Chapter 64

Chapter 64
Anna's eyes fluttered open, her gaze blurry as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings. She rubbed her eyes, yawned lazily, and sat up, her mind foggy. As her vision cleared, she realized she wasn't in Soraya's hotel suite, but in the Antonio's mansion. Confusion washed over her. How did she get here? They had just gone to sleep, and now it was...she glanced at her phone...2 pm.
Anna's stomach growled, protesting the long sleep. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her hand instinctively cradling her belly. She needed to see a gynecologist, but first, she had to visit her mother.
Just as she stood up go and pee in the restroom, the door opened, and Fernandez walked in, his casual outfit a stark contrast to his usual formal attire. His eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense.
"You're awake," he stated, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine.
Anna nodded, her voice still husky from sleep. "Why didn't you wake me up?"
Fernandez approached her, his expression softening. "I tried, but you didn't respond. You were exhausted, so I carried you to the plane, and we arrived an hour ago."
Anna's eyes widened, incredulous. "I slept for so long?"
Fernandez nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "You needed it. But now, you must be hungry. Let's get you something to eat."
Anna's stomach growled in agreement, but her mind was still reeling. She had so many questions, so many things to do. But first, she needed to eat then she'll visit her mother.
Anna finished her bath, rubbing her belly, still flat and bump-free. She dressed in a loose-fitting dress, determined to keep her pregnancy a secret for now. Downstairs, the maid, Sarah, had arranged a sumptuous lunch: roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, quinoa, and fresh fruit. The aroma wafting from the dishes was enticing, and Anna's hunger got the better of her. She devoured the food, requesting more, much to Fernandez's surprise.
As they ate, Fernandez's eyes lingered on Anna, but she glared at him, and he quickly looked away. After lunch, Anna retreated to their room, returning with her handbag. Fernandez, seated in the living room, wondered how to bridge the gap between them.
"Where are you going, Anna?" Fernandez asked, standing up as Anna approached.
"I'm going to meet my mom," she replied, not meeting his gaze.
Fernandez nodded. "Okay, I'll drop you."
Anna quickly disagreed. "No, the driver will take me."
Fernandez settled back down, watching as Anna left for the parking lot. The car door opened, and she slid in, the driver shutting the door behind her.
As the car drove away, Fernandez sighed, feeling frustrated. Anna was stubborn, refusing to listen to his side of the story, convinced he was the villain. But he knew the truth would eventually come out.
The car ride to her parents' house was short, and Anna's mind race with the thought of her mother's illness.
As Anna stepped into her childhood home, a mix of emotions flooded her senses. The familiar scent of fresh flowers and baked goods wafted through the air, transporting her back to a time when life was simpler. But the reason for her visit was far from simple.
"Mom?" Anna called out softly, her voice trembling.
Mrs. Silvia Anderson, lost in thought, didn't respond. Anna's eyes welled up with tears as she took in her mother's frail appearance. The vibrant woman she once knew was now a shadow of her former self.
Anna rushed to her mother's side, embracing her tightly. "Mom, I'm so sorry," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Mrs. Anderson's eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition. "Anna, my dear, you're home," she said, her voice weak but filled with warmth.
Anna held her mother at arm's length, taking in the changes. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed sunken and tired. The weight loss was evident, and the redness in her eyes hinted at the pain she was enduring.
"Mom, why didn't you tell me?" Anna asked, her voice cracking.
Mrs. Anderson's eyes, once bright and full of life, now dimmed with tears, as she gazed at Anna. "What didn't I tell you, dear?" she asked, her voice trembling, trying to maintain a facade of ignorance.
Anna's grip on her mother's shoulders tightened, her eyes blazing with a mix of emotions - shock, guilt, and sadness. "Stop pretending, Mom. I know you're battling stage four cancer. I can see it in your eyes, your weight loss...everything. Why didn't you tell me?"
Tears burst forth from Mrs. Anderson's eyes like a dam breaking, her face contorted in anguish. "Forgive me, Anna. I didn't want you to feel guilty or worried. I kept it a secret to protect you, to spare you the pain."
Anna's own tears flowed freely, streaming down her face like rain, as she wiped her mother's face. "How could I not know, Mom? I feel like a terrible daughter. I thought you neglected me on purpose, but you were suffering in silence. Oh, Mom, I'm so sorry."
Mrs. Anderson's body shook with sobs, her voice cracking. "No, Anna, don't apologize. This isn't your fault. I asked Fernandez to keep it a secret, to spare you the pain. I didn't want you to worry about me, to feel responsible."
Anna's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling with the revelation. "You instructed Fernandez not to tell me? I thought he knew and wasn't telling me, so I've been ignoring him. Oh, Mom, I've been so blind."
Mrs. Anderson nodded, her voice barely audible, her eyes red and puffy. "Yes, I didn't want you to worry. But now I see that secrets only lead to more pain. I was wrong to keep it from you, Anna."
Anna felt a wave of guilt wash over her, her heart heavy with regret. "Oh, Mom, I've been so wrong. I should have talked to Fernandez, listened to his side of the story. I've been so caught up in my own emotions, my own assumptions."
Mrs. Anderson's grip on Anna's hand tightened, her eyes locked on hers. "That's why you must always communicate, Anna. Don't assume the worst. Talk things out, and you'll avoid so much heartache. Forgive me, Anna, for not being honest with you."
As they hugged, both mother and daughter cried, releasing years of pent-up emotions. The secrets, the lies, the misunderstandings - all were washed away in that moment of raw honesty, leaving only love, regret, and a deep longing for what could have been.