Melissa's phone rang loudly on the nightstand, pulling her out of a restless sleep. For a moment she lay still, staring at the ceiling her heart already heavy. She reached for the phone, brushing aside strands of her long hair.
The caller ID flashed: Mom.
She inhaled deeply before answering. "Hey, Melissa… It's Mom," came the familiar warm voice.
"Hello, Mom." Melissa managed a small smile despite her exhaustion. "Good morning. It's nice hearing from you again."
Her mother didn't waste a breath. "Did you think about what I advised you, my little princess?"
There it was the question Melissa had been avoiding. She sat up, pulling the blanket around her shoulders. "About what again, Mom?"
"You're coming back home," her mother said firmly but lovingly, "for your safety and for the safety of my upcoming grandchild."
Melissa closed her eyes. Even though she'd known this conversation was coming, she wasn't emotionally prepared. She glanced at her belly-still small, still barely noticeable, and sighed. "Yes, Mom I thought about it," she admitted softly. "But how am I supposed to explain this to Dad? It's… It's embarrassing. I'm the daughter of a famous billionaire, pregnant out of wedlock, and the father of my child is uncooperative."
Her mother inhaled sharply, almost offended on her behalf. "Hey, hey, listen to me," she said, her tone softening instantly. "My precious daughter, none of that matters. Not your father's status, not the press, not the gossip. What matters is you and this baby."
"But Dad—" Melissa started.
"Your father will be shocked, of course. He always reacts first and understands later." There was a smile behind her mother's words. "But he will be happy eventually. This child is going to be our first grandchild. He will love that baby more than anything."
Melissa's throat tightened. She knew her father wasn't cruel just strict, protective, and intensely conscious of the family's reputation. She had seen him furious before but she had also seen him soft and gentle when it came to family. Maybe her mother was right. Maybe this wouldn't ruin everything.
"Still," Melissa whispered, "I feel like I've disappointed everyone."
"You haven't disappointed anyone," her mother said firmly. "You're carrying a life, a blessing. Even the strongest people stumble. What matters is how you stand again."
Melissa felt tears prick at her eyes. Her mother always seemed to know exactly how to reach into her heart.
She placed a hand on her stomach, a soft instinctive gesture she found herself doing more and more. "Okay then… I'll rethink it."
"That's all I want, sweetheart. Think about coming home. You'll have support, comfort, safety, and love."
There was a pause and her mother's voice suddenly brightened. "Oh, did I tell you? Your brother is back!"
Melissa's eyes widened. "What? When did he arrive?"
"Previous week," her mother said proudly. "And this time he'll be here for a long while. He has a business plan he wants to pursue locally."
A genuine smile spread across Melissa's face for the first time that morning. "Wow… that's such a coincidence. We'll get to spend time together again. Just like the old days."
"Yes, my dear. He misses you. We all do."
Melissa leaned back against the headboard, imagining her brother's mischievous grin, the way he used to tease her until she threatened to throw a shoe at him. The two had grown up almost inseparable until their careers and lives took them to different countries. The thought of reuniting warmed her heart.
"Should I tell him about your pregnancy?" her mother asked gently.
"No!" Melissa sat upright instantly. "Please Mom, don't tell him. I want it to be a surprise."
Her mother chuckled softly. "Alright, alright. Your secret is safe with me."
Melissa exhaled in relief. She could already imagine her brother's dramatic reaction, the way he would probably shout, then hug her, then yell at her again. She didn't want to overwhelm him from a distance. She wanted to see his face when she told him in person.
"Worry not, my dear," her mother continued. "Just come back so we can plan everything. A baby gender reveal party, preparations, arrangements… oh, Melissa, we have so much to do!"
Melissa blinked. "Mom, I'm barely 5 months along," she laughed weakly.
"And? Planning early is important!" her mother argued playfully. "You know how excited I get. I've waited so long to be a grandmother."
Melissa's smile faltered slightly as her thoughts drifted to the one person missing from this conversation-the child's father (Trez).
His name alone made her heart twinge painfully. She had told him about the pregnancy. She had hoped deeply, desperately that he would respond with joy or at least concern. Instead, Trez had looked torn, conflicted, and overwhelmed. He had said he needed time. He had promised to think about everything. Then he grew distant… quieter… almost unreachable.
Now he was the new CEO of a massive construction company. She had seen the announcement, read the articles, and even seen the photo of him and his friend Zack celebrating. And she saw the sadness behind his smile.
She wanted to cry for him and for herself.
Her mother's voice brought her back. "Melissa? Are you still there, sweetheart?"
"Yes, Mom. Sorry, I was thinking."
"You worry too much, my princess," her mother said gently. "Come home. We will protect you. We will protect the baby. Let your father rant, let the world talk but we will stand strong as a family."
Melissa nodded slowly, even though her mother couldn't see her. "I… I think you're right."
"Of course I'm right," her mother teased. "Mothers usually are."
Melissa couldn't help it, she laughed. A soft, fragile laugh that eased some of the tension in her chest.
"What time do you think you'll come?" her mother asked.
"I'll pack today," Melissa said after a moment. "Maybe I'll arrive tomorrow or the next day."
Her mother gasped happily. "Oh, my darling, that makes me so happy! We'll prepare your room, change the sheets, and get your favorite breakfast ready"
"Mom," Melissa chuckled, "it's not like I'm a guest."
"You're my child. And that makes you special enough to prepare for."
Melissa felt warmth flood through her. A warmth she hadn't felt in weeks. A warmth she desperately needed.
"Okay, Mom," she said softly. "I'll come home."
"Good girl," her mother murmured. "Everything will be alright. I promise."
As the call ended, Melissa sat quietly on her bed, staring at the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Her life was changing, twisting into something unfamiliar, frightening, yet hopeful.
She pressed a hand to her belly again, whispering, "We're going home, little one."
And for the first time in a long time… she felt safe.