Anna had been waiting for over three hours, sitting transfixed at a table that should have been full of laughter. Her birthday cake, neatly arranged in front of her, had begun to melt, yet her heart remained unmoved. Every second that passed added to the biting pain. The hopes she had nurtured since the morning were now crumbling one by one, like the ruins of a sand castle that had been hit by the waves.

"Excuse me, miss, our restaurant will be closing soon," said a waiter in an almost inaudible tone, as if afraid to disturb Anna's sadness.

Anna just smiled sarcastically. A smile that was far from happy. She stared at her neglected birthday cake, then without hesitation, with her bare hands, she began to cut it. One piece, two pieces, until there was nothing left. She ate it in a strange way, like someone forced to swallow a wound. Each chew only added to the pain, reminding her of the empty promises that had never been kept.

Her heart broke, but her face remained rigid. Even when the waiter left, Anna didn't care. She knew that today, not only was her birthday lost, but also the love she once thought was hers.

After paying, Anna stepped out with heavy steps. The evening breeze greeted her face, but could not refresh her broken heart. As she passed by the back door of the restaurant, the whispering voices of the waiters could be heard.

"That's unfortunate, but she should know that she can't replace Miss Richa in Mr. Pedro's heart," said one of the waiters, in a pitying tone.

"True, especially now that Richa is back. Mr. Pedro will definitely choose her again," said another.

Anna laughed bitterly. Laughing to herself. Everyone knew, and she couldn't accept that fact. She wiped away her sudden tears, then walked away with shaky steps.

Five years ago, Anna had big ambitions. She was fascinated by Pedro Albert, who was now a wealthy man known throughout the city. Because of her strong determination, Anna left her career to work as Pedro's personal secretary, climbing her way up to finally earn a place in his heart. However, in the last few months, a dark shadow has come in the form of Richa Almes, Pedro's first lover, who never really seemed to leave.

Anna walked unsteadily, but there was a small hope that began to emerge when she saw Pedro's car passing in front of her. "Maybe he's coming late," she thought, though a little hesitantly. She asked the taxi driver to make a U-turn and followed the car, her heart still hanging on to a possibility. Maybe Pedro was busy, or something important got in the way. "He will definitely come. He won't forget my birthday," she thought.

However, that hope vanished in an instant. When Pedro's car pulled up to an apartment, it wasn't the restaurant they had agreed on. Anna saw it clearly-Pedro getting out of the car, and next to him, Richa, the woman who had returned to fill the empty space in Pedro's life. Richa clung to Pedro's arm, as if the world belonged to the two of them.

Anna's body seemed to freeze. Something sharp and cold infiltrated her chest, shaking her harder than she ever imagined. Pedro and Richa's every move was like a knife slicing through her heart. Pedro did not resist the embrace. No words came out of his mouth to erase Richa's shadow. He remained silent, entering the apartment with the woman who had ruined everything.

Anger raged in Anna's chest. Arriving home, she could no longer contain all the feelings that had been pent up. Everything she had done, everything she had sacrificed, was now destroyed in an instant. Anna packed her belongings into a suitcase, her hands trembling. "Enough," she whispered. "Enough is enough."

That night, Anna left the house where she and Pedro had lived for five years. Every step felt like walking on broken glass, but she couldn't stop. Her broken heart had no room for hope. She knew she had chosen a hard path, one filled with unhealed wounds.

But behind her fading steps, there was something hanging in the air. Something unseen, yet felt-an unanswered question. What would happen if love was truly gone, and only bitterness was left in its place? Anna walked away, leaving everything behind, but there was something inside her that still asked, as if she wanted to know, was she ever truly loved or was she just a temporary substitute, when Richa was not by Pedro's side?

***

At the office, Pedro sat in his chair with a cup of hot coffee that Anna used to make for him. It tasted strange, not like usual. There was a lack, either too sweet or too bitter. Pedro turned to Anna's desk, which was now empty. The awkwardness enveloped him more and more, making him feel that something was wrong.

Restlessly, he called out to Anna. "Anna!" But it wasn't Anna who came, but a young assistant who had just been hired.

"What are you doing here?" Pedro looked at her sharply. "I called Anna, why did you come?"

The assistant was a little surprised, but in a soft voice she replied, "I'm sorry, sir. Miss Anna no longer works here. She resigned."

