going back to school

**Zoya's POV**

With everything that had been happening with Benito, I had completely forgotten I was in my final semester of college.

Exams were starting in just a few days, and graduation would follow soon after.

I let out a heavy sigh and dragged myself out of bed.

The cool morning air brushed against my bare skin as I stretched, my muscles still heavy with exhaustion.

I quickly showered, letting the warm water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of sleep and the lingering ache in my chest.

By the time I went downstairs, my three-year-old daughter Emilia was already sitting at the breakfast table, dressed and ready for daycare.

Her little legs swung happily beneath the chair.

“Honey, who gave you a bath?” I asked, glancing around our quiet apartment.

Dad wasn’t home, so it was just the two of us. I didn’t remember bathing her or even waking up early enough to do so.

“Aunty Vittoria did,” Emilia replied in her sweet, high-pitched voice.

“She’s in the kitchen making breakfast. She said not to wake Mummy up because Mummy was tired.”

I dropped my bag on the dining table, leaned down, and pressed a soft kiss to my daughter’s forehead, inhaling the fresh, powdery scent of her skin and shampoo. Then I headed toward the kitchen.

The rich, golden aroma of fresh pancakes wafted through the air, warm and buttery, making my mouth water instantly.

My stomach gave a loud, insistent rumble. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until that moment.

“Good morning, Zoya,” Vittoria called over her shoulder, her voice warm and familiar.

“Morning. When did you get here?” I asked, moving to the counter to make myself a cup of coffee.

The sharp, earthy scent of freshly ground beans filled my senses as I poured hot water over them.

The sweet, comforting aroma rose in gentle steam, making my stomach rumble even louder.

“A while ago,” Vittoria replied, flipping a perfectly golden pancake on the frying pan. “Emi was already up when I arrived. She was sitting in the living room watching Frozen.”

“You’re all dressed up. Where are you heading?” She switched off the stove, pulled the apron over her head, and set it on the counter.

“School.” I stirred my coffee slowly, the spoon clinking softly against the mug.

The sweet, nutty aroma of the coffee wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

I took a cautious sip, feeling the hot liquid soothe my throat and spread warmth through my chest.

“It’s about time,” Vittoria said as she carried the stack of pancakes to the dining table. “I thought you’d stay cooped up in your room, crying over a man who doesn’t deserve you.”

I followed her like a lost child, carefully cradling my piping-hot mug.

The rich scent of pancakes and coffee mingled in the air, a small comfort in the middle of my storm.

“The lecturers have been asking about you,” she continued. “Luckily, I told them what happened. They were threatening to fail you in their courses.”

I smiled at her gratefully. Secretly, I thanked Benito for two good things he had given me, two things I would never trade: my beautiful daughter Emilia and my fiercely caring friend Vittoria.

“Thank you, Tori. You’re the best,” I murmured.

“I know I am,” she said with a wink. “Now hurry, or we’ll be late for class. We still have to drop Emi off.”

That was my cue to stop talking and focus on savoring the hot, velvety coffee.

After breakfast, Vittoria hopped onto her big motorcycle while I buckled Emilia into the car.

Benito had bought me this car, saying he wanted to make dropping off and picking up Emilia from daycare easier. He also hadn’t wanted me taking public transport.

I couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly at the memory.

The same man who once treated me like his precious doll had cheated on me. He never truly loved me.

I glanced at Emilia through the rearview mirror. She was staring at me with wide, worried eyes, her little face twisted in confusion and hurt.

The sight made my throat tighten. I forced my hands to relax on the steering wheel.

I couldn’t let my sadness dim her light, she was my ray of sunshine, and I refused to cast shadows over her.

We finally arrived at the daycare. Emi gave me a long, sweet kiss on my cheek, her soft lips warm and sticky with syrup from breakfast.

She waved goodbye enthusiastically before running to her teacher’s outstretched hand.

Together, they waved at me one last time before disappearing into the bright classroom.

I drove off, now following behind Vittoria. She looked cool and confident on her big bike, the wind whipping through her hair.

“I told you to get a big bike like mine,” she called out with a laugh when we parked, her eyes sparkling with life. “See how slow your car is?”

“You know big bikes aren’t convenient for Emilia,” I replied, shaking my head.

“Imagine my poor little daughter clinging to me for her dear life. Plus, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to riding one. I’d rather be at the back than in front.” I shivered just thinking about it.

Vittoria laughed heartily and linked her arm with mine.

Together, we walked toward our class, the familiar chatter of students buzzing around us.

I tried to ignore the whispers that followed me, the cruel comments about my failed relationship. Someone even muttered, “I knew they wouldn’t last. Zoya thought she’d pinned him down by giving him a child. What a bitch.”

“Just tell me who you want me to punch, and I’ll do it without batting an eyelash,” Vittoria growled beside me, her veins visibly pulsing with anger.

I smiled and leaned my head on her shoulder. “I don’t care about them. It’s always like this when couples separate. The girl gets blamed even if it was the man’s fault. I knew this would happen, so I already prepared myself.”

“Well, they can keep their worthless opinions to themselves and focus on their own lives instead of prying into others’,” she grumbled, making me laugh despite everything.

When we finally entered the classroom, Benito was sitting in our old spot but this time, Vera was perched on his lap, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

I ignored them and followed Vittoria to the back, where we sat down.

I won’t lie, it hurt. I couldn’t stop staring at them.

Hot tears stung my eyes, my heart pounded violently against my ribs, and my chest felt so tight that every breath felt like hard labor.

“Ignore them,” Vittoria whispered, wrapping a comforting arm around my shoulders and pulling me gently against her. Her familiar scent the leather from her bike jacket, enveloped me as she stroked my arm soothingly. “Benito is a cheat, and I’d bet my big bike that he’ll do the same thing to Vera.”