The nightmare always begins the same way. Rain.
Cold. Heavy. Relentless.
I am standing in front of Justin's house, my hands trembling as I try to steady my breathing. The night air wraps around me, but it does nothing to calm the fear tightening in my chest.
"I'm pregnant."
The words still echo in my mind like they were spoken yesterday.
The silence that followed was worse than any rejection.
His expression changed instantly — not with happiness… not with love… but with something distant. Something final.
"No," he said.
Just one word.
I tried to explain. I tried to remind him of the love we shared — how strong it was, how real it felt.
But he wouldn't listen.
When I refused to leave, he opened the door wider — not to bring me in, but to push me out.
The rain poured heavily as he looked at me with cold eyes.
"Never come back here again."
Then the door shut.
I went back the next day. And the day after that. I begged. I called. I waited outside his house for hours.
But he refused to see me.
Refused to believe me.
And that night in the rain became the moment everything fell apart.
I wake up suddenly, gasping for air.
My heart pounds loudly in the darkness.
For a few seconds, I am still that girl outside his house.
But then reality returns.
The room is quiet.
Carefully, I get out of bed and walk down the hallway to my son's room. I push the door open gently and step inside.
He is sleeping peacefully.
So innocent.
I sit beside him and slowly trace my fingers through his hair, brushing it softly away from his forehead.
He looks so much like his father.
The same features. The same quiet expression even in sleep. My throat tightens, but I force myself to stay calm.
I lean closer and whisper softly, more to myself than to him.
"I will always take care of you… no matter what. I will never abandon you. Not like he did."
Because whatever happened between me and Justin, this child will never suffer for it.
I press a gentle kiss to his forehead, holding it there for a moment.
Then I stand and leave the room quietly, closing the door behind me.
Back in my bedroom, I take a glass of water and try to steady my thoughts.
The nightmares have started returning again.
Stronger.
More vivid.
As if something is trying to remind me of the past.
I lie down slowly, staring at the ceiling.
Maybe it's just stress.
Maybe it's just memories.
🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀
My name is Juliana Anderson.
I am a 24-year-old single mother, a businesswoman, and the founder of one of the fastest-growing fashion brands in the city — luxe cuts.
But before all of that… I was just a girl trying to survive.
Five years ago, my life changed completely when I gave birth to my son, Benjamin Anderson.
Ben is the best thing that ever happened to me.
No matter how painful the journey was, I would never change a single moment of it. Becoming his mother taught me strength I never knew I had.
During my pregnancy, I wasn't alone.
My best friend, Stacy Cooper, stood by me through everything. When I was tired, she was there. When I cried, she held me. When I struggled, she made sure I had food, support, and hope. She never left my side.
My parents also supported me emotionally, helping me through the hardest days of my life. Without them, I don't know how I would have survived.
And today, despite everything I went through, I am proud of the woman I have become.
"Ben! Breakfast is ready!" I called from the kitchen.
Footsteps pounded softly down the hallway.
My son walked in, rubbing his eyes slightly.
seeing him, a smile immediately made its way into my mouth. I remembered the first time I played eyes on him and I thought he was the cutest baby I had ever seen.
"Mom, I can't keep up with you if you keep spacing out like this," he said with a small smile.
I laughed gently. "Sorry, honey. Come and eat."
He sat down at the table.
"What were you thinking about?" he asked curiously.
I smiled at him.
"I was thinking about how amazing and awesome you are… and how lucky I am to have you as my son."
His face brightened immediately. "Oh. Thanks, Mom."
Then he paused.
"You said I'm the most amazing mom, right?" I teased.
"Yes," he replied with a smile — but his eyes didn't match it.
The sadness was still there.
My heart tightened. "What's wrong?"
He looked down at his food.
"I was just thinking… about Dad."
The room went quiet.
I took a slow breath.
His father was a topic I handled carefully.
"Yes," I said gently. "Your dad made a decision he felt was right for both of us."
Ben suddenly raised his voice. "That's a stupid decision!"
"Benjamin," I said firmly but calmly. "Control yourself."
