🌹ᴰᴱˢᴵᴿᴱ ᴬᴺᴰ ᴸᵁˢᵀ 🌹
{°°ᶠᵒʳᵇⁱᵈᵈᵉⁿ ᵈᵉˢⁱʳᵉ°°}
🥀 ᴸᵃⁿᵃ'ˢ ᴸⁱᵇʳᵃʳʸ 🥀
🌺 ᴮᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ˢᵒⁿᵍ'ᵁⁿᵘˢᵘᵃˡ'ᴮʸ ᶜʰʳⁱˢ ᴳʳᵉʸ 🌺
🔞ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ⁹¹&⁹²🔞
Joyce and Anna looked at the ring in silence.
Joyce leaned in closer, then read aloud the small engraving on it.
“It say, MRS A.KINGS” she whispered.
Ana’s eyes widened.
She stared at the ring, clearly shaken, and instinctively began trying to pull it off her finger roughly
“Ana, you're going to hurt yourself,” Joyce said gently, grabbing her hand.
“It looks like it’s glued on or something. You can’t just yank it off like that.”
“No ...I have to take it off,” Ana snapped, her voice rising.
“Why would he do this? What is he trying to do? What’s he trying to prove, putting a fucking ring on my finger without even asking me?”
“Look, Ana,”Joyce said calmly, trying to soothe her,
“I know this is confusing. Maybe it means he wants to marry you....”
“I don’t need this,”Ana cut her off, shaking her head.
“He’s getting married today, remember? what the hell does this mean? This ring, it was supposed to be for her, not me.”
She stood up, pacing in the room, frustration boiling inside her.
She ran her hands through her hair, breathing heavily.
“Why would he do this?” she muttered.
“Why would he give me this ring if he’s marrying someone else in a few hours?”
Joyce stayed quiet, watching her friend unravel.
“What is wrong with Charlie?”Ana continued, her voice cracking.
“Why does he keep doing this to me? Why does he keep messing with my head, doing what he thinks is right for himself and dragging me through it all? I can’t do this anymore.”
She stared at the ring again, tears threatening to fall.
Anna sank down slowly onto the couch,.
The weight of the ring suddenly unbearable.
Her fingers curled slightly, staring at the silver band like it was a wound she couldn’t cover.
Joyce sat beside her, silent, letting her breathe through the storm.
“I don’t get it,” Anna whispered, her voice hoarse.
“Is this guilt? Is this love? Or is it just… manipulation?”
Joyce reached over and took her hand. “Maybe it’s none of that… or maybe it’s all of it,” she said softly.
“But I do know one thing..he’s still holding onto you. Even if he doesn’t know how to say it. And this ring? This was never for Fatima.”
Ana looked at her sharply.
“He’s still marrying her.”
“But he put this on you,” Joyce said.
“Without cameras, without family watching, without pressure. Just you. What does that tell you?”
Anna blinked fast, biting her bottom lip as emotions surged.
“It tells me I’m the secret, Joyce. The one he hides in shadows while he parades her in front of the world.”
Joyce looked down, then back at her.
“Or maybe you’re the one he truly loves. The one he’s too much of a coward to fight for.”
Ana wiped her cheek, her tears finally slipping.
“Love shouldn’t feel like this. It shouldn't be this confusing. Or painful.”
“I know,” Joyce said.
“But maybe, just maybe… that ring is him trying to say something he’s too scared to admit out loud.”
Ana stood slowly.
Her eyes fell back to the ring, still shining defiantly on her finger.
She didn’t try to take it off again. Not yet.
“I need to go to church,” she said quietly.
Joyce stood shocked.
“Are you sure?”
Ana nodded.
"It's been long since you went to church. Why do you even want to go today?" Joyce asked.
"To, I ask God, why is this happening in my life? It's heavy..." Ana sighed.
"You know what, I'm so hungry. I'm going to take a shower and come eat. And I’ll try to pull off this ring."
Joyce stared at her for a moment and nodded.
She could see so much was running through Ana’s mind.
**
After Ana finished bathing, she walked into the kitchen.
She looked around, noticing that Alison wasn’t there.
“Where’s Alison?” she asked.
“Oh, he went with Charlie.”