Pedro felt like the world was collapsing around him. "What?! Resigned?" Anger bubbled up inside him. "When did this happen?"

The assistant backed away, frightened by Pedro's aura of deep anger. Wordlessly, she left the room. Pedro immediately dialed Anna's number, but there was no answer. He tried several times, finally receiving the message that the number had been blocked.

Angry and confused, Pedro immediately left his office, contacting someone to track down Anna's whereabouts. Anna's whereabouts were not that hard to find. With all his power, Pedro was able to get what he wanted.

Before long, he was standing on the doorstep of a house Anna knew. As soon as the door opened, Anna tried to run away, but Pedro quickly grabbed her arm. "Anna! Are you mad at me? Don't run!" shouted Pedro.

Anna swatted Pedro's hand away violently. "Sorry, sir. I have resigned. We are no longer in contact."

Pedro was transfixed, incredulous. "What do you mean, you want to leave me? Just because I forgot your birthday?" His voice was full of confusion, as if he never knew how often he ignored Anna.

Anna looked at Pedro blankly, then sneered. "Is that a joke to you?"

Pedro laughed at Anna's words. "You're not a child anymore. Don't make a fuss. We can do your birthday, next year. Whatever you want, I'll give it to you."

"Really?" Anna smiled sarcastically. "Well, then, I want us to end."

Pedro laughed. "Don't be stupid, Anna. It's just a small matter. Richa was sick last night, I just wanted to help her."

That name. Richa. Whenever the relationship between him and Anna was on the rocks, that name always came up. Richa, the childhood sweetheart who had always been Pedro's number one.

Anna was silent, her heart torn apart. "Pedro, your relationship with Richa is very close. You two have always been more important than anyone else, including me. I understand. I just want to leave. And you two, can be free to start a relationship again."

Pedro tried to reassure Anna. "You're too jealous, Anna. Richa is just an old friend. This has nothing to do with us!"

"Your relationship with Richa has always been more important. Every time he needs you, you'll leave me. Not just last night, but every other time, you would run to her if she needed you." Anna held back the tears that were about to fall. "I'm tired, Pedro. I'm tired of being hurt."

Pedro was about to take Anna's hand, but suddenly his cell phone rang. Richa's name appeared on the screen. Pedro stopped, stiffened, and turned around. Without a word, he quickly got into the car and asked the driver to leave. Past Anna, who was alone.

A few seconds later, Anna fell limp. At that exact moment, a luxury car came in front of her. A man in a black suit got out with a face full of anxiety, called her name and swiftly carried her into the car.

"Your pregnancy needs to be well cared for, Miss. It's very delicate," the doctor said in a concerned tone.

Anna stared blankly out of the hospital room window, her hand resting on her still-flat belly. After days of weakness, she was finally allowed to go home. The reality had just knocked on her heart’s door—that she was now pregnant with a child. A life she never planned for.

However, even though happiness should have come with the arrival of this little one, Anna felt far from it. Her heart weighed heavy as she thought about how slim the chance was for a bright future for both her and the child growing inside her. Pedro, the father, was no longer by her side. Their relationship was over, shattered in an instant.

Anna looked at her hand resting on her belly, feeling a mix of emotions—pity for the baby, anger at the situation, and loneliness. But one thing she was sure of: she would give birth and raise this child with all the strength she had.

"I'm here, Anna. Your child will not lack a father. I will be here for both of you," Gabriel said gently. His voice was the kind that always brought peace, offering a sense of security in a world that felt so empty.

Anna looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, Gabriel," she said softly, a faint smile on her lips, though her heart still ached.

"Well then, let’s go home. There are many people waiting for your return," Gabriel said, offering his hand.

Anna nodded, her body still weak. With Gabriel's help, she rose from the bed and walked out of the room, leaving the space filled with painful memories behind.

Her emotions were mixed as they walked down the hospital corridor. At the far end, in the quiet hallway, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Pedro. Richa sat in a wheelchair beside him, glaring at Anna with a look full of pretense.

Anna felt a sudden weight press into her chest, but she kept walking, determined not to pay them any more attention. Her heart had become hard, unwilling to get caught in the same game that had once hurt her.

"Anna! Stop!" Pedro shouted, halting in his tracks. Their eyes met, but there was no warmth there. Only coldness and feelings that had long since died.

Richa, her voice feigned sweet, greeted her. "Secretary Anna? How are you? What a coincidence that you’re here. Are you feeling ill too?"

