Page 87 of My Sweetest Obsession

I buried my face in my hands. The anguish of losing a child I never even knew consumed me. Wondering what their first heartbeat would’ve sounded like, the first flutter inside me, those precious moments I would never get to experience.

They took something precious from me without remorse. How could anyone be so cruel? I never knew so much evil existed in this world until that moment.

Would the baby have resembled me or Nico?

Would we have welcomed a boy or a girl?

All those dreams were lost: choosing names, designing a nursery filled with love, not to mention the excitement of a baby shower with Tabi and Mya.

Another wave of grief crashed over me, each sob a reminder of what was taken away.

Valarie somehow managed to climb onto the bed, wrapping her arms around me as we cried together.

“Shh, it’s going to be okay,” she whispered, rocking me back and forth.

But how could she be so sure? There was a gaping hole in my heart, one that would never be filled. I would never cradle my baby in my arms or kiss those tiny hands.

Yet, deep inside, I knew one thing for sure. Revenge and death would come upon those who stole that life from me.

“We’re back!” Tabi exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement as she burst into the room, clutching a bag of food. Mya followed close behind her. Tristan and Aurelio were sprawled across the bed, completely absorbed in a brilliant array of colorful Legos. Their attention snapped to Tabi when they saw the Happy Meals she was holding. They tossed their Legos aside, leaping off the bed and racing toward them.

“Whoa, boys! Be careful!” Mya warned. “You could’ve hurt Gigi.”

The boys turned to me, their cute little faces etched with worry. “We’re sorry, Gigi,” they chimed in unison.

“It’s okay. You didn’t hurt me,” I reassured them with a smile. They beamed back at me before following Tabi and Mya to the table to help set up the food.

“I got you a burger,” Tabi announced. She marched over to me, a triumphant grin on her face.

“Thank you,” I smiled, accepting the burger and a stack of napkins.

“I still can't wrap my head around the fact that your aunt is actually alive,” Tabi said, her voice laced with compassion.

“I know, it’s hard to process,” I admitted.

“I’m so happy you have family from your mom’s side.” Tabi smiled lovingly.

“Me too. It’s weird. In so many ways, she reminds me so much of Mom. The way she talks and smiles, and her protectiveness over me.”

“What do you think is going to happen next?” Mya asked.

I shrugged. “I have no idea.”

“One day at a time, right?” Tabi winked.

I nodded.

She picked up my water jug, giving it a little shake. “I’ll get you some more water,” she offered, striding out of the room with the jug in hand.

“So…” Mya began, settling herself on the edge of the bed, her gaze fixed on me.

“So?” I echoed. I unwrapped my cheeseburger, eager for the first bite.

“Are you still freezing him out?” She popped a chicken nugget into her mouth, eyeing me expectantly.

I took a bite and savored the flavor, grateful for something that tasted good. “It’s nothing he doesn’t deserve,” I replied, a hint of defiance in my voice.

Mya gave me a sympathetic smile, her mouth full of fries. “I get it,” she said after swallowing. “Has he been in here to see you?” she asked.