Chapter 15

Delia walked down the dimly lit hallway of her apartment, the suitcase rolling smoothly behind her, but her mind was racing. Doubts flickered through her thoughts like shadows, but she pushed them aside. She focused on the plan forming in her mind: a temporary retreat, a space where she could gather herself and think about the future without Thomas's influence.

Reaching the front door, she paused for a moment, hand resting on the cold doorknob. Memories flooded her mind: the laughter shared over late-night snacks, the soft kisses goodnight. But they were punctuated by the harsh reality of betrayal, like jagged glass cutting through the sweetness. “Not now,” she whispered to herself, shaking her head as if to dispel the visions.

Taking a deep breath, Delia swung the door open and stepped into the crisp air. The late afternoon sun bathed her in gold, momentarily casting away the shadows of doubt. Each step down the stairs felt like a liberating act; she was leaving behind not just her apartment but a relationship that had become toxic.

Outside, the city noise wrapped around her—cars honking, distant chatter, the sharp whiff of street food. It felt alive and electric, a contrast to the silence that had filled her home. She pulled out her phone to find a nearby hotel; a quiet place away from everything and everyone that would allow her to breathe and reflect on her next steps.

As she walked, her phone buzzed again. It was a call, his name flashing on the screen. Seeing it felt surreal, like staring at a ghost. She hesitated, fingers hovering over the “decline” button before finally pressing it firmly. His chances were over.

Delia continued down the street, making her way to a small, boutique hotel a few blocks away. It wasn’t the most luxurious, but it felt intimate and personal—a soft refuge from her reality. Upon entering the hotel, she was greeted by a warm smile from the front desk attendant, who quickly checked her in and handed over the key to a quaint room embellished with soft floral patterns and a view of the bustling street below.

As she stepped into the room, it felt like a small sanctuary. She dropped her suitcase on the floor and moved to the window, taking in the view. The chaos of the city below contrasted sharply with the tumult swirling within her. Here, she was free, untethered by the past or the mistakes of someone else's decisions.

Delia took a moment to gather her thoughts, her heart racing with a mix of uncertainty and excitement. She placed her hand on her stomach, feeling the faint flutter of life inside her—a reminder of the future she would build, one that held promise. It wasn’t just about her anymore; it was about nurturing this new life, protecting it from the pain she had endured.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pulled out her phone again, letting out a steadying breath. She needed to do something productive, something that made her feel empowered. With resolution, she began to research maternal health and parenting, wanting to soak in any information that would help her be the best mother she could be. Each article filled her with hope, feeding her determination.

As the sun began to set, turning the sky into a canvas of oranges and pinks, Delia reflected on her choices. It felt liberating to be out of her old life, but the reality of single parenthood still loomed ahead. She needed to plan, to think about everything—work, finances, support systems. The thought made her pulse quicken, but she wouldn't let fear dictate her.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed again, this time with a text from her best friend, Mia.  “Hey! Just checking in. How are you holding up?”

A smile tugged at Delia’s lips; she had forgotten how much she needed her friends during tough times. She quickly typed back, “I’m okay. Just got a hotel for a few days to clear my head. It’s... nice here.”

Mia's reply was almost immediate. “Good! Proud of you. Do you want company? I can come down?”

Delia hesitated but then felt a wave of gratitude. “Sure. I could use a friend.”

Moments later, she let out a sigh of relief; she was taking steps toward healing. The warmth of friendship, laughter, and shared stories could lighten the load she was carrying.

As she prepared the room for Mia, Delia began to think about her future. Perhaps it wouldn’t be easy, but it would be hers—full of possibilities. What she did know was that she was ready to fight for herself and her child, whatever it took.

With the sun setting behind her, casting a warm glow across everything it touched, Delia felt a flicker of hope igniting. She had found her strength and was ready to face whatever lay ahead, one decision at a time. In the life she was forging, she would no longer let another’s actions dictate her worth.

Mia arrived shortly after, bringing with her a comforting presence and a box of takeout. They settled in with the city’s nightlife buzzing beyond the windows, and for the first time in days, Delia felt like she could breathe. Laughter filled the space as they shared stories, unveiled plans, and reconnected.

