I am a girl who traveled from Colombia to Italy in search of a better life; I didn't want to do it, but opportunities in my country were scarce for me.

So I embarked on a quite long journey. I don't know how things will go there, but I know I can achieve much more than by staying in my country.

I arrived in Italy and stayed in an apartment that I had already rented. It wasn't very nice, but it was all I could afford with my three-year savings. During those years, I limited myself in many ways, I didn't go out, I hardly bought anything for myself. But I believe that all the effort will be worth it in the end.

Who would have thought that I would be in such an important country like Italy? It was amazing for me to experience new cultures and everything. But not everything was exciting; I left my family in my country and coming here without them is very tough because I don't know anyone here, except for the apartment owner.

I calmed my mind a bit and started unpacking and organizing everything. It distracted me from everything else. I was already thinking about what to wear for the job interview I had. Before traveling, I had a virtual interview with one of the largest companies in the country. My position was in the accounting department, which I was already a professional in, despite my young age. I think they were surprised when I told them I was 23 years old.

So, I had passed the first screening, now I had another one that was more important. They would determine if I passed or not.

The next day, it was very difficult for me to get up as the hours were very different from those in my country. So, it was challenging for me.

Upon arriving at the company, I was left speechless. It was huge, with a beautiful garden at the entrance, and many elegant people coming in and out. I felt a bit embarrassed about my outfit, as I was only wearing a shirt, pants, and high heels.

When I entered, I was amazed by the elegance of the place. But I managed to hide it and headed to the reception.

Me: Good morning, I am here for an interview with Mr. Andres.

The receptionist looked at me as if I were strange and continued doing what she was doing. I didn't like her attitude; I think she should at least tell me which floor to go to.

Me: Miss, did you hear me?

Receptionist: Of course, I heard you, but we are not distributing charity here. That part is handled by Mr. Camilo's foundations.

I was boiling inside, but who does she think she is to call me a beggar? I thought to myself, trying to control my temper and not give her what she deserves.

Me: I'm not here for any charity work. I'm here for a job. Could you please be so kind as to tell me which floor to go to?

She laughed, and I wanted to pull her hair out. I wasn't very patient, but I couldn't afford to make a bad impression. The company is one of the biggest in the country, and the salary was promising, so I swallowed my anger and my words and left. I didn't know which floor to go to, but someone had to give me information. As the saying goes, when in Rome, ask.

I got into an elevator, and it was strange that no one else got in. Those who were waiting for other elevators looked at me as if I were crazy. I could only wonder if everyone in that company had eaten a matchstick; they were very bitter. Nevertheless, I bit my tongue and asked them if they were going up.

Me: Are you going up or not?

Most of them laughed, and others looked at me sternly. I didn't think much of it, so I closed the elevator door. The strange thing about that elevator was that it only went to one floor, and apparently, it was the top floor.

When I arrived at the top floor, I was also surprised. If the first floor was elegant, this floor where I got off was even more so. But the strange thing was that there was no one to guide me. There were only waiting rooms and many offices.

There was one in particular, it was spacious, and I thought that was the reception for that floor, so I knocked. But as always, no one answered me.

I entered but was also surprised by how elegant that reception was. There were decorations that matched the sofas, and at the end, there was a huge window through which the whole city could be seen. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the city. I didn't hear when someone came in; that's how focused I was. Watching the city brought me so much peace and, for some reason, made me feel proud of myself.

Man - It's beautiful, isn't it?

I turned around, unsure if it was the right decision or if what I was looking at was even more beautiful than the man standing in front of me. He was wearing a formal suit with his shirt slightly open, and it was clear he worked out as everything fit him perfectly. His blue eyes were analyzing me, resembling the sky I was admiring. And don't even get me started on his mouth... everything about him was beautiful. I don't know how long I had been staring at him, but it seemed like he didn't mind at all.

But then I snapped out of it... it wasn't the right time to be checking out guys. I had the interview, so I checked the time and realized I only had two minutes left. I couldn't believe I was going to be late.

Man - I see your expression changed; can I help you with something?

Me - Yes, thank God, you arrived just in time... you see, I don't work here, and I'm a bit lost because no one has told me where Mr. Andres' office is... I have an interview in two minutes...

I stared at him and managed to see a smile, and it was very beautiful. Who would have thought that a man with such a smile would help calm my nerves for the interview?

Man - Of course, it's on the 24th floor. You can find the office there.

Me - Thank you so much, you know... I really appreciate it.

And I rush out of there. I get into another elevator, praying that I can make it to the interview on time. But I'm not sure if I can. I'm already on the 45th floor, and there's only one minute left... when I arrive at the floor, I run out. I think I've exercised more today than usual. I reach the door where I'm supposed to have the interview, knock several times, but no one answers.

Me - Is everyone mute today?

But it seems like someone hears me.

Woman - Mr. Andres just left.

Me - What do you mean he just left? But I came for an interview with him...

