Episode 8

Isabella had slept for 24 hours, she was physically and emotionally exhausted. Sara was so worried that she had called the doctor. She only calmed down when he said:

"Do you want me to wake her up, woman? Watch, in two seconds, she'll open her eyes," the doctor said.

"That's alright, I believe you. Come, let her sleep. I'll make you a coffee."

When Isabella woke up and her aunt told her about calling the doctor, they both started laughing.

"I'm sorry, Aunt. I didn't mean to worry you, but I was just so tired," Isabella said.

"I understand, dear. How do you feel now?" Sara asked.

"Better. Now, I just have to decide what I'll do," Isabella replied.

"Are you going to keep the baby?" Sara asked, hoping that would be the case.

"Of course, Aunt. It's my son or daughter, and even if he doesn't love me, it's the child of the only man I've loved, the man I still love. And even if he doesn't want us in his life, I want to keep the product of that great love," Isabella explained.

"My dear, everything will turn out fine. I'm here to support you. I want you to stay with me. I can already picture the child running around the garden," Sara said.

Isabella smiled. Yes, she would stay there. Her child would grow up in that place.

As soon as Jed set foot in New York, he met with Leo. He had already ordered him to keep watch at Isabella's grandfather's place as soon as she arrived. The order was to capture her.

"I want her brought here, even if it's by force. I want her here, Leo!" Jed demanded.

"That's kidnapping. I'm not a mobster. What did she do for you to ask such a thing?" Leo questioned.

"She mocked me, and I cannot tolerate it," Jed revealed. He explained how Isabella had lied to him about being pregnant and how he had even considered marrying her.

"I understand, but you should leave her alone. After all, she's already out of your life," Leo advised.

Marixa listened attentively behind the door. She couldn't believe it. She had to find Isabella before Jed did. They couldn't see each other again. And she already had a plan in motion.

Somewhere in Virginia, Isabella was talking to her aunt.

"I should find a part-time job while I finish my internships before starting my teaching career," Isabella said.

"I don't think you can work for long. Your pregnancy will become noticeable soon. I have some savings and my pension, we'll be fine," Sara assured her.

"Of course, Aunt. I have some money saved. I can sell my car or even some jewelry, although I don't think they will fetch much. But it'll suffice for a while. If I'm determined, I'll sell the jewelry. Even though it pains me to part with what Jed gave me, I won't use them anymore," Isabella said.

The next day, they went to a jewelry store. The first item Isabella would sell was the necklace Jed had given her for graduating from university. When the owner of the jewelry store told her the price he could offer, she was astonished. She couldn't believe it was worth that much. What was Jed thinking when he bought it? She knew he was doing well, but it was extravagant.