–
Chapter 3 Another Betrayal
I woke up to the smell of antiseptic wafting through my nose. Groaning softly, I opened my eyes to see the white ceiling of the hospital.
I sat up on the bed and cried out in pain. My ribs still hurt from where my father had struck me.
The door opened and a nurse came inside, smiling at me.
“Aria, you’ve become a frequent visitor in this hospital,” she said jokingly.”
“What happened?” I groaned, smiling sheepishly.
“A cleaner brought you here. She said she saw you passed out on the floor in your house,” the nurse explained.}
A bitter smile crossed my lips as I stared at the nurse and nodded.
So they couldn’t even be bothered to bring me to the hospital. They left me there for the cleaners to find me.
“Is there anything you wanna tell me, Aria?” the nurse asked.
I frowned, “What do you mean?“}
“You showed up here with three broken ribs, Aria, and a few weeks ago you showed up here with multiple stab injuries. Are you being abused at home?” the nurse asked gently.§
I chuckled sadly, “I’m fine. It was an accident, I can take care of myself.“}
The nurse sighed, “Well, don’t have any more ‘accidents‘ Aria because the next one could be fatal for your pregnancy,” she stated.}
My eyes were filled with tears as I touched my stomach.
Three weeks ago after treatment the nurse had told me that I was pregnant and lucky that my child had survived.§
I still recalled vividly how I had gotten pregnant. It was a rainy night and Austin had come back late and drunk.
He was so drunk he thought I was Mira–and I let him believe it. Just for one night, I wanted to feel wanted. I was a fool.”
When he woke up the following day he had acted so coldly toward me and even accused me of seducing him.
“You’re three months pregnant, Aria, you’re very lucky you didn’t lose your child,” the doctor had told me that night.}
If Mira hadn’t sent me those videos maybe I would have been excited.
And even when I got better I decided to keep the baby and leave but after seeing the picture I saw online and hearing Mira’s vile words, I knew I wouldn’t have the heart to have this baby.
How could I raise a child and keep looking at the child whose father killed my little brother in cold blood?
“Aria?” the nurse snapped her fingers in my face, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“I have decided that I want an abortion, Nurse, I don’t want to keep the baby again,” I said to her.”
The nurse stared at me like I had gone mad.}
“An abortion?! Your baby is already four months old,” she said.}
I shrugged, “I have made my decision. Please give me the necessary forms to fill.”}
“But… What about the baby daddy? Your husband?” the nurse asked worriedly.
I shook rny head, “I don’t have a husband and the baby daddy is dead.”}
The nurse nodded, “Since you’re so sure I’ll arrange for the paperwork.”}
The nurse left and arrived shortly with some forms. I filled the forms and agreed to have the procedure done.
The nurse stared at me before collecting the form, “Are you certain, Aria?“>
I nodded, “Now can I go?“⇓
She smiled, “Of course, you’re free to go. Come back tomorrow for the procedure.”
I grabbed my phone that was on the table and saw a series of missed calls from the number I had called earlier followed by a message.
I’m worried, Aria, why aren’t you picking my calls?‘
I’ve booked your flight.
‘Still no response. I can’t wait anymore, I’m on a flight to meet you. I’ll pick you up myself.
I smiled as I sent a quick message to him then I checked my phone. No other messages from my father or Austin, not even Mira
I left the hospital room and headed outside but stopped when I heard Mira’s voice.
“Yes, he’s super sweet,” she was saying.
I turned to see Mira and Austin in the hospital room as a doctor checked Mira.
“I’m so glad you have a supportive husband to help you through your pregnancy, Mira,” the doctor was saying.
Right before my eyes, Austin kissed Mira, “It’s my pleasure, Mira completes me.”
I stumbled back and headed to the restroom and threw up.
I was filled with so much disgust. To think that I had loved this guy for twelve years.
The door opened and I heard Mira’s mocking voice.
Did you enjoy the show? I knew you were snooping outside,” Mira giggled.
“Get out of here, Mira,” I snarled.
Heartbreaking Ne
11:58 PM
0
“Why won’t you just die, huh? Even after we left you to bleed out on the floor. You’re just a pesky little fly that won’t die!” Mira snapped. “I’ll be out of your way soon, Mira, just leave me alone,” I said.
“Did you know that I ordered the maids to sweep your brother’s ashes and throw them into the bin,” Mira mocked, laughing heartily.” Without thinking, I lunged toward her and grabbed her hair.
“You evil bitch! You killed him and you won’t even let him rest in peace,” I snarled.§
Mira shrieked, “Help! She’s hurting me.”
The door swung open and Austin stepped in, his eyes red and wide with fury.
“What are you doing to her?” he snapped at me.§
“She made you kill my brother, Austin, and now she’s ruined his ashes. She didn’t need the –”
A resounding slap landed on my cheeks nearly blinding me.
“Your brother’s life is nothing compared to the life of Mira,” Austin said coldly.
My mouth hung open in shock as I watched him lead Mira out.
Enraged with fury, I lunged toward them but Austin hand shot out as he punched me causing me to stumble and fall.
My stomach hit the sharp edge of the sink as I crumpled to the floor. A sharp, stabbing pain shot through my abdomen.
I gasped.
Warmth spread between my legs. I looked down and saw blood seeping through my jeans, pooling on the white tiles beneath me.” My heart pounded.”
“Austin,” I choked, voice barely a whisper. “Mira… please–help…”
“You could die for all I care!” Austin snapped.
Mira glanced back once, her lips twitching into a smug smile as she mouthed, “Die,” before disappearing down the hall with Austin’s arm around her waist.
11:59 PM
Aria’s Pov