Chapter 1
“Outside the restaurant window, rain trickled down the glass, blurring the view — just like the thoughts swirling in her mind.” Glory Brown cupped her oat-milk coffee— her favorite, though it had long gone lukewarm— and waited. Every tick of the wall clock felt louder than the chatter around her.
Anna burst through the door, cheeks flushed from the cold. She spotted Glory, hurried over, and didn’t even bother to sit down
“Are you sure?” she demanded, out of breath.
Glory gestured to the opposite chair. “Sit first. Lunch is on me—order whatever you like.”
“Glow, answer me.” Anna’s voice cracked. “Are you really quitting? What will you do then, its your dream job?”
Instead of replying, Glory slid two envelopes across the table. The varnished wood captured their weight with a soft thud.
Anna frowned, took the first envelope, and unfolded the single sheet inside.
PREGNANCY SCREEN—POSITIVE
Her eyes lifted, wide and panicked.
“I’m seven weeks,” Glory said softly.
Anna’s breath hitched. “is it true, when ,how?”
“Keep going,” Glory murmured. Glory’s fingers closed gently over Anna’s trembling hand. “Open the second envelope.”
Inside were neatly folded sheets. Anna unfolded 
them.
PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
A divorce agreement. Anna stared at the stark title, then at her friend—at the calm on Glory’s face that looked nothing like calm.
“Pregnant. And leaving Liam—all at once?”
Glory drew in a steadying breath.
“Glow ,are you not going to say anything to Liam, he must no about the child.”
"Glory stayed quiet for a bit, then said softly, her voice shaking, “Anna… Liam never loved me. He’s always belonged to his childhood love — Cressa. Our marriage… it was never even announced. No rings, no vows spoken aloud ,nothing.
She paused, swallowing hard, Glory continued
“The child… its mine alone. Born out of a bond that only existed in my heart. It was me who loved him — madly, foolishly. He never made any promises. Not once. What happened between us was a mistake… a moment I mistook for something more.”
A tear slipped down her cheek, but she didn’t bother wiping it away. “I waited, Anna. For three long years, I waited. Living under the same roof, breathing the same air, hoping something… anything would bloom between us. “
She gave a bitter laugh, eyes fixed on the floor.
“But it was just false hope.”
(her voice barely above a whisper)
“He’s moved out, Anna. Into his newly built mansion... the one we were supposed to design together.”
(a pause)
“But that dream wasn’t mine to begin with, was it?”
She looked away, as if hoping the distance could hide the cracks in her heart.
“He no longer needs me. Not even as a shadow in his life. And soon… they’ll make it official.”
(her voice falters)
“Liam and Cressa — they’re going to announce their marriage.”
She finally looked at Anna, eyes glistening, lips trembling with words she never thought she’d say aloud.
.GLORY then pulls out a neatly folded set of papers from her bag and places them in Anna’s hands)
“Last week… he sent these.”
Anna slowly unfolded the document, her eyes narrowing as they scanned the bold letters:
DIVORCE AGREEMENT
Alimony Offer: $5,000,000 + Residential Property Transfer
GLORY
(with a hollow laugh)
“Five million dollars. And the house I’m living in — like that’s supposed to cover up three years of being invisible.”
But I don’t need any of these .
Glow, are you mad? Why would you refuse alimony? I understand your pain, but think about the child — even if he doesn’t know, it’s still his responsibility. You don’t have to tell him, but raising a human life costs more than just love.”
Said Anna
“Ann! Listen to me. This child belongs to me—and it cannot be anyone’s responsibility. I just need your help.”
“Promise me you won’t say a word about this to anyone.”
Anna’s fingertips tightened around the chipped ceramic mug, her knuckles paling.
“What’s going through your head, Glow? Tell me straight.”
Glory kept her gaze on the rain trickling down the café window.
“I’m thinking I don’t want to drown you in my mess.”
“You won’t,” Anna said, her voice low but unwavering. “I’m not going anywhere—ever.”
A sad half-smile flickered across Glory’s face.
“I know. But everything cameat once—the divorce and the baby, When the ground vanished beneath me, the only name that came to mind was yours.”
Anna’s eyes shone.
“You call that a burden? Glow, you carried me through every storm I’ve ever had. Let me stand with you in yours.”
Glory drew a slow breath. “Right now I just want two things: to resign and to cut Liam out—for good.”
Anna, next week I’ll finish all my office assignments—and resign. I can’t take seeing Liam boss me around, parading his soon-to-be wife like nothing happened.
That same day, I’ll move out of the apartment. If you don’t mind… could I stay with you for a few days? Just until I figure out what to do next.”
Anna exhaled, her shoulders lowering. “Then we do it your way. But promise me something.”
“What?”
“Whenever you feel alone or need help — whether it’s emotional or financial — promise me you’ll reach out to me first. Don’t shut me out. If you can’t sleep, call me. If you can’t stand, lean on me. No hiding.”
Glory’s throat tightened, but she nodded. “I promise.”
Even I promise you your child will not be only yours I Anna miller will be his godmother ,and you won’t snatch that right from me
“The rain had stopped, leaving soft silver lines on the window — calm and quiet, like a new beginning.“. Inside, two friends sat in silence—heavy, unbroken, and unafraid to carry the weight together
