Chapter 13: Trust Issues

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Angel I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts a chaotic mess

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Angel
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts a chaotic mess. Guilt gnawed at me like a relentless beast, the weight of my situation pressing down. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was dragging Alexander into a life filled with uncertainty and danger. He deserved better, and yet, here I was, pregnant with his child and scared of what the future held.

The door creaked open, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. It was Lilah, her warm presence bringing a flicker of comfort. She walked in, her expression a mix of concern and maternal instinct. "Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked softly, setting a small bag down on the bedside table.

"I'm managing," I replied, forcing a weak smile. "Just a little nauseous."

"Here, I brought you something," she said, rummaging through the bag. She pulled out a bottle of anti-nausea medication. "It's safe for you to take, and it should help settle your stomach."

I took the bottle, my fingers brushing against hers. "Thank you, Lilah. I really appreciate it."

She sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes scanning my face. "You're worried about Alexander, aren't you?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I am. I don't want to put him in a position where he has to choose between me and whatever mess my father left behind. It feels unfair."

Lilah shook her head, her gaze firm. "You're not a burden, Angel. You're a part of this family now, and we'll all support you. Alexander may be struggling with his feelings, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care."

"I know," I replied, but doubt still lingered in my heart. "It's just hard to trust that everything will be okay. What if he doesn't want this baby? What if he resents me for it?"

"Those are valid concerns, but you can't let fear dictate your choices," Lilah said, placing a hand on my knee. "Trust is built through communication. You have to talk to him, even when it feels daunting. Keeping this to yourself will only create more distance between you."

"I want to, I really do. But I don't know how to start," I admitted, feeling the vulnerability wash over me.

Lilah smiled gently. "Start with honesty. Tell him how you feel, and let him share his thoughts. You might be surprised by how much he wants to support you."

I nodded, trying to take her words to heart. The thought of opening up to Alexander was terrifying, but I needed to confront my fears head-on. I couldn't let my guilt and anxiety create a rift between us.

"Now, let's see if we can make you feel a little better," Lilah said, standing up. "I'll whip up something light for you to eat. Just a little toast or something. You need to keep your strength up."

"Really? You don't have to," I protested, but she waved my words away.

"Nonsense. You need someone to take care of you right now," she replied, heading toward the door. "I'll be right back."

As she left, I took a moment to breathe. The medication felt like a small glimmer of hope, and Lilah's kindness reassured me that I wasn't completely alone in this chaotic world. I grabbed my phone, contemplating reaching out to Alexander, but fear held me back. I needed to gather my thoughts first.

When Lilah returned, she carried a plate with lightly buttered toast and a cup of herbal tea. "Here you go," she said, setting the food in front of me. "Take your time. And don't forget to take that medication."

I smiled at her, grateful for her support. "Thank you, Lilah. You really don't know how much this means to me."

She settled back into the chair, watching as I took a tentative bite. "How does it taste?"

"It's good," I replied, savoring the warmth and comfort of the simple meal. "I didn't realize how hungry I was."

"Good. You need to keep your strength up for both you and the baby," she reminded me, her gaze softening. "And remember, you're part of this family now. We'll figure things out together."

After finishing my toast, I leaned back against the pillows, the warmth of the tea settling in my stomach. I felt a little better, but my mind was still racing. Trusting Alexander felt like a leap into the unknown, but maybe Lilah was right. I had to confront my fears and take that leap.

As I prepared to face the truth, I realized I was more determined than ever to find the courage to talk to Alexander. I wanted him to be a part of my life and this baby's life, but I needed to trust him enough to open up completely.

With renewed resolve, I made a silent promise to myself. I would tell him everything, no matter how scary it felt. I couldn't let fear keep me from the connection we shared. I had to trust that our love was strong enough to withstand the storm ahead.

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