Woman - I'm sorry, but we've already chosen someone to work with us.

I don't know where I am, and I wonder why this is happening to me and what I'm going to do now... The woman leaves, leaving me there with my thoughts. I leave that company and take the first bus that takes me home. Tears start streaming down my face effortlessly. Now what am I going to do? That's the question I keep asking myself at this moment.

When I arrived at the apartment, I took off my heels and prepared myself to cry. I really wanted to work there, but what can you do? I'll have to look for another job now. I don't know how long I spent crying, it felt like I had failed at something.

The next day, I got up and went out in search of a job, but to my good luck, I couldn't find anything. This stressed me out even more because I was running out of money. But I didn't lose faith, I kept searching for a week, desperately looking for a job. But they always told me that they would get in touch with me and they never did.

But one day, I received a call. It was from the company where I was going to have my final interview. They told me they hadn't seen my resume, but they really liked it. They said I would start working in the accounting department the following week. I couldn't believe it, they actually hired me. I knew that God hadn't forgotten about me.

The first day at the company was pretty normal. I was really focused because there was a lot of accounting work that I had to do. I didn't think I would have so much work, but I liked it because it made me feel like I was doing things right.

Licenciado Andres was very reserved, he didn't like it when I touched or saw other accounting records. Well, I didn't pay much attention to it. As long as I did my assigned work, I would be fine.

On the other hand, I couldn't stop thinking about the man I had seen the first time I was here. I wanted to see him and thank him properly because that day I had run away from there. Everything was going well at work, I became friends with a coworker who also worked in the same department as me. She's a beautiful woman, with her hair, face, and body to die for. Sometimes, when we have time, we talk about a little bit of everything. She always asks me to tell her about my country because she wants to visit it. She says she has seen it on television and would love to see it in person.

One day, I start feeling a bit uncomfortable down below, I don't know what it could be. So, I make an appointment with the gynecologist to see what's going on, because it was getting annoying.

In this country, medical appointments are in the best clinics, and the company insurance covers it too.

On my day off, I went, feeling very nervous because I didn't know how the process worked here and if it was the same as in my country. I arrived in a normal way, they took my information, told me to wait, and then escorted me to a room with a bed, like if people were going to give birth. It was normal, but also elegant.

The nurse comes in and tells me to undress from the waist down. She gives me a white gown and I proceed to do as she said.

A doctor enters, but not just any doctor, he's an angel from heaven, such a handsome man, with a beautiful smile. This made me even more nervous than I already was. He tells me to get onto the bed and put my legs up on the stirrups. I felt embarrassed to be seen down there.

Doctor - Don't be embarrassed, it's super quick and then you can get dressed.

I just nodded, I think my words disappeared at that moment. He started to examine me, but when he was about to do it, another nurse entered.

Nurse - Doctor, they need you urgently in the operating room.

Doctor - Now? Is it really urgent?

Nurse - Yes, Doctor.

He looks at me.

Doctor - Can you wait here for a moment?

I nod and he leaves with her, leaving me there with my legs up and my intimate area exposed. I don't know how much time passed, but another doctor entered. This one was less friendly than the other, but he also seemed kind.

Doctor Two - We're going to start the procedure. I need you to stay calm, it's quick and it won't hurt.

He didn't even look at me, he just entered, took something in his hands, opened it there, and I barely looked because I didn't want to see his face. I felt embarrassed. I just know that he did the procedure in silence, it didn't take long.

doctor two - you should stay like this for a moment, then the nurse will come and give you your things so you can get dressed again. and we'll see you in a month to see how everything is going.

Me - thank you, doctor.

after a while, they give me my things and I head home. my day off went by super fast, I hardly had time to explore, and I was really excited to get to know everything a little better.

I had been working for three months already, I had organized myself financially and everything. but for about two months, I hadn't been feeling well, I was getting nauseous a lot, weak, and tired, it was hard for me to concentrate. I didn't know why I was feeling so bad, as I ate well and got enough rest.

I didn't go back to the doctor because the discomfort down there had gone away, so I thought it was effective, but I didn't understand why I was feeling so bad. one day at work, someone wore a perfume that immediately made me nauseous; I had to run to the bathroom to throw up my breakfast.

Me - what's wrong with me... how annoying.

coworker - what else could be wrong with you, it's obvious that you're pregnant.

I just looked at her with wide eyes, it was impossible for me to be pregnant because I hadn't had sexual intercourse for over two years. so I didn't pay it any mind.

Me - you're wrong, it must be some virus or something...

coworker - hahaha yeah right, it seems like you don't use your brain... you know I won't waste my words on you.

she turns on her heels and leaves the bathroom. but I stay there thinking for a while, but then I think it's impossible.

lunchtime comes, I always have lunch with Alliz, who is my best friend. when I walk in, I see that most people are looking at me and talking amongst themselves. we sit down and start eating. but I start hearing them talk about me.

coworkers - she's pregnant, like she came from her country to have a baby with the first person she met... I knew she wasn't innocent.

