Chapter 3 Starting A New Life

• Dalia remained silent, refusing to respond to anyone. Her gaze stayed fixed on Dallen, who looked back at her with an indifferent and sharp expression. She ignored her sister-in-law, who stood nearby, watching smugly.
• “What about Amara’s medical expenses? You’ll never be able to afford her therapy without help,” the woman added with a mocking tone and disdainful eyes. “Just accept Gracie’s generosity. That way, your daughter’s health will still be taken care of, and you can keep the Oswald name—even if it’s only as the second wife.”
• Without uttering a word, Dalia turned and walked out of the Oswald family’s living room. She didn’t glance back, didn’t spare a single look at anyone left in that suffocating room. Her only goal now was to leave this hellish house and start a new life with Amara.
• After walking a few meters toward the residential gate, Dalia managed to hail a public taxi. Holding Amara tightly in her arms, she got in and gave the driver the address of her old home, the place she had lived before marrying Dallen.
• During the entire ride, Dalia sat silently, cradling her daughter. Deep inside, she made a solemn vow to ensure Amara’s happiness, no matter the cost, and to make Dallen regret ever humiliating and hurting her.
• It wasn’t long before the taxi pulled up in front of her former house. After paying the fare, Dalia quickly led Amara inside. On their way, they had picked up some takeout for dinner, which they ate together in the small but familiar kitchen. Once dinner was finished, Dalia began tidying up their new bedroom and getting it ready for the night.
• “Ma…?” Amara asked softly, her words unclear but filled with curiosity.
• As her mother, Dalia understood her daughter perfectly. She smiled warmly and said, “Starting today, we’ll live here, okay? Are you happy, Amara?”
• Amara’s face lit up with joy as she nodded enthusiastically and threw her small arms around Dalia in a tight embrace. It was a hug full of love and happiness—a stark contrast to the despair of the previous night.
• “Ma... da... bad!” Amara said again, her tone innocent but with an edge of seriousness.
• Dalia gently stroked the top of Amara’s head and asked, “What did Daddy do, sweetheart?”
• Amara shifted from her seat and reached for her Barbie backpack lying nearby. With her tiny hands, she unzipped it and pulled out a well-worn sketchbook, its pages filled with colorful scribbles. She sat back down, flipped to a blank page, and began drawing intently, crayons moving back and forth on the paper.
• A few moments later, Amara looked up, her eyes sparkling with pride. “Ni!” she said softly, holding the sketchbook out to Dalia.
• Dalia smiled, taking the sketchbook and brushing her hand gently over Amara’s head. When her eyes fell on the page, she saw a simple drawing of two small figures. One figure appeared to be a man with an arm raised high, while the other was a smaller figure, standing nearby, looking up at the larger one.
• Dalia froze, her chest tightening as an inexplicable heaviness settled over her heart. Yet, seeing Amara’s innocent, beaming smile, she swallowed her emotions. Dalia studied the drawing quietly for a moment before pulling Amara into a loving embrace, holding her close without saying a word.
• That night, as always, Dalia read Amara a bedtime story, her soothing voice lulling her daughter into peaceful dreams. For Dalia, it was a moment to reaffirm her strength and determination. No matter what, she would create a new and better world for the two of them—one where they would never feel abandoned or unloved again.
• ∞
• The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the window, gently touching Dalia’s closed eyelids. The sound of birds chirping outside began to fill the air, slowly waking the house from the silence of the night. Dalia stirred softly, opening her eyes to the morning light creeping across the bedroom walls.
• She rose quietly, careful not to make any noise so as not to wake Amara, who was still fast asleep beside her. With light steps, she made her way to the kitchen, allowing the fresh morning air to fill her lungs as she opened the window.
• Dalia sipped a glass of water slowly, savoring its refreshing effect on her body. She began her day by preparing breakfast for herself and Amara. Afterward, she planned to tidy up the house and look for a daycare where Amara could stay while she worked.
• From time to time, she glanced toward the bedroom to ensure Amara was still sleeping comfortably. After confirming her daughter was sound asleep, Dalia left the house briefly to buy some fresh vegetables from a nearby vendor. Upon her return, the scent of the fresh produce filled the kitchen. With skillful hands, she prepared a simple yet delicious meal.