“Where?” Anna asked again.
“Auntie’s awake , Mrs. King,” Joyce replied.
Anna's eyes widened.
“Was she in a coma or something? I thought she was awake long ago.”
“She wasn’t. She was really in a coma. Charlie didn’t tell you?” Joyce asked.
Anna shook her head and looked down.
“No. He never told me anything. In fact, that day he went to see his mother was the same day he decided to marry Fatima. He didn’t say anything about his mom being in a coma.”
“Ana, she was seriously injured. I heard she had a panic attack, fell down the stairs, and hit her head. She fell into a coma. You know she’s old,her body couldn’t handle it well.”
Ana nodded slowly, her heart swelling painfully.
Maybe she was never really part of Charlie’s life after all.
Why would he not tell her something so serious? But again… why would he? They weren’t together anymore.
Her eyes drifted down to the ring on her finger.
Her hand was already turning pink and swollen from trying to pull it off. She sighed deeply.
Joyce placed a plate of food in front of her.
“I don’t think I have an appetite anymore,” Ana murmured.
“You have to eat,” Joyce said firmly.
“If you don’t, I’ll push this food down your throat myself. Eat for the baby. Understand?”
Ana nodded with a soft smile.
******
Ana looked down at the ring on her finger.
Her chest tightened, and without warning, tears slipped down her cheeks.
She quickly wiped them, frustrated.
Lately, her emotions had been all over the place maybe it was the pregnancy… or maybe it was just everything.
She sat quietly on the wooden church bench, letting her eyes close.
It had been so long since she’d stepped into a church, but today something pulled her here.
Maybe it was guilt.
Maybe it was pain. Or maybe, deep down, she hoped God would understand what no one else could.
She took a shaky breath, whispered softly:
“Dear God… I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m confused. I’m angry. I didn’t know love could hurt like this. Is it wrong that I still love him? Even after everything he’s done? Am I wrong for still holding on?”
Her voice cracked.
“Maybe You understand. Maybe You know why this is all happening. Because I don’t. And honestly… I hate it. I hate this pain. I wish he would just talk to me. I wish I could see what’s going on inside his head… Maybe then I could understand.”
She paused, breathing through the tightness in her chest.
“I don’t want to keep breaking, God. Not over and over again. I just want courage. Courage to tell him the truth. Courage to let go..if that’s what I have to do. Please… just help me find my way.”
A gentle hand landed on her shoulder.
“Hey, you okay?” Joyce’s soft voice pulled her back.
Ana opened her eyes slowly and offered a tired but real smile.
“Yeah. I think I am. I feel… better.”
“You sure?” Joyce looked at her, eyes full of concern.
Ana nodded. “I think I know what to do now.”
“What?” Joyce raised an eyebrow, cautious.
“I’m going to hand you my résumé later,” Ana said quietly, calmly.
“You’ll give it to Mr. King.”
Joyce blinked. “Ana… no. Don’t tell me you’re planning to do what I think you’re about to do.”
“Yes,” Ana replied, her voice steady, but there was sadness behind her eyes.
“I’m doing exactly that. I’ll give you the résumé. You’ll give it to him. And I’m leaving New York. I’m going back to Paris… or maybe somewhere even further. Somewhere he won’t find me. And you’re not going to tell him. Do you hear me?”
“No, Ana. You can’t.” Joyce’s voice trembled.
“You can’t just leave because of this. Your life is here. Your mom’s here. Alvin’s school… me. Who are you leaving me with?”
Ana smiled sadly.
She placed her hand softly on Joyce’s cheek.
“I know, Joy. I understand that you’re concerned. But I’ll visit you, okay? Maybe in three years… or sometime. I just need to go. I promise. I just want space. I want peace.”
“And what about Charlie?” Joyce whispered.
“What if he comes to you? What if he..”
“He’s getting married, Joy,” Ana cut her off gently.
“Today is his wedding day, okay? I’m not going to wait for Charlie or whatever plan B he thinks I am. I’m not going to be his second best. Or his secret.”
Ana’s voice cracked but her eyes stayed strong.
“Ana, please. You can’t do this. I’m begging you,” Joyce pleaded.
