Chapter 63

Chapter 63
As Dr. Rashid led Fernandez into the ward, he couldn't help but notice the air of authority surrounding the man. Fernandez's sharp gaze scanned the room, his eyes locking onto Anna's pale face. He rushed to her side, his large hand enveloping hers.
Anna's eyes fluttered open, her gaze meeting Fernandez's. His voice was laced with concern, but Anna's expression remained icy. "Anna, what have you done? You should have at least listened to my explanation. No! You left in anger. How are you feeling now, are you alright?"
Anna's eyes dropped to Fernandez's hand, her lips curling into a silent snarl. She gently pulled her hand free, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want to go home."
Fernandez's sigh was audible, his eyes clouding with worry. Dr. Rashid intervened, his voice calm and soothing. "Don't worry, she's safe now, but please take good care of her. She's experienced a shock. Please go and he her discharge papers"
Fernandez nodded, his gaze lingering on Anna's face before turning to Dr. Rashid. "I'll get her discharge papers while you check on her."
Dr. Rashid's expression was understanding. "Yes, please do. And remember, she needs rest and care."
As Fernandez left, Dr. Rashid turned to Anna, his voice low. "I sent him away because I know you want to keep your pregnancy a secret. Be careful, Anna. Don't stress yourself, and visit a gynecology department for further guidance. Take care."
Anna's voice stopped him at the door. "Thank you so much, Doctor."
Dr. Rashid turned, his eyes warm with kindness. "You're welcome, Anna. Take care of yourself." With that, he left, leaving Anna to her thoughts.
Fernandez approached the reception desk, discharge papers in hand, ready to settle the hospital bill. But the receptionist waved him off, "No need to pay, sir. Dr. Rashid has taken care of it."
Fernandez's eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying as he turned to Dr. Rashid. The doctor shifted uncomfortably, sensing the unspoken question. "I didn't mean anything by it, sir. I just...I was the one who almost hit her, and I felt responsible."
Fernandez's expression remained cold, but he nodded curtly. "Let's go, Anna."
Anna's arms were still linked with Fernandez's, a gesture she despised, but she didn't want to create a scene in the hospital. As they stepped outside, she swiftly pulled her arm free, putting distance between them.
Fernandez sighed, understanding her need for space. He opened the car door for her, and Anna slid in, her eyes fixed on the seat ahead.
The drive back to the hotel was shrouded in silence. Fernandez didn't know how to bridge the gap between them, so he let the quietness hang in the air. Anna's thoughts swirled around her, her mind still reeling from the revelation of her pregnancy.
As they arrived at the hotel, Fernandez turned off the engine, his eyes meeting Anna's in the rearview mirror.
Fernandez's eyes followed Anna as she walked into the hotel, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. He missed the Anna who would banter with him, not this quiet, distant version.
As they entered their luxury suite, Anna headed straight for the bathroom, seeking solace in a warm shower. Under the cascading water, she gently rubbed her belly, a sense of wonder and responsibility washing over her. A tiny life was growing inside her, dependent on her for care and nourishment.
After her shower, Anna changed into comfortable pyjamas, her appetite nonexistent. But recalling Dr. Rashid's words, she knew she had to eat for the sake of her unborn child. Fernandez's question broke the silence, "What do you want to eat?"
Anna sighed, her eyes meeting his. "I'll go for something healthy."
Fernandez nodded, relieved she responded. He ordered their food, and the butler arrived with a delectable spread: grilled chicken breast, steamed vegetables, quinoa, and a fresh fruit salad. The aroma wafting from the dishes was enticing, and Anna's stomach growled in response.
Fernandez pulled out a chair for Anna, his eyes encouraging her to eat. Anna hesitated, then began to pick at her food, her movements mechanical. Fernandez watched, his expression softening. He wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but he sensed she wasn't ready.
As they ate in silence, the tension between them was palpable, a mix of unspoken emotions and unresolved issues. Fernandez's eyes never left Anna's face, his gaze a silent plea for her to open up, to talk to him. But Anna's walls were up, her focus on the tiny life growing inside her.
Fernandez also left to shower, while he was under the shower he thought of every possible way to cheer Anna up or make her talk to him.
He settled onto the bed beside Anna, his eyes fixed on her back. He longed to reach out, to touch her, but he hesitated, sensing her tension. The silence between them was thick, heavy with unspoken emotions.
"Anna, I think we need to talk," Fernandez said finally, his voice low and gentle.
Anna didn't respond, her back still turned to him. Fernandez knew she wasn't asleep; he could sense her awareness.
"Anna, please listen to me. Just hear me out. Let's talk this through like adults," he pleaded, his voice laced with frustration.
Anna sighed, her shoulders tensing. "Can I please have a peaceful sleep? If you don't want me here, then maybe we'll eventually need two suites," she said, her voice tight.
Fernandez's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. He wanted to argue, to insist they talk, but something in Anna's tone made him pause. He realized she was at her breaking point, and pushing her further would only drive her away.
With a quiet sigh, Fernandez turned onto his side, his back to Anna. The silence between them grew, a chasm of unresolved issues and unspoken emotions. The darkness of the room seemed to swallow them whole, leaving only the sound of their quiet breathing.
As they lay there, the distance between them felt like an insurmountable barrier, a reminder of the fragile state of their relationship.