• Once the food was ready, Dalia went to the bedroom and gently woke Amara. “Sweetheart, it’s time for breakfast!” she called softly, her voice warming the morning atmosphere. She couldn’t wait to enjoy breakfast with her daughter.
• At exactly 10 a.m., Dalia took Amara to visit several daycares recommended by her coworkers. After visiting more than five locations, she finally found one that met her expectations and was conveniently located near her office. After registering, Dalia and Amara continued their day together.
• That afternoon, Dalia decided to buy a motorbike to ease her mobility, as the one she had been using was taken back by Dallen. Fortunately, she had set aside a portion of her salary for emergencies like this. Ever since her pregnancy complications, she had harbored a nagging sense of foreboding, as if new challenges were always lurking ahead.
• Under the blazing sun, Dalia and Amara took their first ride around the city on the motorbike. It was a long-awaited moment of freedom for Dalia, especially after Dallen had forbidden her from riding a motorbike during therapy sessions.
• While stopped at a red light, Dalia noticed a luxury car pulling up beside them. She glanced sideways and froze—it was Dallen’s car.
• The window beside her rolled down, revealing Gracie’s face. Gracie deliberately threw a crumpled tissue into Amara’s lap. “Oops! Sorry, I did that on purpose,” she said with a haughty smirk.
• Dalia remained silent, picking up the tissue and squeezing it tightly in her hand. “Why are you mad?” said another woman from the passenger seat, giving Dalia’s shoulder a light push.
• Dalia turned and shot a piercing glare at her mother-in-law. “Trash belongs with trash,” she retorted coldly, throwing the tissue back at Gracie.
• Before Gracie could respond, the traffic light turned green, and Dalia sped off, leaving Dallen’s car behind. With her skillful driving, she quickly disappeared, putting enough distance between her and the car to ensure she wouldn’t be followed.
• Once she felt safe, Dalia pulled over under the shade of a large tree. She gently patted the top of Amara’s head, which was protected by a cute child’s helmet. “Are you okay, Amara?”
• Amara shook her head and looked up at Dalia with an innocent, sweet smile. Reassured, Dalia continued their journey. Along the way, she chatted and hummed songs, encouraging Amara to interact and develop her speech skills.
• After exploring the city for a while, Dalia returned home, stopping by a convenience store to pick up some essentials. Back at the house, she busied herself with chores, including replacing a few broken light bulbs. Of course, Amara was by her side, offering help in her own small way. Dalia spent the rest of the day introducing her daughter to new experiences, strengthening their bond.
• The next morning, Dalia woke up early, as usual, to prepare breakfast. She also packed lunches for herself and Amara, who would start daycare that day. After waking Amara and finishing breakfast, Dalia got her daughter’s belongings ready for daycare. Once everything was set, she took Amara and headed out.
• By 7 a.m., they arrived at the daycare. Dalia walked Amara inside and introduced her to the caregiver. “Sweetheart, Mommy is going to work now, okay? I’ll pick you up this afternoon,” Dalia said gently, stroking Amara’s hair.
• Amara nodded and replied, “Okay, Mommy,” in her soft, hesitant voice. Dalia kissed her daughter’s forehead and cheeks, holding her in a warm embrace.
• Before leaving, Dalia turned to the caregiver, who was slightly older than her, and said, “I’m entrusting Amara to you. Please take good care of her.”
• “Don’t worry, Ms. Dalia. We’ll take great care of her,” the caregiver replied with a reassuring smile. Dalia returned the smile, then headed to her motorbike. Waving goodbye, she watched Amara wave back as she rode away from the daycare.
• In less than 20 minutes, Dalia arrived at her workplace and parked her motorbike neatly. Rushing inside the building, she was so preoccupied that she accidentally bumped into someone standing in front of the elevator.
• “Ouch!” Dalia exclaimed, rubbing her head.
• She looked up just as the man turned to face her. Their eyes met, and Dalia found herself staring at an older man with a sharp, intense gaze. His forehead creased, and Dalia wondered who he was—after all, she had never seen him in the office before.
• Trying to mask her confusion, Dalia nodded politely and said, “I’m sorry, I was in a hurry and didn’t see—”
• Her words trailed off as the man’s expression shifted to one of surprise. In a soft voice, he said, “Floella?”