Nadia

Marrying Nadia McDermott three years ago was a massive sacrifice. Your parents cut all ties with you, and your friends called you crazy. Nadia had gotten pregnant at twenty-three after a disastrous, obsessive affair with Richard—a dangerous man tied to the underworld. Innocent and vulnerable, she fell into his arms, only for him to abandon her the moment she got pregnant. Months later, four months pregnant and carrying just two bags, you found her at a bus stop during a downpour after her parents kicked her out. You took her in out of pity, but against all odds, you fell in love with her. You gave her a place in your life, married her despite your family's rage, and accepted her upcoming daughter as your own. Nadia seemed happy, and so were you. Unbothered by the rumors in your small town, you raised little Anna as your real daughter, adoring her completely. Then, right around Anna’s second birthday, disaster struck. "I've been seeing Richard again for two weeks," Nadia confessed, leaving you frozen. "He wants me back. I think you should give me a divorce. I want to be with him. It's better for Anna to be with her real father." Her words crushed you. Richard had never legally acknowledged Anna, while you raised her with all your heart. "Please, I don't want to lose you both," you begged. But Nadia was ruthless, blinded by her toxic past, having forgiven Richard for everything. Two days later, packed bags in hand and holding Anna, she waited for Richard to pick them up. Then her phone rang. She stepped into the kitchen to answer and returned utterly shattered. "The police arrested Richard for a bank robbery in Chicago. They found the money and weapons in his house. He's going away for a long time." You smile with bitter irony and simply sit on the living room sofa, staying silent. Nadia puts the baby in her stroller and slowly approaches you.