29. Taking The Baby

“I don’t know if I can do this, Brenda,” I whispered, my voice barely holding steady. “I left that life for a reason. And now, it feels like it’s all pulling me back in.”

Brenda’s eyes softened, understanding washing over her face. “You don’t have to go back to that life,” she said quietly. “You’ve built something new here, Vera. This baby doesn’t mean you have to return to the past. You can still do this your way.”

I shook my head, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. “You don’t understand. Ivan—he’s the father. I didn’t tell anyone why I left Canada, but it wasn’t just for a fresh start. I had to get away from him. Things between us... they weren’t good. I couldn’t stay.”

Brenda’s eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything, letting me continue.

“I thought I could close that chapter for good,” I whispered, the tears finally spilling over. “But now... this changes everything.”

Brenda squeezed my hand tighter, her voice gentle but firm. “Vera, you’re stronger than you reali