“We won't tell him that you are pregnant"
" But he’ll see it eventually, even if we say nothing,” Anna said softly.
“I want to go, Joy. Please… let me.”
Joyce exhaled hard, slamming back against the chair.
Tears filled her eyes as she looked away for a second.
Then she turned back to Anna, her voice quiet but sharp.
“Okay. Fine. Do whatever you feel is right… for yourself.”
“Come on, Joy, don’t be angry, okay?” Anna said softly, her voice strained with emotion.
Joyce still held her hand tightly. “I’m not angry, Anna,” she replied quietly.
“I just feel like… you’re giving up so easily. That’s how I feel.”
“I’m not giving up, Joy. Okay?” Anna said, gently.
“I’m choosing myself. I’m choosing to stop getting hurt. I’m choosing to stop being caught between him and his mess. I’m doing this for me,and for this baby.”
“No, you’re not doing this for the baby, Ana,” Joyce said, her voice firm.
“You’re taking this baby away from their father. You’re robbing them of the chance to know him. Do you think that’s right? You think that’s protecting them? You think that’s choosing the right thing? That’s not it, Ana.”
Anna stared at her, overwhelmed.
“Then what should I do?”
“You should face your problems,” Joyce said calmly.
“Not run away from them. You need to go and talk to him. Beg him if you have to. Maybe this ring has a reason. Maybe he’s trying to say something.”
“I can’t do that, Joy,” Ana snapped, cutting her off.
“I can’t always be the one begging. He’s supposed to fight for me. Not the other way around. I can’t keep breaking myself for someone who keeps choosing everyone but me. I’m leaving. That’s it.”
Ana stood up, holding her stomach gently.
Joyce looked at her for a long moment, then sighed.
“Okay. Fine. Do whatever you think is right,” she said quietly. “I’ll support you.”
****
At Ana's House ✨✨✨✨
"You what?"
"I'm going to stay in China" Anna repeated.
Her mother looked at her, then slowly sat down, clearly shocked.
"What did you say, Ana?"
"I said I'm going to stay in China"
Her mother stared at her for a moment.
"Why? Why do you want to stay in China? When did you decide that? You've been planning to move out. You know your work and Alvin’s school aren’t there. And I don't even live there full-time."
"I'll find someone to take care of Alvin,"Ana replied calmly.
"But I'm going to stay there now Mom."
"When did you make this decision?"
"I just made it now."
"Anna, are you serious right now? Moving there? A place that’s far away from all of us? What are you trying to do?"
"Mom, please understand. I've already booked my flight. I’ll be leaving tomorrow."
"And what about your job?" her mother asked.
"I’ve resigned."
Her mother looked at her in disbelief.
"You resigned?" she repeated, her voice almost a whisper.
"Yes, Mom. I did."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Her mother sat there, trying to process everything.
"You had a stable job. A future. And you gave all that up, for what?"
Ana looked down at her hands, rubbing the ring that still clung tightly to her finger.
"For peace,"
she said softly.
"For space. To breathe."
"And Your boss?" her mother asked.
"Does he know about any of this?"
"No," Anna replied, shaking her head.
"And I don’t plan on telling him."
Her mother paused, eyes narrowing.
Then she asked gently,
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Ana slowly lifted her eyes to meet hers.
She didn’t say anything. But she didn’t have to.
Her mother swallowed hard, stood up, and walked to the window in silence.
“And you’re going to raise this baby alone?”
“I’ll be fine,” Anna said, her voice steady.
“I’m not doing this to punish anyone. I just need to start over.”
There was another long pause.
“If this is really what you want,” her mother finally said, “then I’ll support you. But just remember… running away from pain doesn’t mean it disappears.”
Ana stood and walked to her mother, wrapping her arms around her.
“I’m not running,” she whispered.
“I’m choosing myself ,for once.”
****
✨The Next Day ✨
“So, you’re going to Korea or China?” Joyce asked as they walked through the airport.
Ana gave a small smile.
“China. I think I need this. A real restart.”
“But Ana, that’s far away,” Joyce said softly.
“It’s not forever, okay? I promise I’ll call you all the time. I just need to be away… to clear my head. To make sure there’s nothing tying me to Mr. Kings”
Joyce’s face tensed.
