I left the hospital a few days after giving birth to Kaique. He is so small and looks so much like Khalil. He's so beautiful, with the outline of his face and amber eyes that are so reminiscent of his father's.
I was able to recover the amount spent on the ticket I didn't use that day. With that same money, I bought a ticket to Barcelona, Spain. A nurse who became a friend of mine during my stay at the hospital gave me a house in the countryside, where I will live for a while.
As I packed our few belongings, I looked at Kaique sleeping peacefully in the makeshift crib. I felt a mixture of fear and hope for what was to come. Barcelona would be a fresh start, away from all the problems and dangers I had faced, but also a challenge to raise my son alone in a foreign country. I am sure I will be able to do it.
Before boarding the plane, I took one last look at where I lived and promised myself that I would do everything in my power to give Kaique a safe and happy life, even if it meant leaving everything behind and starting over.
Upon arriving in Barcelona, I was greeted by the beautiful countryside where the nurse's house was located. It was a peaceful place, perfect for starting a new life with my son. The green hills and fresh air were a welcome relief after months of stress and uncertainty. And I wasn't alone; I had the help of a neighbor who became a friend.
I settled into the small cottage and started unpacking our things. While Kaique slept in the next room, I sat down at the kitchen table and started making plans for our future. I needed to find a job, establish a routine, and ensure that Kaique had everything he needed.
A few weeks after settling into the country house in Barcelona, I received an unexpected call. It was my nurse friend, Mariam.
"Hello, Mariam?" I answered curiously.
"Valeria, I'm so sorry to bother you, but I thought you should know." Her voice sounded worried. "I saw in the newspaper today that Sheikh Khalil is getting married."
My heart stopped for a moment. I had told Mariam everything about Khalil and me, including Kaique.
"Getting married? To whom?"
"To a woman named Ayla. It seems he has returned to the Emirates, his father has passed away and he had to return. I thought you would like to know, considering... well, everything that happened."
I sat down, feeling the weight of the news. Despite everything, a part of me still cared about Khalil, and hearing that was a shock. I wished I could be there for him, even after everything, especially knowing that he was going through the pain of losing his father.
"Thank you, Mariam. I... appreciate you telling me."
"Take care, Valeria. And take good care of little Kaique."
I hung up the phone, feeling dazed. Khalil was moving on, and I needed to as well, but the news still bothered me. I looked at Kaique, who was sleeping peacefully, and promised myself that our new life in Barcelona would be dedicated to him. I had thought about returning one day, to reveal the whole truth to him, including about Said, Khalil's right-hand man, who might not be as trustworthy as he seems. Surely, he must have done something or lied to Khalil about me, which is why he never came looking for me.
A few tears fell from my eyes. I quickly wiped them away, picked up my cell phone, and searched the internet, not because I doubted Mariam, but because I needed to know more. I searched and scoured the internet from end to end until I found:
"Sheikh Al-Hassan Khalil announces marriage to Ayla Karin after being abandoned by a mystery woman with whom rumors of a romance were swirling."
The article was detailed, with photos of Khalil and Ayla together, smiling for the cameras. I read each line with a heavy heart. The article talked about how the marriage was a strategic union to stabilize the kingdom after the death of Khalil's father. There were mentions of the high expectations surrounding this alliance and how both were committed to the welfare of the people.
I couldn't help the tears that welled up again. The sight of Khalil with another woman, building a life that wasn't with me, was painful. Kaique, who was sleeping in his crib, began to stir, bringing me back to reality.
I needed to be strong for him. Taking a deep breath, I put my cell phone away and went to Kaique. I picked him up, snuggling him close to me.
"It's okay, my love. We're starting a new life here, and it's going to be okay." I whispered, trying to convince myself as much as him.
With Kaique in my arms, I went to the window and looked out at the green Spanish countryside. I had to focus on the future, on the life we were building here, far from the complications and pains of the past.
I decided that, from that moment on, I would dedicate myself completely to creating a safe and loving environment for my son, even if it meant burying deep within me the memories and feelings that Khalil still evoked in me.
I nursed him, who was crying a little, until he fell asleep in my arms. Carefully, I put him back in the cradle. I went to the kitchen, made coffee, and as I was putting the pot on the table, someone knocked on the door.
I went to the door and opened it, revealing a smiling middle-aged woman with gray hair and warm eyes.
"Hello! You must be Valeria. I'm Carmen, your neighbor. Mariam asked me to come visit you and see if you need anything," she said, holding out a cake to me.
"Hi, Carmen. Nice to meet you. Please, come in," I invited, opening the door wider. "Thank you for the cake, but you shouldn't have bothered."
She entered and her eyes scanned the small room.
"Nonsense, it's no bother at all. Look at this, you have a real knack for decorating," she commented, looking around. "And I hear you have a baby."
"Yes, my son, Kaique. He's sleeping right now," I replied, pointing to the room.
"Ah, how wonderful. If you need anything at all, I'm just out back," said Carmen, smiling.
"Thank you, Carmen. Actually, I just made some coffee. Would you like a cup?" I offered.
"I would love to," she replied, taking a seat at the kitchen table.
I served the coffee and sat down at the table with her. We talked about the neighborhood, the best shops to buy groceries, and how peaceful life in the countryside was. Carmen was a comforting and warm presence, exactly what I needed at that moment. She's in her fifties, but she doesn't look it.
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