Episode 1

Elizabeth

The bathroom was submerged in a profound silence, a silence only interrupted by the uneven sound of my breathing. I had settled on the edge of the bathtub, feeling the coldness of the ceramic beneath me. My hands, nervous and trembling, firmly held the pregnancy test, while my mind filled with contradictory thoughts and emotions. The tension in the air was palpable, and at that moment, the outside world seemed to vanish, leaving only the anxiety that enveloped me.

My heart raced with overwhelming intensity, as if trying to break the barriers of my chest. Each second felt like an eternity, stretching out endlessly, while a mixture of anxiety and fear invaded my thoughts.

“Please, let it be negative,” I murmured softly, with a hope I knew was practically useless.

It was a moment of pure agony, and finally, when I gathered the courage to look, the two pink lines appeared before me, shining with the certainty I wanted to avoid. More than a simple sign; they were a cry of reality staring at me, assuring me that the result was positive.

A few months ago, my life was completely different from what it is now. Back then, I was Alexander's secret girlfriend... yes, my boss, the CEO of one of the most prominent companies in the country. Alexander was everything any woman could want: he possessed brilliant intelligence, a charisma that lit up any room, and an extremely attractive appearance that did not go unnoticed.

Our relationship started in a strictly professional way; we were both part of the same team and worked side by side on different projects. However, as the days went by and we spent more time together in the office, the connection we began to develop was transforming.

However, our relationship came to an abrupt end. Alexander felt it would be best for both of us if we went our separate ways. He told me that he couldn't afford distractions in his professional life and that our relationship was a risk he couldn't take.

I got up from the edge of the bathtub and went to the mirror. As I looked at myself, I saw my eyes filled with tears, reflecting the whirlwind of emotions that dominated my mind. Confusion and fear intertwined in my thoughts. How was I going to deal with this situation? How could I face Alexander and tell him that I was expecting his child? The mere thought of having that conversation filled me with panic. It was clear that I had to make a decision, and I had to do it urgently.

I made the decision not to share this information with anyone, and in particular, not to tell him anything. I didn't want to run the risk of this news leaking out somehow and jeopardizing his career, which he had worked so hard to build. Furthermore, I was in a sea of doubt as to his possible reaction. I didn't know if he would offer me his support or if, on the contrary, he would reject me. The uncertainty of not knowing his answer was truly overwhelming and caused me great anguish.

The first few weeks of my pregnancy were an emotional roller coaster. My body was undergoing significant changes, and my hormones seemed to have gone haywire, causing a series of unforeseen reactions. A feeling of nausea accompanied me almost continuously, while fatigue became increasingly overwhelming, leaving me without energy and feeling exhausted at all times. However, the most distressing thing about this stage was the fears that invaded my mind. I felt a deep fear of the unknown, of the uncertainty that awaited me. The thought of having to face Alexander filled me with unease.

I made an effort to keep my daily routine as normal as possible. I went to the office every morning, greeting my colleagues with a smile, and carried out my professional tasks with the same dedication and commitment as always. However, every time I crossed glances with Alexander, I could feel my heart racing, as if I were on the verge of an imminent revelation of my secret. I tried to avoid him as much as possible, but in such a small work environment, where we all shared the same space, that was almost an impossible mission.

It was just another day at the office, but the atmosphere felt heavier than usual. I was in the kitchen, making myself a cup of tea in the hope that the heat and aroma of the brew would relieve the nausea that had been plaguing me for a while. As I waited for the water to boil, the sound of the door opening snapped me out of my thoughts.

Alexander appeared in the doorway, illuminating the space with his characteristic smile. He approached me confidently, but at the same time seemed attentive to how I was feeling.

“How are you, Elizabeth?” he asked, his voice soft and laden with concern.

“I'm fine, thank you,” I replied, avoiding his gaze. My eyes drifted to an undefined point on the floor, as if seeking refuge in that safe place, away from the intensity of his scrutiny. The truth was, I didn't feel as good as I said I did, but something inside me urged me to lie, to keep up appearances. I could feel the weight of the conversation in the air, but I'd rather not let words come between us. After all, sometimes it's easier to say we're fine than to open the door to how we're really feeling.

“You look a little pale. Are you really sure everything is okay?" he asked, his concern showing. I nodded quickly, trying to control my emotions and keep them from overflowing.

“Yes, it's just a little stress. It's nothing to worry about," I replied, with a lie on my lips.

Alexander watched me intently for a moment, as if he had the ability to see through the facade I had built around myself. After a moment that seemed eternal, he nodded and turned away, walking away from me. Thus, he left me alone with my thoughts and worries. I experienced a fleeting relief to see him go; however, deep down, I knew I couldn't keep this up indefinitely. Sooner or later, I would be forced to face the harsh reality that lay before me and make a crucial decision about my future and that of my baby.

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