Angel had spent more than a month in Greenbay Town, slowly adapting to her new life. The town was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of Southbay City. The people were friendly, welcoming her with open arms, and she had built a routine that kept her occupied. Most of her time was spent at the hospital, which had transformed significantly since her arrival.
With steady funding from the Mondiego Empire, the once struggling clinic had evolved into a fully functioning town hospital. The change was drastic. Before, the hospital barely survived, lacking proper equipment and staff. Now, it attracted skilled doctors, boasting a team of ten, including Angel. With the influx of tourists, travelers, and casino players from nearby areas, the hospital had become profitable. The improvements made Angel proud—she had turned things around, giving the town a hospital they could rely on.
Monday nights were often quiet, as most tourists and travelers left by Sunday. The usual patients were those involved in minor accidents at the casino or injuries from reckless behavior. That evening, after finishing her shift, Angel signed off and walked home. Her house was only a short distance from the hospital, and she enjoyed the walk. It was a simple pleasure that allowed her to unwind after long hours of work.
Before heading home, she stopped by a small diner and bought takeout for dinner. Cooking after an exhausting shift was never an option for her, so this had become her routine. Once she reached home, she set her food on the table and turned on a medical drama. Watching movies and TV series had become her comfort, her escape from reality. It helped distract her from the thoughts she tried to suppress.
As she was about to take her first bite, a sudden wave of nausea hit her. Her stomach churned violently, forcing her to rush to the kitchen sink. She tried to vomit but couldn’t. The sensation was strong but unproductive, leaving her weak and unsettled. She rinsed her mouth and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Looking at her meal again, she felt another wave of discomfort. The mere sight of it made her stomach twist. Frustrated, she set the food aside and opted for instant noodles instead. It was the only thing she could stomach without feeling sick. After eating, she took the leftover takeout outside and fed the stray cats that often lingered near her house. She had grown fond of them, finding comfort in their presence.
Saturday morning arrived, and Angel’s body felt heavy. The exhaustion from back-to-back surgeries and the lack of proper rest had caught up to her. She decided to take a sick leave, knowing she wouldn’t be able to function properly at work. She rarely took time off, but today, she had no choice.
As she attempted to get up and fetch some medicine, dizziness washed over her. She grabbed onto the side desk for support, her body swaying unsteadily. Something wasn’t right.
A nagging thought crossed her mind, one she had been ignoring for weeks. Taking a deep breath, she walked toward her medicine cabinet and pulled out a small box. Her hands trembled slightly as she carried it to the bathroom.
Minutes later, she emerged, her face pale as a ghost. In her hands was a pregnancy test, displaying two red lines.
Her breath hitched. Her mind went blank.
She was pregnant.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She sat down on the bed, staring at the test, unable to process the truth. She had been feeling off for weeks—waves of nausea, fatigue, dizziness—but she had brushed it off as stress. Now, she knew the real reason.
Her hands unconsciously rested on her stomach. There was life growing inside her. A part of Hunter.
Tears welled in her eyes, but she wasn’t sure if they were from fear, shock, or something else entirely. Her heart pounded as the weight of the situation settled in. What was she supposed to do now?
Her fingers tightened around the test. She had left Southbay City to escape the chaos, to find peace. But now, her past had caught up to her in the most unexpected way.
Hunter.
His name echoed in her mind. Would he ever find out? Should she tell him? The thought terrified her. He had already suffered so much, had fought his way back from the darkness. Would this news bring him happiness, or would it only complicate his life further?
She wiped her tears, trying to think rationally. This wasn’t just about her anymore. It wasn’t just about Hunter either. A new life was at stake—one she had to protect, no matter what.
As she lay back on the bed, exhaustion taking over, she whispered to herself, “What am I going to do now?”
Outside, the town remained as peaceful as ever, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her heart.