“Did you at least tell him about the baby?”
Ana sighed and stopped walking for a moment.
“No. And I’m not going to tell him. You won’t either.”
Joyce looked at her with concern. “Anna...”
“Joy, we talked about this. He’s not going to know. Not now. Maybe not ever.”
Joyce’s eyes drifted to Ana’s hand. “What about the ring?”
Ana looked down
“Well, maybe it’s meant to stay. A reminder, since it doesn't come out.”
Joyce nodded slowly.
“Please send me a photo when the baby comes, okay?”
Ana smiled gently.
Her fingers brushed over Joyce’s belly.
“Of course. And… I still can’t believe we’re pregnant at the same time.” She chuckled.
“It sucks that I’m leaving. Our babies could’ve grown up together.”
Joyce laughed through the sadness.
“They still can. You can come back.”
“I will,” Ana said.
“When I’m ready. When I’ve finally moved on.”
Joyce’s smile faded a little. “And what about surviving in China? It’s far. It’s not like here.”
Anna inhaled deeply. “I’ll be fine. I’ve saved enough money. I’ve already made arrangements. I just need space, Joyce. Real space. Please keep checking on Alvin and Mom for me. Alvin was crying when I left. He didn’t even want to come to the airport. He’s so mad.”
Joyce held her hand tight.
“They love you. They’re just scared. Of course, I’ll check on them.”
Anna hugged her, then kissed her cheek.
“I have to go. They’re calling my flight.”
Joyce’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m going to miss you.”
Anna blinked fast, holding back her own.
“Me too.”
She turned away, walking toward the gate without looking back.
Her suitcase rolled behind her as she handed over her passport.
“Ma’am, your luggage is all set. Please proceed to the gate.”
She nodded, adjusting her bag and laptop.
Just as she was about to step through, a deep voice echoed behind her.
“Where do you think you’re going… leaving your husband behind?”
Her feet stopped.
Her chest rose, tight and panicked.
Her whole body froze.
Slowly, she turned around.
And there he was.
Mr Kings
Looking straight at her.
T....B.....C
{°°ᶠᵒʳᵇⁱᵈᵈᵉⁿ ᵈᵉˢⁱʳᵉ°°}
🥀 ᴸᵃⁿᵃ'ˢ ᴸⁱᵇʳᵃʳʸ 🥀
🌺 ᴮᵃᶜᵏᵍʳᵒᵘⁿᵈ ˢᵒⁿᵍ'ᵁⁿᵘˢᵘᵃˡ'ᴮʸ ᶜʰʳⁱˢ ᴳʳᵉʸ 🌺
🔞ᶜʰᵃᵖᵗᵉʳ ⁹¹&⁹²🔞
Joyce and Anna looked at the ring in silence.
Joyce leaned in closer, then read aloud the small engraving on it.
“It say, MRS A.KINGS” she whispered.
Ana’s eyes widened.
She stared at the ring, clearly shaken, and instinctively began trying to pull it off her finger roughly
“Ana, you're going to hurt yourself,” Joyce said gently, grabbing her hand.
“It looks like it’s glued on or something. You can’t just yank it off like that.”
“No ...I have to take it off,” Ana snapped, her voice rising.
“Why would he do this? What is he trying to do? What’s he trying to prove, putting a fucking ring on my finger without even asking me?”
“Look, Ana,”Joyce said calmly, trying to soothe her,
“I know this is confusing. Maybe it means he wants to marry you....”
“I don’t need this,”Ana cut her off, shaking her head.
“He’s getting married today, remember? what the hell does this mean? This ring, it was supposed to be for her, not me.”
She stood up, pacing in the room, frustration boiling inside her.
She ran her hands through her hair, breathing heavily.
“Why would he do this?” she muttered.
“Why would he give me this ring if he’s marrying someone else in a few hours?”
Joyce stayed quiet, watching her friend unravel.
“What is wrong with Charlie?”Ana continued, her voice cracking.
“Why does he keep doing this to me? Why does he keep messing with my head, doing what he thinks is right for himself and dragging me through it all? I can’t do this anymore.”
She stared at the ring again, tears threatening to fall.
