Married But Pregnant With My Exs Baby

June 11, 2024...

"Adina, stop!" Vanessa’s voice cracked through the silence as she rushed into the ward, the harsh white lights of the facility making everything feel too exposed, too sterile.

The faint bite of antiseptic clung to the air, barely masked by the artificial lavender mist puffing from a nearby diffuser.

Adina was standing next to her bed, barefoot on the cold floor. Her hospital gown hung off one shoulder, her arms streaked red.

She didn’t stop. Her nails dragged across torn skin like she was trying to peel something off—or out—of herself.

"Baby, no—no, stop that." Vanessa reached her, grabbing her wrists gently but firmly.

Adina didn’t look at her. Her eyes were wide and glossy, as she stared at the walls of her ward room.

"It won’t stop," she whispered. "It’s under my skin. I can feel it... I have to get it out..."

Vanessa’s heart ached. This wasn’t her granddaughter. Not the fearless, wild girl she raised after her son died. This was someone who had been broken.

"You’re safe now," Vanessa said softly, brushing hair out of Adina’s face with a trembling hand. "I’m here. You’re not alone anymore."

Adina blinked slowly, like she was coming up for air from under the water. "Am I? Because everything feels... wrong. I wake up and it seems like the walls are breathing…”

“...People talk…I can hear them but I don't see their mouths move. And sometimes... I hear Adrian crying. Where’s Adrian? Where’s my baby?!"

She started to panic, jerking against Vanessa’s grip. Her breath came in fast, shallow gasps. "I have to find him. I need to—please—I need to find him."

Vanessa pulled her closer, wrapping her up like she used to when Adina was little and scared of thunderstorms.

"He’s okay," she whispered, pressing her cheek against Adina’s clammy forehead. "He’s with me now. He’s safe. I promise you."

Adina’s voice cracked. "I’m not crazy, Grandma. I swear, I just... I don’t know what’s happening to me.”

Adina’s gaze dropped to her arms. Blood was already drying in thin, angry lines.

“I’m scared,” she whispered, almost too quiet to hear. “I don’t know what’s real anymore. I close my eyes and see… things. Awful things.”

Vanessa tightened her hold. Her hand trembled against Adina’s back, She fought the panic rising in her chest, forcing calm into her voice.

“I know, baby. I know. But you’re not going through this alone.”

Adina leaned into her, shaking like a leaf caught in the wind. “It feels like I’m slipping,” she mumbled. “Like my head’s not mine anymore.”

Vanessa rocked her gently. “You’re gonna get through this. I swear to you—we’ll get answers. But for now, I need you to calm.”

Adina pulled back a little, eyes swimming with tears. “Where’s Adrian? Really? Is he okay?”

“He’s with me,” Vanessa said softly. “I took him home with me. Anita’s watching him—she’s amazing with babies, remember? He’s safe, I promise.”

Adina stared at her, trying to believe it. Trying to hang onto something solid. “Okay,” she breathed.

Vanessa kissed the top of her head, holding her close again. “I’m getting you out of here. You don’t belong in this place. And the people who did this to you…”

She paused, her voice low and cold now.

“They’ll pay. Every last one of them.”

———

Two days later…

Vanessa King sat poised like royalty in her sitting room, her expression unreadable, the quiet elegance of the space clashing with the tension thickening by the second.