Anna felt her chest tighten hearing those words. Richa was always like this—full of pretense. Whenever she was around Pedro, she would try to be sweet and sympathetic, but underneath it all, she intended to stab Anna in the back.

"I heard you were angry because Pedro forgot your birthday. I'm sorry, Secretary Anna. I didn't know Pedro should have been with you. If I'd known, I wouldn't have asked him to come help me," Richa said, her tone sweet but laced with manipulation.

Anna stared at her sharply. "I don't care about anything anymore, Miss. That’s in the past. Now, Mr. Pedro and I are no longer together. So, there’s no need for you to feel awkward."

Richa feigned shock, "What?! Why? You and Pedro have been together for so long. Don’t misunderstand my relationship with Pedro. You shouldn’t leave such a good man, Secretary Anna. Don’t repeat my mistake and regret it for the rest of your life."

Those words nearly made Anna lose her patience. Richa, with her fake smile, was trying to control the situation as if she were the victim.

"The regrets you have will never be mine, Miss. Now, take back the trash you left behind! I’ve already discarded it," Anna said, her voice firm and filled with hatred.

Pedro looked shocked by Anna’s words. "Anna!" he shouted, unable to believe what he had just heard. The woman who had once always been gentle was now a thorn in his heart.

Richa pretended to be in pain. "Ah... What are you doing, Anna? You’re hurting Pedro. Is it because you have another man now? Is that why you’re acting like this? You’re so cruel, Anna," Richa said, her face contorting as though she were the victim.

Anna felt her heart ache even more hearing Richa’s words. "Miss, Richa knows everything. Don’t be manipulative!" she cried out, losing her patience. Without thinking, she approached Richa, cornering her. But just as their gazes shifted to Pedro and Gabriel, Richa slyly fell, as if Anna had pushed her.

"Anna, you’ve gone too far!" Pedro yelled, glaring at her with fury. "You hurt Richa! I won’t forgive you if anything happens to her!"

Anna stood frozen, unable to believe what had just occurred. She had done nothing, but everything was turned around. Richa had cleverly orchestrated the situation, making it look like Anna was at fault.

"I didn’t do anything. She fell on her own," Anna said, her voice trembling, her heart breaking. Gabriel embraced her, trying to comfort her, but Anna still felt anxious and confused.

Meanwhile, in the examination room, Richa was still lying there, groaning weakly. Pedro, with great care, tried to comfort her. "Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?" he asked, worried.

Richa looked at him with hopeful eyes, "I’m scared, Pedro. I have no one else but you."

Pedro sighed, feeling guilty for the way Anna had made Richa’s condition worse. "I’ll always be here for you, Richa," he promised, though his heart was in turmoil. His mind couldn't let go of one thought—who was the man who was with Anna? What had really happened between them?

After Richa fell asleep, Pedro went to see the head doctor to ask more about Anna.

"She’s pregnant, and the man who’s been with her has always been there for her, especially when she went through a critical time a few days ago," the doctor explained, revealing an unexpected detail.

"What?!" Pedro was stunned. His heart was filled with anger and confusion. Could it be his child? Or had Anna betrayed him with another man? All these questions gnawed at his mind. This pregnancy, this secret she had kept hidden, now made everything even more complicated.

"Drink this milk. You will be healthy with the nutrients in this milk," Mrs. Camela said lovingly, handing Anna a cup of warm milk. In a house that now feels brighter with the return of her beloved daughter, Mrs. Camela cannot hide her happiness. After all this time, Anna was back, and her presence brought back the happiness she had lost.

"Thank you, Ma..." Anna accepted the cup of milk with slightly trembling hands. As the cup touched her lips, she felt a warmth that went beyond the taste of milk. It seeped into her heart, giving her a long-lost sense of security.

Suddenly, Mrs. Camela hugged Anna tightly. The longing that had been held back finally spilled out. Anna sobbed in the warm embrace. "I'm sorry, Ma..." she said, voice breaking with sobs. She felt a deep sense of regret, feeling foolish for abandoning her parents' love for a man who didn't even appreciate her. Pedro-a man who had left indelible scars.

She felt the immense love of her parents, who, despite knowing she was bringing back a child from an irresponsible man, still accepted and supported her unconditionally. The regret became more and more suffocating, as if there was a heavy burden pressing on Anna's heart. However, she was determined not to make the same mistake again.