Anna sank down slowly onto the couch,.
The weight of the ring suddenly unbearable.
Her fingers curled slightly, staring at the silver band like it was a wound she couldn’t cover.
Joyce sat beside her, silent, letting her breathe through the storm.
“I don’t get it,” Anna whispered, her voice hoarse.
“Is this guilt? Is this love? Or is it just… manipulation?”
Joyce reached over and took her hand. “Maybe it’s none of that… or maybe it’s all of it,” she said softly.
“But I do know one thing..he’s still holding onto you. Even if he doesn’t know how to say it. And this ring? This was never for Fatima.”
Ana looked at her sharply.
“He’s still marrying her.”
“But he put this on you,” Joyce said.
“Without cameras, without family watching, without pressure. Just you. What does that tell you?”
Anna blinked fast, biting her bottom lip as emotions surged.
“It tells me I’m the secret, Joyce. The one he hides in shadows while he parades her in front of the world.”
Joyce looked down, then back at her.
“Or maybe you’re the one he truly loves. The one he’s too much of a coward to fight for.”
Ana wiped her cheek, her tears finally slipping.
“Love shouldn’t feel like this. It shouldn't be this confusing. Or painful.”
“I know,” Joyce said.
“But maybe, just maybe… that ring is him trying to say something he’s too scared to admit out loud.”
Ana stood slowly.
Her eyes fell back to the ring, still shining defiantly on her finger.
She didn’t try to take it off again. Not yet.
“I need to go to church,” she said quietly.
Joyce stood shocked.
“Are you sure?”
Ana nodded.
"It's been long since you went to church. Why do you even want to go today?" Joyce asked.
"To, I ask God, why is this happening in my life? It's heavy..." Ana sighed.
"You know what, I'm so hungry. I'm going to take a shower and come eat. And I’ll try to pull off this ring."
Joyce stared at her for a moment and nodded.
She could see so much was running through Ana’s mind.
**
After Ana finished bathing, she walked into the kitchen.
She looked around, noticing that Alison wasn’t there.
“Where’s Alison?” she asked.
“Oh, he went with Charlie.”
“Where?” Anna asked again.
“Auntie’s awake , Mrs. King,” Joyce replied.
Anna's eyes widened.
“Was she in a coma or something? I thought she was awake long ago.”
“She wasn’t. She was really in a coma. Charlie didn’t tell you?” Joyce asked.
Anna shook her head and looked down.
“No. He never told me anything. In fact, that day he went to see his mother was the same day he decided to marry Fatima. He didn’t say anything about his mom being in a coma.”
“Ana, she was seriously injured. I heard she had a panic attack, fell down the stairs, and hit her head. She fell into a coma. You know she’s old,her body couldn’t handle it well.”
Ana nodded slowly, her heart swelling painfully.
Maybe she was never really part of Charlie’s life after all.
Why would he not tell her something so serious? But again… why would he? They weren’t together anymore.
Her eyes drifted down to the ring on her finger.
Her hand was already turning pink and swollen from trying to pull it off. She sighed deeply.
Joyce placed a plate of food in front of her.
“I don’t think I have an appetite anymore,” Ana murmured.
“You have to eat,” Joyce said firmly.
“If you don’t, I’ll push this food down your throat myself. Eat for the baby. Understand?”
Ana nodded with a soft smile.
******
Ana looked down at the ring on her finger.
Her chest tightened, and without warning, tears slipped down her cheeks.
She quickly wiped them, frustrated.
Lately, her emotions had been all over the place maybe it was the pregnancy… or maybe it was just everything.
She sat quietly on the wooden church bench, letting her eyes close.
It had been so long since she’d stepped into a church, but today something pulled her here.
Maybe it was guilt.
Maybe it was pain. Or maybe, deep down, she hoped God would understand what no one else could.
She took a shaky breath, whispered softly:
“Dear God… I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m confused. I’m angry. I didn’t know love could hurt like this. Is it wrong that I still love him? Even after everything he’s done? Am I wrong for still holding on?”
Her voice cracked.
“Maybe You understand. Maybe You know why this is all happening. Because I don’t. And honestly… I hate it. I hate this pain. I wish he would just talk to me. I wish I could see what’s going on inside his head… Maybe then I could understand.”