He lowered his head, still upset.
I walked closer and softly patted his cheeks.
"Everything will be alright. Eat your food so you won't be late for school."
He nodded, but I could still see the sadness in his eyes.
Yes, I had told him about his father — but only the simple truth.
I told him that his dad was not with us anymore.
I never told him the full story.
I never spoke badly about him.
Because no matter what happened between us… Ben deserves to grow up without hatred in his heart.
After breakfast, I dropped him off at school.
Then I headed to my company.
As soon as I entered the office, I spoke to my secretary.
"Bring me today's schedule." I said and entered my office
few minutes later she came to my office and handed me the printed plan.
"Anything else, ma'am?"
"No, thank you."
i replied and she left.
Moments later, the door opened.
"Good morning, boss."
It was Stacy.
My best friend.
Head of the clothing department.
And my strongest supporter in business, just like she was in my personal life.
She closed the door behind her. "How are you?"
I sighed and sat down.
"Stressed."
Her expression changed immediately. "What happened?"
I hesitated before speaking.
"Ben asked about his father again this morning."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh no. Is he okay?"
"He's fine," I replied. "But this is the fifth time he's asked."
Stacy crossed her arms and corrected me gently.
"Actually… it's the seventh."
I gave her a tired look. "You're keeping count now?"
She shrugged. "Someone has to."
Despite everything, I couldn't help but smile.
Because even after all the pain, I built a life. I built a company. I built a future for my son.
And no matter what happened in my past…
I was determined to protect my peace.
After Stacey corrected me about it being the seventh time, I sighed softly.
"No matter how many times I tell Ben he's amazing… whenever I do, he remembers that he doesn't have a father figure," I admitted.
Stacey's expression softened. She let out a quiet sigh.
"I know how that can feel," she said gently. "I'm sorry."
I leaned back in my chair, exhaustion settling over me.
"I don't know, Stacey… I'm just tired. Sometimes I wish, for once, he would stop talking about having a father. It makes me remember Justin."
The name slipped out before I could stop it.
The air between us changed slightly.
Stacey didn't say anything for a moment.
Instead, she watched me carefully.
After a few seconds of silence, she suddenly brightened up.
"Okay. I have an idea."
I looked at her suspiciously.
"What now?"
"We're going clubbing tonight."
I immediately shook my head. "No."
She groaned. "Juliana, come on!"
"The last time we went, it wasn't pleasant," I reminded her firmly. "You overdrank. I had to carry you home. And there was no one to take care of Ben."
Stacey rolled her eyes. "That was one time."
"One very stressful time."
She quickly sat up straight. "This time will be different. We'll drop Ben at your parents' place. They love having him around."
I paused.
That part was true.
My parents adored Ben.
"And besides," she continued, "tomorrow is Saturday. We don't have to worry about school preparation. You can relax."
I hesitated again.
She raised her hands dramatically. "And I promise, I won't drink too much. Just a little."
I narrowed my eyes. "You said that last time."
She leaned closer with pleading eyes.
"Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. Please. It will help you clear your mind."
I stared at her.
She knew exactly how to push my buttons.
After a long moment, I finally sighed.
"Fine."
Her face lit up instantly.
"Yes!"
She stood up excitedly and gave me a high five. "Don't worry. You'll love it."
"I hope so," I muttered.
"Trust me," she said confidently. "I know so."
With that, she walked toward the door.
Before leaving, she turned back with a grin.
"Get ready. Tonight, we forget stress."
The door closed behind her.
I sat alone in my office for a moment.
This would be the second time I was going clubbing since giving birth to Ben.
The last time had not ended well. Stacey had been a complete mess from drinking too much, and I had spent the night taking care of her while also worrying about getting home safely to my son.
It hadn't been pleasant.
But maybe…
Just maybe…
She was right. Maybe I did need to clear my mind.
I exhaled slowly and leaned back in my chair.
I just hoped tonight would be different.
I dropped Ben off at my parents' house later that evening.
The moment he stepped out of the car, he ran into their arms.
