CHAPTER 008 OLIVIA'S POV The morning sun shone through the hospital windows , and I slowly stirred awake , my body aching from the events of the past day . The sterile scent of the hospital was still in the air , and the soft beeping of the machines beside me was the only sound filling the quiet room . As my vision cleared , I noticed Julian slumped in the chair next to my bed . His head rested against the side of the chair , his arms folded across his chest , his breathing deep and steady . His dark hair was slightly disheveled , and the faintest shadow of stubble had formed on his jawline . I was actually shocked . He had stayed . Through the night , even . At the same time , I was really happy that Julian stayed . Unlike Adrian , the man I called my husband who had abandoned me without hesitation , Julian had chosen to be here . He had chosen to care . My pains had reduced , and I wasn't feeling dizzy anymore , but my heart was still heavy from the news of the previous day . I used my hands to cover my face for a few seconds before sitting up . My body still felt sore , but at least the dizziness had faded . As if he knew my eyes were on him , Julian stirred , shifting slightly before blinking awake . When his gaze met mine , a small , tired smile touched his lips . " Hey , you're up ," he said , stretching before rubbing the back of his neck . " How are you feeling ? " " Good morning ," I greeted , my voice still hoarse from the exhaustion weighing down . on me . I swallowed the lump in my throat . " Like I got hit by a train ," I added . Julian chuckled softly . " Well , that's understandable . You went through a lot . But you're still here , and that's what matters ." I forced a weak , smile but couldn't shake the heaviness in my chest . The loss of my child , Adrian's indifference , and the weight of my failing marriage all settled on my shoulders like an unbearable burden . For crying out loud , I am only but one human being . Julian seemed to sense my spiraling thoughts because he leaned forward and nudged my arm gently . " Alright , enough of that sad face . I know something that might help . " I raised an eyebrow at him . " Oh ? A Successfully unlocked ! " Pizza . " traus Despite myself , I let out a small laugh . " Pizza? " 1/3 CHAPTER 008 " Yes , pizza . It has magical healing properties , trust me . " Julian stood up , stretching . " Hospital food is the worst , and I know you haven't eaten . So , let me go get you something worth having ." I hesitated . " Julian , you don't have to ... " He held up a finger , stopping me . " Shh . No arguments . I'll be back soon . " With that , he grabbed his jacket and walked out the door , leaving me alone with my thoughts . I stared at the ceiling , my mind racing . After a few minutes , I let out a sigh , I got up and walked towards the window . " I didn't even know , " I admitted , my voice barely above a whisper . " I didn't know I was pregnant ... and now ... " My fingers absentmindedly touched my stomach . A fresh wave of sorrow threatened to consume me , but I took a deep breath and closed my eyes , willing myself not to cry again . True to his word , Julian returned less than an hour later , holding a takeout box in one hand and a bottle of juice in the other . The moment he stepped into the room , he grinned . " Behold , the cure to all sadness - pepperoni and cheese . " I sat up slightly as he placed the box on my lap . " You're ridiculous . " " I know , " he said , taking a seat beside me . " Now eat . " I hesitated before pulling open the box . The smell instantly made my stomach growl . I hadn't realized just how hungry I was until now . Taking a small bite , I hummed in appreciation . " Okay , you might be right about the magical healing properties . " Julian smirked . " Told you . " We ate in silence for a while , and then a sudden knock on the door broke our moment . The nurse entered , holding a clipboard . " Miss , the doctor would like to discuss your discharge options . " I nodded weakly , and the nurse left , giving me a moment to process . Discharge . That meant leaving this place , facing the reality of my life , and figuring out what came next . *** The ride home was quiet . I didn't want to go to Adrian's so I decided to go to my parents . I stared out the window , watching the city blur past , my thoughts swirling . Julian didn't push me to talk , simply keeping the radio on a soft volume , offering me silent support . When we finally pulled up to my parents ' house , I sighed , dreading whatever awaited me inside . " You sure you'll be okay ? " Julian asked , glancing at me with concern . I forced a smile . " I'll be fine . Thanks for everything , Julian . Really ." CHAPTER 008 He gave me a long look before nodding . " You know where to find me if you need me . " I stepped out of the car , wrapping my arms around myself as I approached the front door . Pushing it open , I stepped inside , the familiar scent of home washing over me . I was about to call out when I heard voices drifting from the living room . My parents . Curious , I took a quiet step forward , but the words I heard next made me freeze in place . 3/3