She paused, breathing through the tightness in her chest.
“I don’t want to keep breaking, God. Not over and over again. I just want courage. Courage to tell him the truth. Courage to let go..if that’s what I have to do. Please… just help me find my way.”
A gentle hand landed on her shoulder.
“Hey, you okay?” Joyce’s soft voice pulled her back.
Ana opened her eyes slowly and offered a tired but real smile.
“Yeah. I think I am. I feel… better.”
“You sure?” Joyce looked at her, eyes full of concern.
Ana nodded. “I think I know what to do now.”
“What?” Joyce raised an eyebrow, cautious.
“I’m going to hand you my résumé later,” Ana said quietly, calmly.
“You’ll give it to Mr. King.”
Joyce blinked. “Ana… no. Don’t tell me you’re planning to do what I think you’re about to do.”
“Yes,” Ana replied, her voice steady, but there was sadness behind her eyes.
“I’m doing exactly that. I’ll give you the résumé. You’ll give it to him. And I’m leaving New York. I’m going back to Paris… or maybe somewhere even further. Somewhere he won’t find me. And you’re not going to tell him. Do you hear me?”
“No, Ana. You can’t.” Joyce’s voice trembled.
“You can’t just leave because of this. Your life is here. Your mom’s here. Alvin’s school… me. Who are you leaving me with?”
Ana smiled sadly.
She placed her hand softly on Joyce’s cheek.
“I know, Joy. I understand that you’re concerned. But I’ll visit you, okay? Maybe in three years… or sometime. I just need to go. I promise. I just want space. I want peace.”
“And what about Charlie?” Joyce whispered.
“What if he comes to you? What if he..”
“He’s getting married, Joy,” Ana cut her off gently.
“Today is his wedding day, okay? I’m not going to wait for Charlie or whatever plan B he thinks I am. I’m not going to be his second best. Or his secret.”
Ana’s voice cracked but her eyes stayed strong.
“Ana, please. You can’t do this. I’m begging you,” Joyce pleaded.
“We won't tell him that you are pregnant"
" But he’ll see it eventually, even if we say nothing,” Anna said softly.
“I want to go, Joy. Please… let me.”
Joyce exhaled hard, slamming back against the chair.
Tears filled her eyes as she looked away for a second.
Then she turned back to Anna, her voice quiet but sharp.
“Okay. Fine. Do whatever you feel is right… for yourself.”
“Come on, Joy, don’t be angry, okay?” Anna said softly, her voice strained with emotion.
Joyce still held her hand tightly. “I’m not angry, Anna,” she replied quietly.
“I just feel like… you’re giving up so easily. That’s how I feel.”
“I’m not giving up, Joy. Okay?” Anna said, gently.
“I’m choosing myself. I’m choosing to stop getting hurt. I’m choosing to stop being caught between him and his mess. I’m doing this for me,and for this baby.”
“No, you’re not doing this for the baby, Ana,” Joyce said, her voice firm.
“You’re taking this baby away from their father. You’re robbing them of the chance to know him. Do you think that’s right? You think that’s protecting them? You think that’s choosing the right thing? That’s not it, Ana.”
Anna stared at her, overwhelmed.
“Then what should I do?”
“You should face your problems,” Joyce said calmly.
“Not run away from them. You need to go and talk to him. Beg him if you have to. Maybe this ring has a reason. Maybe he’s trying to say something.”
“I can’t do that, Joy,” Ana snapped, cutting her off.
“I can’t always be the one begging. He’s supposed to fight for me. Not the other way around. I can’t keep breaking myself for someone who keeps choosing everyone but me. I’m leaving. That’s it.”
Ana stood up, holding her stomach gently.
Joyce looked at her for a long moment, then sighed.
“Okay. Fine. Do whatever you think is right,” she said quietly. “I’ll support you.”
****
At Ana's House ✨✨✨✨
"You what?"
"I'm going to stay in China" Anna repeated.
Her mother looked at her, then slowly sat down, clearly shocked.
"What did you say, Ana?"
"I said I'm going to stay in China"
Her mother stared at her for a moment.