"Be a good boy," I reminded him softly. "Listen to Grandma and Grandpa. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
"Okay, Mom," he said with a bright smile. "I love you."
My heart melted instantly.
"I love you the most," I replied, pulling him into a tight hug.
He giggled before running inside the house.
I walked toward my parents and smiled.
"Okay, Mom. Dad. I'll pick him up tomorrow."
They both nodded warmly.
"Okay, sweetie. Have fun," my mother said gently. My parents had supported me through everything.
When they found out what Justin did, they were heartbroken. They even tried to reach out to him, hoping he would accept responsibility. But he refused.
After that, they advised me to leave him alone. My mother always told me, "He will call someday… but by then, it might be too late."
At the time, I didn't understand what she meant.
Now I do.
My mother used to love Justin. They all did. But after what happened, everything changed. I don't think they even think about him anymore.
In fact… my mother hates him now.
"Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad," I said softly.
"Bye, sweetheart," they replied.
I walked back to Stacy, and together we drove to the club.
At the Club
The music was loud, the lights flashing in every direction.
"I'm just trying to relax," I told Stacy over the music. "But these basketball guys won't stop staring."
One of them kept looking at me like I was something to claim. And maybe I made it worse.
I probably shouldn't have worn this outfit.
A black crop top with spaghetti straps.
A short black leather skirt.
And maroon knee-high boots that Stacy insisted I wear. She had argued with me for ten minutes before I agreed.
Now I was beginning to regret it.
While Stacy danced, I tried to ignore the attention. But then he approached me. "Hey, sugar. Wanna dance?" he asked, smiling lazily.
I could smell alcohol on his breath.
He was drunk.
"Get out of here before I make you," I replied, trying to sound confident.
He smirked.
"Feisty. I like it. Come on, babe. Just one dance." Before I could move away, his hand grabbed my waist.
"Let me go!" I snapped. He pulled me closer.
"Stop trying to escape. One dance won't hurt."
He leaned in closer, attempting to kiss me.
That was when I slapped him hard across the face.
"Let go! His expression changed instantly.
Anger replaced the smile.
"I'm tired of playing nice," he growled. "I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget."
He dragged me toward a darker corner.
"Help!" I tried to shout, struggling against him.
But before he could do anything else—
Someone grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back violently.
Punch.
Another punch.
The sound of fists hitting skin filled the air.
"Stop! You're going to kill him!" I yelled, trying to intervene.
But the stranger didn't stop.
"Next time you'll think twice before touching a woman like that," he said coldly.
"Please stop! You've done enough!" I insisted.
Finally, he stepped back.
He grabbed my arm gently and pulled me away from the corner.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I nodded shakily. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Then he looked at me more carefully.
And something about his face felt… familiar.
He stared for a long moment.
And then it hit me.
He wasn't just some stranger.
He was one of Justin's friends. The same one who had refused to let me see him years ago.
The one who told me I was lying about the pregnancy. My breath caught.
All the buried memories resurfaced at once.
Without thinking, I pulled away and rushed out of the club.
I didn't want to see anyone connected to that part of my life.
Not tonight.
Not ever again.
Tears filled my eyes as I stepped outside.
My hands trembled.
I quickly texted Stacy:
Meet me in the car.
Later That Night
When we got home, Stacy immediately noticed something was wrong.
"What happened? Why did you leave so suddenly?"
I hesitated before answering.
"I saw one of Justin's friends."
Her eyes widened.
"The same one who stopped you from seeing him?"
I nodded.
"The one who said he didn't want to see my face… because he believed I was lying about the pregnancy."
Stacy frowned deeply.
"That's messed up."
She went to get me water while I tried to calm my breathing.
After I drank it, she insisted I rest.
"Go to sleep. You've had enough stress for one night."
I nodded weakly. Later — In My RoomI lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
But sleep didn't come easily.
Why was Justin's friend there?
Last time I checked, he didn't even live in this part of the city.
What was he doing at that club?
Was it a coincidence?
Or was something about to change?
My heart felt uneasy.
And for the first time in years…
It felt like the past was closer than ever.