Alina's pov-
"I feel much better now," I thought to myself, with my eyes still closed. How long have I been sleeping? Perhaps I could rest a little while longer.
I slowly opened my eyes, greeted by the sterile brightness of the hospital room's ceiling. The fluorescent lights glared down at me, casting the room in an unnerving glow. As I shifted my gaze, I caught sight of Danielle, her figure poised in the sleek contours of a modern wingback chair, legs crossed and book in hand. She seemed lost in the pages before her, her concentration evident in the furrow of her brow and the gentle sway of her free hand.
Turning back to my own thoughts, I couldn't help but trace the curve of my belly with my palm, a gentle reminder of the life growing within. "There's a baby inside it," I murmured softly to myself, the weight of that reality settling in.
"Ellie, are you awake?" Danielle's voice broke through my reverie, causing me to startle slightly. Setting her book aside, she approached me with a mixture of concern and tenderness, her movements graceful yet deliberate.
I sat up slowly, leaning back against the headboard as Danielle enveloped me in a comforting embrace. "I know you're going through a lot right now," she murmured, her voice laced with empathy.
"I'm alright," I reassured her, mustering a semblance of cheerfulness to ease her worry. "I know you're a very busy person, and rarely have time for anything, so please get back to your work," I teased gently, trying to lighten the mood.
As I mentioned her manager, Sam, Danielle's demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of nervousness crossing her features. I couldn't help but playfully chide her for her secrecy, despite knowing she was only trying to help.
"Alright, Ellie, I'll get back to work and give Sam a call," she conceded with a sigh, guiding me back down onto the bed with a gentle hand. "But promise me you'll take care of yourself, alright?"
I nodded, offering her a grateful smile as she turned to leave the room, her presence a comforting anchor in the storm of uncertainty that surrounded me.
My name is Alina Walker. At the age of 26, I stand as the Founder and CEO of SSA, also known as Stitched Saga by Alina. My journey in the clothing industry began at the tender age of 17, spurred by a familial legacy deeply entrenched in the business for generations. Drawing upon this rich heritage, my company swiftly gained recognition, earning its place among the top 50 best-selling clothing companies in just a few short years.
Amidst the whirlwind of professional success, my personal life has found a comforting anchor in the form of Lucian. We share the same age, and our relationship has blossomed over the past two years, evolving from a foundation of friendship cultivated over an additional two years prior. Our paths initially crossed through mutual friends, and it was during our final year that Lucian expressed his feelings for me. Despite lacking reciprocal emotions at the time, I accepted his confession out of a sense of obligation, considering his esteemed status and admirable qualities.
Lucian embodies traits of care, kindness, and unwavering affection, making him a loving partner in every sense of the word. Despite our deep emotional connection, our physical intimacy has remained restrained, limited to simple gestures like kisses, hand-holding, and occasional hugs. This boundary persists not due to any lack of attraction or admiration for Lucian, but rather because I've never felt a compelling desire to explore physical intimacy further.
I sat in the hospital room, waiting for the doctor's final check-up before being discharged. With a sense of urgency, I reached for my cell phone and dialed Lucian's number, knowing I had to share the news with him as soon as possible. Just then, a woman in blue scrubs entered the room, causing the door to swing inward.
"How are you feeling, Alina?" the doctor inquired politely, approaching me. Unbeknownst to me, the call had connected, and Lucian was at the other end.
"I'm feeling much better now," I replied, setting my phone down on the bed as the doctor continued her examination.
"This discomfort is common during your first month," she explained, handing me some medication. "You can take this whenever you feel uncomfortable."
"Thank you, I'll be sure to do that. Can I leave the hospital now?" I inquired, meeting her gaze.
"Madam Danielle instructed me to keep you here for at least two days for monitoring," she responded, breaking eye contact.
"Doctor, you know I'm fit to leave," I asserted, knowing her allegiance was to my sister, the owner of the hospital.
"Let me ask her..." she hesitated, and I pressed on, asserting my authority. "Mrs. Ail, I will inform my sister," I stated firmly.
"Alright," she acquiesced, summoning another staff member to arrange my discharge before taking her leave.
I smiled as she exited the room, then turned my attention back to my phone, only to realize the call had been ongoing for the past five minutes. Startled, I took the phone to my ear and spoke, "Hello... Lucian?"
"I'm on my way to the hospital," came his reply, his voice resonating with a richness and depth that seemed to emanate from his very core. Each word carried warmth, authority, and concern, enveloping me like a comforting embrace.
Standing outside the hospital, I watched the sky painted with a mix of colors, like a masterpiece crafted by nature itself. It was a magical sight, with hues of red, orange, yellow blending seamlessly with shades of blue, indigo, and violet.
As I waited for him to arrive, my mind buzzed with thoughts about the impending conversation. Surprisingly, I felt strangely detached, almost as if I had already come to terms with the worst-case scenario.
Soon, he appeared, walking briskly towards me. Despite the mix of emotions swirling inside me, there was no overwhelming sadness, just a quiet acceptance of what was to come.
With him by my side, I prepared myself for the difficult conversation ahead, finding comfort in the beauty of the world around us—a reminder that even in challenging times, there is still wonder and magic to be found.
I observed him intently. Standing at a height of 5 feet 11 inches, his tousled blonde hair, recently dyed, appeared as though he had hastily run his fingers through them without much care. Strands fell across his forehead, partially obscuring his eyes, yet failing to conceal their captivating round shape. His fair complexion accentuated the allure of his blue irises, set against the backdrop of his sharp jawline, a testament to his robust health.
Clad in a reddish-brown T-shirt and trousers, his well-built frame was unmistakable. Yet, with only these garments adorning him, he still stood out as the most attractive man on the planet.
Breathlessly, he approached me, gripping my shoulders firmly with both hands. His raised eyebrows and the faint lines on his forehead revealed his concern. "Ellie! What happened? Why were you hospitalized?" he inquired urgently, scanning me up and down with a worried expression. Before I could respond, I found my head resting against his chest, his arms enveloping me in a protective embrace. "I'm alright," I murmured, returning his hug.
To be continued!!