𝐒𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐑𝐀 𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐒 | HAN LUE

𝟓𝟐

Frankie could never have imagined that becoming a fugitive would be her ticket out of East Los, but now she found herself with a fortune in her bank account, exploring the globe with the person she loved, without a care in the world. 

They had chosen to revisit Vietnam for a few weeks before their journey to Japan. They were currently enjoying their stay in a splendid villa in Da Nang, where opening the back door revealed a breathtaking ocean view. 

The beauty of the place was undeniable. 

For the first time in a while, Frankie experienced a profound sense of peace, even though it didn't quite feel like home.

They avoided discussing it, especially after Jake's passing. Nobody was to blame. Her uncle carried the burden of not fulfilling his promise to protect Jake. Frankie refrained from broaching the topic with anyone, including Han. 

Talking about it only led to arguments, and it had been a while since their last disagreement. 

They both wanted to maintain that streak. 

Frankie was determined to wake up each day with a smile, even as friends and family continued to inquire about her well-being. She believed she would be fine, and the right time to address it would eventually come.

Nevertheless, when Frankie opened her eyes this morning, an unexpected wave of nausea hit her. Han wasn't there beside her, and the last time she experienced this sensation, it led to the discovery of her pregnancy with Jake. 

It was a troubling sign. 

They had discussed the possibility of trying for another baby, but that was before all the recent events unfolded. 

Frankie was adamant about not wanting another child. 

She felt complete as the mother of a lost child and had doubts about her ability to be a capable mother, particularly since she couldn't fulfil that role for her first child.

Frankie found solace in the bathroom, thankful that Han was out in the garage, engrossed in a project involving a superfluous car. It comforted her to know that he was relaxed and enjoying his time there. 

Clutched in her trembling hands, a pregnancy test revealed results that sent shivers down her spine. It was unmistakably positive, not a single line or even a faint one, but two bright, bold vertical lines that seemed to stare at her accusingly. 

She was pregnant. 

The question of why life seemed to heap unmanageable burdens upon her gnawed at her. It felt profoundly unfair. Frustration welled up inside Frankie, and she wanted to scream as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror. 

How could she have been so careless?

Usually, Frankie and Han had been diligent about preventing pregnancy. 

He had a knack for the withdrawal method. However, it appeared that his precision had faltered. 

Frankie freshened up by splashing her face with water before venturing into the garage, where she found Han engrossed in his work, his head hidden beneath the car's hood. He was clad in a white tank top and dark jeans, his well-defined arms serving as a constant temptation. 

It was moments like these that left her feeling like her pregnancy struggles were inevitable. 

A beer sat by his side, a small radio played music on the nearby table, and an involuntary smile graced her lips.

She shouldn't have been smiling; the fact that she was pregnant again weighed heavily on her mind. Despite the situation, she couldn't help but smile.