Selena lay on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling.
Bruno sat beside her. "You've been quiet."
"I'm fine," Selena said softly.
"Selena," he said again. "Talk to me."
The door opened and the doctor walked in.
"Good afternoon, Miss Selena," he said.
Bruno stood. "How is she?"
"She's fine," the doctor said. "But there's something you should know."
Selena sat up. "What is it?"
The doctor smiled gently. "You're one month pregnant."
Selena froze. "What?"
Bruno blinked. "Pregnant?"
"Yes," the doctor said. "The test is confirmed. I just wanted to let you know so you can start taking care of yourself."
Selena placed a hand on her stomach.
The doctor gave a few instructions about rest and checkups, then left the room.
Bruno sat down again. "Are you going to tell Adrian?"
Selena's face hardened. "No."
He frowned. "You're sure?"
"Yes."
"He humiliated you," Bruno said softly. "But this child… it's his too."
Selena shook her head. "No. This child is mine. He lost the right to be part of our lives the moment he treated me like that."
Bruno looked at her. "You're thinking about revenge."
"I'm thinking about becoming someone he will regret losing," Selena said.
"And how are you planning to do that?"
"I'm going to leave for a while."
"Leave?"
"Yes."
"For how long?"
"Long enough for him to forget me."
"And then?"
"Then I come back."
"And?"
Selena's eyes were steady. "And he won't recognize me."
Bruno was quiet for a moment. "Then I'll help you."
"No daddy," Selena said immediately.
"Why not?"
"Because this is my battle….for me to fight..alone"
"You're my daughter."
"I know….please understand me daddy ," she said. "I need to do this myself…I need to be stronger ."
Bruno looked at her hand on her stomach. "You're pregnant, Selena."
"And that's exactly why I have to be strong….for my myself and most especially for my baby."
He sighed. "You're stubborn…..just like your late mother "
Selena gave a small smile.
Bruno shook his head, then said, "Fine. Fight your battle."
Selena nodded. "I will…. I love you daddy."
Bruno kissed her forehead."I love you too my sugarplum….and my future grandchild"
Selena touched her stomach unconscious while in thought."Adrian …you won't see me coming ."
And this time, she meant it.