Episode 18

This morning, I woke up with a bad feeling. It was as if I knew that what the doctor had to say wouldn't be good news.

I was right, hearing Eliza's test results made the world beneath our feet crumble. I tried to be strong, but it's not easy, various thoughts run through our heads and fear speaks louder.

I thought Peter would give my sister the support she needed, however, he left and left her alone. I wanted to spend the day with her, but I couldn't because I had to go out to find the hospital that offered the best treatment for my sister.

One of the best hospitals, which wouldn't cost anything as it was a non-profit hospital, was without an oncologist. I drove around the whole city, the cost to be paid by all of them is almost the same, a fortune. I'm not concerned about the cost, but rather about what's best for Eliza. I am the only person she has in this life and I will do everything for her. I couldn't bear to lose one of the most important people in my life.

I thought about taking out a loan, but with my income, I wouldn't be able to. My only option would be to accept the job as a secretary. However, I think about who could take care of the children, after everything I couldn't leave them with just anyone. Ravi and Luna still have relapses from the past trauma, at the hands of those abusive caregivers.

At night, I sang Eliza's favorite songs at the bar, I wanted her to forget everything, even if it was just for a few minutes.

When I went back home, it didn't take long for Peter to come up, I saw him leaving with his suitcases and I was disappointed by his cowardice.

I comforted my sister in the shower, I hugged her until she fell asleep. Only God knows what I'm feeling, the anguish, the despair that suffocate my chest and I don't want to cry anymore, because she needs me.

Eliza fell asleep crying, I left her in her room and went to mine.

I go into the room, Ravi and Luna are sleeping peacefully. I run my hands through my hair, pacing back and forth and nothing comes to mind, except for finding the only people I would trust to leave my babies with.

I spent the whole night awake, looking out the window. Thinking and crying silently, until I came to a conclusion.

As soon as the day broke, I messaged my HR director, asked for a few more days to give an answer and he agreed. I take the opportunity to send a message to Peter's sister, asking her to stay with the children and Eliza for these two days until I figure everything out. Ana agreed in advance and apologized for her brother being a jerk.

Ana is a good girl, my age, and very responsible. Luckily, college is on break and she can stay here.

The way Eliza was last night, after Peter left, she can't be left alone.

I go to Eliza's room, she's still sleeping.

I go to the kitchen, prepare coffee and the children's bottles.

After getting them ready, I go to Eliza's room. She's now curled up in bed in a fetal position, crying. My heart breaks, I feel helpless. She doesn't want to have coffee and I worry she might fall into depression.

When Ana arrives, I leave the children with her and go to the car.

I take a deep breath, gathering courage to do what I have to do and I think this is the only solution. I am desperate, finding no way out.

I drive towards one of the country's most luxurious condominiums.

At the gate, the security guards don't allow me entry. I'm forced to lie, saying I'm Mr. Charles Gonzalez's secretary and I'm there to discuss work with the Lakes.

They call the mansion and luckily, they allow me entry.

My decision was to seek Benjamin's parents. I remember the day of the party and realize they are very family-oriented and can help me take care of the children.

I enter the condo and park the car in front of the mansion that the guards pointed out. My legs wobble and I reflect on what I'm doing here. When I think about turning back, I think about Eliza.

With the grandparents helping me take care of the twins, I can accept the job as a secretary, take out a loan to pay for her treatment and I know they'll have love here.

... "That's what I hope for!"...

I get out of the car, the main door is opened, a very friendly lady welcomes me and leads me to the living room.

I wait for them to come, in the main room, nervously clasping my hands, fearing what they might think of me.

I hear voices and look towards the stairs and I can't believe what I'm seeing. Actually, it's not what, but who I'm seeing. He looks at me intensely and stops in the middle of the stairs, with a girl beside him.

My heart beats rapidly, my mouth goes dry, my legs wobble, and those damn butterflies flutter in my stomach. I hate myself for still feeling something for this bastard. Everything around us seemed to freeze and it was just the two of us.

I snap out of it and realize the girl beside us is watching us closely.

... "Never again will I fall into the clutches of that idiot!"...

At that moment, Benjamin's parents enter the room holding hands. They seem to notice the strange atmosphere that has settled between me and their son.

I feel like an idiot, but Benjamin was the last person I thought I would see. Nevertheless, I am here and I have to be brave, confront this bastard once and for all.