can’t just leave you alone like this," she interrupted softly. "Besides, Nana asked me to take care of you."

At the mention of Nana, my thoughts drifted... to Alexander.

This time, I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

"Is Alexander still not back?"

The moment the words left my lips, I noticed Nadia’s expression falter. She shook her head silently.

I forced a small smile. "It’s fine... don’t worry about me. You should get some rest too."

After helping me lie back down, she quietly left the room.

Silence filled the space almost immediately.

It felt... suffocating.

I don’t know what came over me, but I suddenly sat up and reached for my phone on the bedside table. My fingers trembled slightly as I unlocked it.

No calls.

No messages.

Nothing from Alexander.

A surge of frustration rose within me. I quickly dialed his number.

It didn’t go through.

I tried again.

And again.

Still nothing.

After several failed attempts, I slowly lowered the phone and lay back down, staring blankly at the ceiling.