After Our Fall, Love Reclaimed

"It's me."

He put the damp washcloth aside, his voice gentle as he spoke.

I snapped back to reality and tried to sit up quickly. Moises Rivera, however, raised a hand to gently press me back down. "Stay still."

Anxiously, I started to explain.

"Mr. Rivera..."

"The other day, I took all the medicine you left. You can ask the staff or check the security cameras."

"I don't know how I ended up pregnant."

"As soon as I found out, I went straight to the clinic."

"But there was an explosion; the entire clinic lost power, and the procedure couldn't be completed."

I knew that with someone like Moises Rivera, a man of his position and influence, it was best to stick to the truth.

"You can have the clinic arrange a procedure right away."

"If you're concerned, you can even wait until it's over..."

"Lilah."

He suddenly spoke.

Just like a dream, he said my name in a calm yet resonant tone. But while in the dream, his voice had been tinged with impatience, now it was gentle.

"I don't believe in taking life."

As he said this, Moises Rivera's gaze returned to my face. His eyes, usually indifferent, mirrored the warmth in his voice, carrying a softness I hadn’t seen before.

"Besides, he is my flesh and blood."

He leaned in slightly, his long fingers brushing back the damp hair from my forehead. "Rest well. Don't overthink it."

"Mr. Rivera?"

His fingers moved away as he stood up and looked at me, his eyes seemingly devoid of joy or sorrow, showing no emotion at all. "Unless you truly don’t want him."