At an airport bustling with people coming and going, a woman in a magenta dress with a prominent pregnant belly stood looking at the plane ticket in her hand. Her destination was the Netherlands, and her flight was scheduled to depart in three hours. She also held a medical certificate from the hospital. Taking a deep breath, she looked around. This was the umpteenth time she had to leave the city, always for the same reason: to avoid something she didn't want to face.
A few days ago, a hot piece of news about her had suddenly surfaced and become the talk of the town. Even though she had previously tried to erase most of the digital and physical traces that could lead to her real identity, she had been somewhat certain that no one would be able to find her whereabouts in the future.
However, that certainty crumbled when she watched the news herself on the television in her rented room while snacking. Her expression changed: shock, confusion, and frustration at how quickly and widely the news spread. Fortunately, her face was not clearly visible in the circulating video, thanks to her long blonde hair that covered most of her face.
However, what annoyed her the most were the exaggerated and accusatory narratives and headlines. Not to mention the hurtful comments from viewers. They called her a cheap woman, a seductress, even a prostitute, just because in the video she was seen flirting and joking with a young man, the heir to a wealthy and influential family, namely Azka Xavier. That man was none other than the father of the child she was currently carrying.
Well, even though it could be considered a little true because she was the one who first ignited the spark by teasing Azka, she still felt that she wasn't that bad. Even though she ended up spending a hot night with Azka because she lost control. Indeed, what the ancestors said was true: being alone in a room with someone can be very dangerous.
Sienna's anger escalated when she watched the press conference held by Azka. In his statement, Azka mentioned that the woman in the video was his wife whom he had married a few months ago due to an arranged marriage. The man also stated that the woman had now disappeared without a trace, and he vowed to search for her whereabouts no matter where.
That statement instantly made Sienna restless and filled with anxiety. She knew very well how much power the Xavier family had, and that was why she made the decision to move again, this time with more thorough preparation. She had obtained a flight permit from the hospital and planned to leave the city tonight. However, that alone was not enough. She had to be extra careful passing through the strict security protocols, because she didn't know how far the Xavier family's efforts to find her would go.
Fortunately, she had managed to change her identity and alter her appearance. She hoped that, at least this time, she could escape and live peacefully with the child now growing in her womb.
"Calm down, Sienna... Everything will be alright. They won't be able to find you if you manage to get out of here. You will live peacefully with your child later," she whispered, reassuring herself.
"And about that news... sooner or later it will subside. Just focus on this baby," she added, stroking her growing belly.
Her eyes looked around until her gaze fell on an empty chair not far from where she was standing. With slow steps, Sienna sat down there. She had arrived earlier than scheduled, so there was still time before the boarding process began. Occasionally, her hand stroked her increasingly large belly, caressing it gently while whispering positive words to the unborn baby growing inside her womb.
She took a deep breath. She didn't know whether to be grateful or not for her current condition. On one hand, she was grateful because she would become a mother, something she had longed for all this time. She promised to be a good, loving mother, always there for her child. But on the other hand, worry clouded her mind. What if Azka really managed to find her? What if the Xavier family intervened in her life?
"I shouldn't have done that to him back then..." Sienna muttered almost inaudibly. Regret arose as she remembered that night at the bar, when Azka, who was under the influence of alcohol, became so vulnerable. She took that opportunity, crossing the boundaries she should have maintained.
But, even though it started as a mistake, Sienna never regretted accepting the presence of this baby. She looked at her belly which suddenly trembled due to a gentle kick from within, as if the fetus was protesting.
A faint smile bloomed on her face. "But that doesn't mean Mama doesn't accept you," she said softly. "You are a gift... not a mistake."
Looking down and staring at her belly with teary eyes. "Forgive Mama... But soon we will go far from here. You won't meet your father. But Mama promises to take care of you, to take you to a safe place," she whispered. Her gaze was directed at the departure gate, then she smiled faintly.
She knew that her decision to separate her child from its father might sound cruel. However, she believed this was the best way. She didn't want her child to grow up under the shadow of the Xavier family, which was full of pressure. Moreover, danger always lurked around that family, from business rivals and people who disliked their existence. This was the reality of real life.
In her deepest heart, Sienna had never expected that she would get pregnant from just that one night. Initially, she thought it was impossible, considering she was an active alcohol drinker. Everyone knew that excessive alcohol consumption could reduce fertility. However, fate apparently had its own way of changing everything.
Some people might choose to have an abortion, but Sienna was not that cruel. She wanted to be a mother. She loved this child, no matter what. Giving everything for her child's happiness was her determination since deciding to continue this pregnancy.
She didn't want to be a cruel parent like her own parents were. Let that misery end with her alone, not extend to her child in the future. Although she didn't know if her efforts would succeed or not, what was certain was that she would keep trying.
Suddenly, a strong kick from inside her stomach made her body jolt slightly. Sienna winced, holding back the sudden pain. Her movement caught the attention of a young man who had just sat down on the bench next to her.
"Are—Are you alright, Miss?" the man asked with a worried tone, his eyes looking at Sienna's belly with concern.
Sienna nodded slowly, although her face still showed traces of pain.
"Should I call a medical officer?" the man offered, hesitant about Sienna's brief answer.
"No need... This is just a normal reaction," she replied while holding her breath, her hand reflexively holding her belly.
"But... I don't know why he's suddenly so restless. Usually, just a rub and he'll calm down," Sienna continued, feeling her fetus kick harder until she unconsciously gripped the hand of the man beside her tightly.
The man looked at her for a moment, then without saying anything, he reached out his hand and slowly stroked Sienna's belly with gentleness and care, as if afraid of hurting her.
"Like this... is it better now?" he asked calmly.
Sienna was surprised. Miraculously, the kick that had felt strong earlier now turned into small movements, almost imperceptible. Meanwhile, the man beside her chuckled softly, looking amused by the gentle movements of the fetus in her belly.
"Do you like that, hmm?" the man murmured while rubbing a little faster, his expression showing genuine fondness for the small movements.
Hearing his voice, Sienna flinched slightly. There was something in the tone of the man's voice that made her feel familiar. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to remember where she knew him from. However, her memory felt hazy.
"Is he always like this?" the man asked again in a light tone.
Sienna paused, unsure how to answer. "No, he's usually not like this," she replied softly.
She looked down, staring at her belly with a questioning gaze. In her heart, she felt surprised. "This is strange. Why is the fetus suddenly so calm? And why does the voice of the man beside me sound so familiar?"
A foreign feeling arose within her. A subtle vibration, as if her body recognized something that couldn't be explained by logic. Her heart began to beat faster, not only because of the presence of the fetus in her belly, but also because of the presence of the strange man who made her uneasy for no apparent reason.
Sienna glanced at the man slowly. Her eyes traced the lines of his face with a faint sense of curiosity. She wanted to ask who the man was. However, her tongue felt tied. All she could do was stare and guess, while hoping time would pass quickly so she wouldn't dwell in this confusion for too long.
"Really?" the man asked, responding to her previous answer.
Sienna nodded slowly. She reflexively held the man's hand, then fell silent for a moment when she felt a subtle tremor that made her heart beat faster. For some reason, that touch felt familiar, warm, and slightly shook her emotions.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have touched you so casually," the man said with a regretful tone.
"It's alright. You don't need to apologize. Besides, you didn't have any bad intentions. I'm actually grateful... because thanks to you, he's much calmer now," Sienna replied with a faint smile.