“What's the plan then, Delia? Are you going to stay here feeling sorry for yourself, or are you going to go back to your parents? You know they miss you. Thomas was never good enough for you, and your parents can help you,” Mia pressed gently, her eyes searching Delia’s face.

Delia frowned, knowing Mia was right. It was hard to hear, but the truth often cut deepest. She had given up her entire life for Thomas, convinced that love was enough to bridge the gap between their worlds—even when her family had disapproved of their relationship from the start. Now, sitting in this hotel room with her best friend, she couldn’t shake the feeling of regret that coiled tightly in her stomach.

The memories flooded back, vivid and bittersweet. She remembered the early days with Thomas, how he had charmed her with his ambition and determination. She felt as if she were a crucial part of his journey, helping him build his business from the ground up while isolating herself from family and friends. The late nights they'd spent working, brainstorming ideas, dreaming about their future—it all felt like a distant memory now, tainted by betrayal.

“I just don’t want to leech off my parents and their success,” Delia replied, her voice wavering as she glanced at the floor. “It feels wrong, especially after everything….”

“Delia, it’s not leeching if you need the help. You’re bringing a life into this world. You don’t have to do this alone, especially when you have a loving family who wants to support you,” Mia countered, her tone firm but compassionate. “You’ve worked so hard to build a life with Thomas, but you deserve to be supported now. You’re not asking for a handout; you’re asking for love and security for you and your baby.”

Delia rubbed the back of her neck thoughtfully. Mia was hitting home harder than she anticipated. Her parents had always been there for her, and yes, they had never approved of Thomas, but she had kept them at arm's length and refused to let them see how much she had invested in what she thought was a solid future. Part of her feared going back to them would feel like admitting defeat—and in the process, losing everything she had believed in.

“Don’t forget the history here,” Delia said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thomas has no idea about my past, and if I went back… What would he think? I sacrificed my connections for him. I wanted to prove I could make it on my own.”

“Let me remind you of something,” Mia said, leaning in closer, her expression serious. “You were never meant to give up who you are for anyone. You’ve accomplished so much. But you’re at a crossroads right now, and it’s okay to lean on your family, especially if it means building a stable life for your baby. Besides, at this point, Thomas has shown you his true colors. Don’t let your pride keep you tied to a life that's become toxic.”

Delia sat back, the weight of her friend’s words settling in her heart. Her instinct was to resist, to fight against the idea of returning to her parents like it would be admitting that she’d been wrong all along. But as she thought about the life growing inside her, the craving for stability and support began to overshadow her pride.

“What if they don't understand?” Delia murmured, her voice laced with uncertainty. “What if they judge me for the choices I’ve made?”

Mia shook her head. “You’re their daughter, Delia. They love you. Yes, they may have reservations about your past choices, but when they hear about what’s happening with Thomas, they’ll be more concerned for your well-being. You don’t need to carry this burden on your own. You deserve to be happy, to feel safe. Besides, they’ll be thrilled about their future grandchild.”

Delia nodded, though her heart pounded heavily against her ribcage. The idea of reconnecting with her parents, a source of both comfort and apprehension, sent her emotions into a whirlwind.

“What if they judge me for abandoning my relationship?” she asked, anxiety creeping into her voice.

“Then that’s on them,” Mia replied firmly but gently. “You’ve done everything you could, and Thomas has betrayed you. It’s time to prioritize you and your child. Change is scary, but staying stuck is worse. You’re stronger than you realize, and you’ve built a support system worth relying on.”

The words wrapped around Delia like a soft blanket, calming her racing thoughts. She closed her eyes, imagining the warmth of her parents’ home and the comfort of their embrace. They had always been her safe harbor, a place where she could be herself without judgment.

“Okay,” Delia finally said, opening her eyes to meet Mia’s encouraging gaze. “I think I need to do it. I need to go back.”

A spark of relief lit up Mia’s face as she punched her fist into the air. “Yes! That’s what I’m talking about! We can start making arrangements right now.”

Delia laughed lightly, fueled by Mia’s enthusiasm. For the first time in days, she felt a flicker of hope ignite within her—a sense of readiness to face her past and all its complications, armed with the truth she had buried for too long.

Sitting together in the comfort of that hotel room, Delia realized that while the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, it was a necessary path to reclaim her life. For herself, and most importantly, for her child.