"Why? Why do you want to stay in China? When did you decide that? You've been planning to move out. You know your work and Alvin’s school aren’t there. And I don't even live there full-time."
"I'll find someone to take care of Alvin,"Ana replied calmly.
"But I'm going to stay there now Mom."
"When did you make this decision?"
"I just made it now."
"Anna, are you serious right now? Moving there? A place that’s far away from all of us? What are you trying to do?"
"Mom, please understand. I've already booked my flight. I’ll be leaving tomorrow."
"And what about your job?" her mother asked.
"I’ve resigned."
Her mother looked at her in disbelief.
"You resigned?" she repeated, her voice almost a whisper.
"Yes, Mom. I did."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Her mother sat there, trying to process everything.
"You had a stable job. A future. And you gave all that up, for what?"
Ana looked down at her hands, rubbing the ring that still clung tightly to her finger.
"For peace,"
she said softly.
"For space. To breathe."
"And Your boss?" her mother asked.
"Does he know about any of this?"
"No," Anna replied, shaking her head.
"And I don’t plan on telling him."
Her mother paused, eyes narrowing.
Then she asked gently,
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Ana slowly lifted her eyes to meet hers.
She didn’t say anything. But she didn’t have to.
Her mother swallowed hard, stood up, and walked to the window in silence.
“And you’re going to raise this baby alone?”
“I’ll be fine,” Anna said, her voice steady.
“I’m not doing this to punish anyone. I just need to start over.”
There was another long pause.
“If this is really what you want,” her mother finally said, “then I’ll support you. But just remember… running away from pain doesn’t mean it disappears.”
Ana stood and walked to her mother, wrapping her arms around her.
“I’m not running,” she whispered.
“I’m choosing myself ,for once.”
****
✨The Next Day ✨
“So, you’re going to Korea or China?” Joyce asked as they walked through the airport.
Ana gave a small smile.
“China. I think I need this. A real restart.”
“But Ana, that’s far away,” Joyce said softly.
“It’s not forever, okay? I promise I’ll call you all the time. I just need to be away… to clear my head. To make sure there’s nothing tying me to Mr. Kings”
Joyce’s face tensed.
“Did you at least tell him about the baby?”
Ana sighed and stopped walking for a moment.
“No. And I’m not going to tell him. You won’t either.”
Joyce looked at her with concern. “Anna...”
“Joy, we talked about this. He’s not going to know. Not now. Maybe not ever.”
Joyce’s eyes drifted to Ana’s hand. “What about the ring?”
Ana looked down
“Well, maybe it’s meant to stay. A reminder, since it doesn't come out.”
Joyce nodded slowly.
“Please send me a photo when the baby comes, okay?”
Ana smiled gently.
Her fingers brushed over Joyce’s belly.
“Of course. And… I still can’t believe we’re pregnant at the same time.” She chuckled.
“It sucks that I’m leaving. Our babies could’ve grown up together.”
Joyce laughed through the sadness.
“They still can. You can come back.”
“I will,” Ana said.
“When I’m ready. When I’ve finally moved on.”
Joyce’s smile faded a little. “And what about surviving in China? It’s far. It’s not like here.”
Anna inhaled deeply. “I’ll be fine. I’ve saved enough money. I’ve already made arrangements. I just need space, Joyce. Real space. Please keep checking on Alvin and Mom for me. Alvin was crying when I left. He didn’t even want to come to the airport. He’s so mad.”
Joyce held her hand tight.
“They love you. They’re just scared. Of course, I’ll check on them.”
Anna hugged her, then kissed her cheek.
“I have to go. They’re calling my flight.”
Joyce’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m going to miss you.”
Anna blinked fast, holding back her own.
“Me too.”
She turned away, walking toward the gate without looking back.
Her suitcase rolled behind her as she handed over her passport.
“Ma’am, your luggage is all set. Please proceed to the gate.”
She nodded, adjusting her bag and laptop.
Just as she was about to step through, a deep voice echoed behind her.
“Where do you think you’re going… leaving your husband behind?”
Her feet stopped.
Her chest rose, tight and panicked.
Her whole body froze.
Slowly, she turned around.
And there he was.
Mr Kings
Looking straight at her.
T....B.....C
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