After returning home, Anna tried to start her life anew. A better, brighter life. She returned to the world of fashion design, the world that once brought her to the pinnacle of success. The world that gave her pride. Her work was always stunning and awe-inspiring, and she was offered many collaborations. Working passionately, Anna felt that, little by little, she was beginning to forget her dark past.

One day, Anna received an offer to design a wedding dress for a client. Without suspicion, she rushed to the meeting place. It was close to home, and although her parents suggested a chauffeur and a bodyguard, Anna insisted that she was fine. After all, her meeting with the client would only be brief.

However, as parents say, hunches are often right. As Anna was driving her car, a large car approached and blocked her way. Without warning, it blocked her path, and Anna was forced to stop. The car door opened, and before Anna's eyes, stood Pedro. Her heart skipped a beat.

"Anna..." said Pedro, his voice full of anger that was hard to hide. "Who is the father of this child? Tell me! Did you betray me all this time?"

Pedro stepped forward, his face bright red, filled with pain and confusion. Mercilessly, he pulled Anna out of the car and dragged her inside their house, which they once thought of as a home filled with beautiful memories. A home that now felt like a prison to Anna.

Anna felt like her body was being pulled roughly, with no way to resist. Once inside the house, Pedro threw her onto the bed roughly. His hands gripped both of Anna's wrists, making her unable to move.

"It's none of your business! We no longer have a relationship. What need do you have to ask about this child? Take care of it, you weak woman!" Anna shouted, trying to endure the pain radiating through her body.

She felt her anger overflowing, churning like a huge wave crashing against a cliff. Their five-year relationship had been one-sided-the side Pedro had chosen never to take seriously. Anna was just an outlet, just a substitute.

"You always misunderstood my relationship with Richa, Anna!" Pedro said with a contorted face, full of confusion and anger. "You used my relationship with Richa as a shield to cover your shame. You're the one who betrayed me!"

Those words hurt Anna more than anything else. In her heart, she felt shattered. All the trust she had once given Pedro seemed to be thrown away.

Anna struggled against Pedro's grip, trying to break free. It hurt. Not just physically, but also in her heart. She knew that their relationship had ended a long time ago, but hearing all those accusations from Pedro made the old wounds reopen.

"Drop your sibling. I will accept you back. I won't bring anything up again," Pedro said in a threatening tone. "We can go back to the way we were before."

Anna felt herself losing all strength. She was exhausted. The tears flowed unbidden. Her eyes could no longer look at Pedro, whom she used to love so much.

"Believe me, Anna. We can be happy like before. We can start over," Pedro said in a softer tone, though still full of anger. "You were always obedient. I really liked you..."

Anna closed her eyes, holding back the growing tears. "No, no, no. I will not abort my pregnancy, even if her father does not want her to come into this world."

Pedro was silent, looking at Anna with hatred. "Anna, don't be stubborn!"

"You're the stubborn one, Pedro!" shouted Anna in a hoarse voice, full of pent-up anger. "You always do what you want! You always think that what you think is the truth! You've never once understood my feelings! You don't deserve to be in charge of my baby's life! He's my flesh and blood! No one can take him away from me!"

Anna's voice grew louder, filled with hatred and hurt. Every word that came out of her mouth was the result of all the hurt that Pedro had left behind.

Pedro couldn't contain his anger anymore. With one swift movement, he got up from the bed and backed away, looking at Anna hatefully. "Fine if that's what you want. Then don't blame me if I cross the line."

He walked out of the room, then locked the door with unimaginable force. Anna, lying limp on the bed, whimpered softly, begging not to be locked up like that. But Pedro already didn't care. He simply left her locked in the room, ordering someone to watch and ensure that she couldn't get out. No one could give her food or water.

"If you don't abort the child, then I will, Anna. In my way," Pedro said in a voice full of hatred and desperation. In his heart, he was obsessed with the betrayal he thought Anna had committed. It haunted him constantly, as if to erase all the good that had once existed between them.

In the darkened room, Anna did not remain silent. The despair that engulfed her heart moved her body to fight. She looked around for something that could be used to call for help. Her eyes found a landline phone lying on a small table in the corner of the room.

With trembling hands, Anna picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Please, help me. Get me out of Pedro's house. He kidnapped me..." Anna's voice broke, choked with tears. Her heart was pounding, hope rising behind her fear. Was this a way out?