Chapter 5

The taxi raced through the wet streets of Chicago, with the city's tall buildings glistening in the rain. Evelyn sat in the rear seat, embracing herself tightly. Fragments of memories, both happy and painful, raced through her mind as she left behind her old life.

She grieved not only for the mansion or the marriage. It was the act of being betrayed, humiliated, and abandoned by a man she had loved and cherished.

The cab driver inquired, "Where shall we go, madam?" as he looked at her in the rearview mirror.

Evelyn paused before making a decision. She had no specific goal or place to go to. The idea was intimidating, but oddly freeing. With a deep breath, she mentioned the name of a simple hotel located on the edge of the city. It wasn't a lot, but it would provide her with the opportunity to ponder and plan her subsequent actions.

The taxi stopped in front of the hotel, a modest building with a flashing neon sign. Evelyn handed the driver money and got out into the rain.

Evelyn handed the driver money, then exited into the rain, wrapping her coat snugly. She paid no attention to the cold that settled in her bones. She walked towards the entrance, dragging her suitcase and carrying a handbag on her shoulder, stepping through the puddles.

The hotel lobby was calm, almost unsettlingly quiet. A woman in her middle years was positioned behind the front desk, her gentle gaze rising to make contact with Evelyn's.

The receptionist greeted with a "Good evening." "What assistance do you need?"

Evelyn murmured softly, "I require a room." "Only for a couple of evenings."

The receptionist nodded while typing rapidly on the computer. "We have an open position." A bed that is queen-sized. Do you think that will be suitable for your needs?

Evelyn responded with gratitude as she searched in her bag for her wallet.

After she finished the check-in procedure, she received a keycard and was shown to her room. Evelyn ascended the cramped stairs, her suitcase's wheels making noise on each step. When she arrived at the room, fatigue weighed heavily on her body.

The room was tiny yet tidy. Most of the room was occupied by a lone bed covered in clean white sheets, accompanied by a small nightstand and a wooden chair. A small TV rested on a dresser, while the single window offered a view of the wet street outside.

Evelyn placed her suitcase on the floor and collapsed onto the bed, covering her face with her hands. She couldn't stop thinking about the day's events - Vanessa sitting on Sebastian's lap, his harsh words, and the cold divorce papers.

After hours of holding back, she finally let her tears flow, quietly sobbing as the weight of her grief shook her shoulders.

She had been repressing her own wants and needs for a long time in order to conform to Sebastian's expectations and be the wife he desired. Now she understood that even with all the sacrifices and love given, she couldn't alter a man who never appreciated her worth.

After her crying reduced, she used shaky hands to clear tears from her face and took a deep breath. She still felt pain in her heart, but she also sensed a glimmer of resolve.

She delved into her handbag and retrieved a tiny ultrasound picture. The small, out-of-focus figure on the monitor elicited a mixture of happiness and sadness in her expression.

"I have no idea what lies ahead for us," she murmured, her finger following the image's outline. However, I assure you that I will make every effort to keep you safe. You will never experience the same pain I have experienced.

The only thing Evelyn had to cling to as she laid on the bed was that promise. Outside, the rain kept falling, providing a rhythmic backdrop to her swirling thoughts.

The following day, Evelyn woke up to a cloudy, gray sky. Seated at the edge of the bed, she drank the lukewarm coffee she had prepared using the small room's kettle. She had a clearer mind now, and her determination burned more intensely.

She was unable to remain in Chicago. The city had too many connections to Sebastian, to her history. She required a new beginning, in a distant location to reconstruct her life and get ready for her baby's birth.

Evelyn reached out for her phone and went through her list of contacts. She hesitated with her fingers over the name of a former acquaintance named Lila. In the past few years, they hadn't communicated much, yet Lila remained a dependable figure for Evelyn.

She took a deep breath before pushing the call button.

"Do you mean Evelyn?" Lila's voice sounded happy when she spoke on the phone. "Wow, it's been such a long time!" "Are you doing well?"

Evelyn paused, not certain how to summarize all that had occurred in just one response. "I... I've had better days," she confessed. "Lila, I require your assistance. I am seeking a peaceful new residence. Are you aware of any information?

There was a moment of silence at the other end before Lila spoke once more. "Yes, indeed." There's a small block of flats close to my location. It may not be extravagant, but it's secure and reasonably priced. You would enjoy the location, it's tranquil and far from the hustle and bustle of the city."

Evelyn felt a sense of relief washing over her. "That sounds ideal." Could you provide me with the information?

"Sure thing," Lila replied. "And, Evelyn... you have someone with you, no matter what's happening." "I am reliable and can be trusted."

Emotion caused Evelyn's throat to constrict. "Thanks, Lila." I'm serious.

Ending the call, Evelyn felt a spark of hope that had been missing for days. Uncertain of what the future held, she was confident in her ability to confront it.

She collected her belongings and proceeded to the reception desk to check out. The receptionist warmly smiled at her.

"Are you leaving already?"

"Yes," answered Evelyn, her voice unwavering. "I'm beginning again."

The woman nodded with understanding. "Best wishes, my dear." At times, beginning anew is the most beneficial action we can take.

Evelyn walked outside into the cool morning breeze, feeling the lingering heaviness of the day before but no longer overwhelming her. Holding her suitcase and with her unborn child spurring her on, she advanced towards an unknown future, resolute to create a fresh start where she prioritised herself.