I control myself because confronting them would be a total waste of my time, so I keep eating.

The days continued the same, sometimes the nausea took me by surprise and it wasn't pleasant at all. I couldn't get the girl's words out of my mind. How was that even possible? I wondered over and over again.

One day they announced they were going to celebrate the anniversary. I didn't like it much because it meant there would be many smells, and because of them, I had to rush to the nearest bathroom at those moments.

I had to find out, so one day, tired of it all, I went to a pharmacy and bought several pregnancy tests. I arrived at my apartment and went into the bathroom. My body trembled for no reason, something beyond my control. I followed the instructions and waited for five minutes. I took all the tests at once.

I wasn't prepared to know what the results would say, so I hesitated to look at them. When I saw the results, I couldn't believe it. How was it possible for me to be pregnant when I hadn't been with anyone for over two years? I thought they were faulty, so I checked them all, and they showed the same result as the first one. I crumbled in the bathroom, crying a lot because there was no explanation. I hadn't been with anyone.

After calming down a bit, I washed my face a little. I began to think that it couldn't be true, so I decided to get an ultrasound. It was the only way to find out for sure. I also considered the possibility of having polycystic ovaries; I knew sometimes they could mimic signs of pregnancy.

I went to the appointment early. They performed the ultrasound, and just like the tests, it came out positive. I was already two and a half months pregnant. I couldn't believe that there was a baby growing inside me, and I didn't know how it got there.

A week had passed since I received the news, and I still couldn't wrap my head around it being true. But I also worried about how to take care of a baby alone in a city I didn't even know. Many things were running through my mind. However, one thing was certain, my belly had started to grow, as if it were opening doors. At work, nobody talked about it anymore; they were busy with juicier gossip.

The time for the celebration arrived. I wore a tight red dress that emphasized my breasts, which had grown a bit and were also causing some discomfort. I also wore heels and my hair, as always, was tied back. I applied a subtle makeup, my goal was to conceal the dark circles under my eyes.

When I arrived at the hotel, everything looked beautiful. If the company was elegant, this was even more so. There were smells that didn't bother me, but others that I had to endure.

Colleague: "Watch out, don't explode! Hahaha!"

They never seemed to leave me alone, always looking for something to tease me about.

Everything was going on normally when they announced that the owner of everything would be arriving. Many women screamed as if they were expecting a famous person, even though I hadn't seen him yet and maybe he was as handsome as they said.

The man went up on stage, and I couldn't believe my eyes. It was the same man who helped me the first time I came to the company. In that moment, I wished there was a little hole to hide in; I didn't want him to see me like this. So, I sat at the back tables where I could eat and be calm.

Alliz: "Ana, what are you doing so far away? You know that the person speaking is the handsome owner of the company."

Me: "Yes, I know, but I don't care."

And I continued eating as she looked at me.

Alliz: "You're pregnant, aren't you?"

That almost made me spit out what I was eating. Unconsciously, I put my hand on my belly, although I still wondered how I would manage alone with a baby. On the other hand, it felt wonderful to have a life inside you.

Me: "Yes, I am, but it's a long story. I'll tell you about it later, when we have more time."

Alliz: "Alright, you know I care about you, and you can count on me."

That calmed me down a bit; I needed a hug like that. It was getting late, and I was feeling a bit tired. Suddenly, I felt the urge to go to the bathroom, so I stood up and made my way towards it. The usual troublemakers were there again.

Colleagues - I don't know how you can let a starving person like you be in a company like this. Since I saw you, I realized you don't fit in here. You should go back to your country with that baby on the way.

Me - I am here because I deserve to be here, just like all of you.

They laugh and I walk past them, but one of them pushes me, and I fall to the ground. I feel a bit of pain, so as a motherly instinct, I touch my belly.

Man - What's going on here?..

We all look towards the voice and it happens to be none other than the Greek god, owner of the Rostlen companies, one of the wealthiest families in the country.

Colleague - Camilo, the thing is that she fell on her own, she probably doesn't know how to walk in heels.

Camilo de la Rostlen - I didn't ask you, and I didn't give you the right to tattoo me.

Everyone falls silent, and I'm still on the floor, feeling a bit of pain and afraid that something might happen to my baby.

Camilo de la Rostlen - Are you alright?

...,...

I'm surprised that he's talking to me, and in such a kind manner.

Me - Yes, thank you.

I tried to get up, but the pain won't let me, so I complained a bit, and he noticed. He called someone and they carried me in their strong arms, taking me to a clinic.

Camilo de la Rostlen - Does it hurt a lot? I didn't know you were pregnant.

Me - It hurts a little, but I am fine.

He just kept staring at me, and I wished he wouldn't. That gaze made me feel uneasy, it made me feel things I shouldn't.