PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I didn’t know whether to call this luck or bad luck. Henry insisted on driving me home, but I refused to use his car. At first, Henry didn’t want to comply, but I didn’t force him. I chose to drive slowly rather than share a confined space with a man who was now driving so focused.

Naomi sent a message saying that she would also work overtime, and Dona apologized for not being able to accompany me. Maybe they would only come to my apartment around 7 pm. I whined, asking to be accompanied, but it was okay if I had to go home alone. They agreed since there were some gossip stories to be shared, especially about what happened after I took those folders that caused me pain.

Throughout the journey, we didn’t talk about anything. I answered Henry’s questions briefly and avoided asking anything in return. Meanwhile, I occasionally closed my eyes, trying to bear the increasing pain. A mixture of discomfort, pain, and cramps was swirling chaotically in my stomach. I didn’t have any problems during lunch or breakfast.

Maybe Baby understood and knew that her mother was feeling upset because of her father’s actions. That’s why she chose to behave and cooperate this week, not causing much trouble, which relieved me. My intention to maintain a healthy diet and proper nutrition was being carried out. It was all disrupted because of this old man’s behavior. Oh no! Or was I wrong? Maybe inside me, Baby was also in pain?

Could that be true?

Oh God! If that’s indeed the case, I won’t forgive that old Sarman! I hope nothing bad will happen to me later. I’m a bit scared too, you know. This pain is different from what I’ve felt before.

“Anya?”

I saw that the traffic was still congested. Although I thought maybe it would relax him a bit, I just wanted to be home with a warm glass of milk, half-reclined on the sofa, and resting. I didn’t have any malicious thoughts. Honestly, I couldn’t think normally anymore. The pain was becoming too much of a concern.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Out of nowhere, Henry touched my shoulder. I jumped in surprise. I immediately pushed his hand away roughly. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong with you? Your face is getting paler. Are you sick? Should we go to the hospital?”

I shook my head. I just wanted to arrive at my apartment and rest. I was a bit traumatized by hospitals, you know. It’s not like anything. Usually, Cedric accompanied me. How could I go with Henry this time? I don’t want that. If I have to go to the hospital again, I want it to be with Cedric. After all, this is his child too. He has to take responsibility! How can he leave me suffering alone?

“Can you hurry up a bit?” I finally asked. I still refused Henry’s invitation to go to the hospital. Threatening to get out of the car worked well. Initially, he really insisted on taking us to the nearest hospital. I just wanted to arrive quickly at the lobby of my apartment building. That’s all.

Full of irritated grumbling, Henry finally complied. All I did was hope that the traffic jam wouldn’t be too long. And after we arrived at the apartment, I hoped Baby would be calm again and willing to cooperate.

Once we arrived in the basement, I firmly refused Henry’s help. However, this time he was stubborn. I only wanted him to stay until we reached the lobby, and then I would shoo him away. Or I would report to security to have him escorted out of the building. I didn’t care if it caused a commotion. From the beginning, Henry was the one who insisted on coming. If it weren’t for this pain, I would have driven alone.

I couldn’t possibly endanger myself, especially since Cedric hadn’t appeared with any news. Baby became my most loyal companion. I should have realized that. I repeatedly apologized to her before sleeping, gently caressing my belly and reading short stories. Aunt Naomi’s careless yet caring attitude, or Aunt Dona’s penchant for witty gossip account comments. Not forgetting the strong and beautiful figure I looked up to, Krystal. Oh, Anna is included too. She’s a good girl, and I like her.

Even about her father, despite my occasional annoyance due to his neglect, I still couldn’t help but talk about the man with dimples.

“Just stop here, Henry,” I said as I reached for my bag. He remained unmoved. “Henry, please.”

We entered the lobby area before heading to the main lift corridor towards my unit. I had never been so relieved by my stubbornness. Which, as it turned out, had its purpose. Cedric was there. Sitting, but as soon as he saw me, his gaze resembled the last time he gave that look.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Henry, please. I don’t want any trouble,” I hissed, holding back my irritation. Then, I glanced at Cedric who was now walking towards us. I felt like pushing Henry into a black hole to make him disappear, so I wouldn’t have to explain everything to Cedric. That was my goal.

Not to mention the pain was getting worse, I could feel it.

“Anya, what’s wrong with me taking you to your unit?” Henry stared at me sharply. His hand grasped my arm without warning. “I have no bad intentions. Are you scared? What do you have to fear? Your future husband? Where is he? You’re lying to me, Anya!” he added, clearly annoyed.

Before I could react, Cedric stepped in, holding me firmly with one strong pull, making both Henry and I look at him.

“Let go.”

I just found out that Cedric could emit such a terrifying aura! Even I shuddered in horror being close to him.

“You…” Henry seemed to be in disbelief at what he was seeing. “What do you want?”

“I said, let go.”

Maybe out of anger or something else, Henry’s grip tightened, causing pain in my arm and my stomach to ache even more, making me grimace.

“It hurts,” I said.

“You hear that? Anya is in pain.” Cedric immediately grabbed Henry and forcibly pushed him away. As soon as Henry’s grip was released, I stumbled towards Cedric. I closed my eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply the scent of his cologne, which I had been imagining all week. Also, affirming that he was indeed real and standing in front of me.

Cedric embraced me tightly. I could feel his heart pounding fast. I was happy that my eyes didn’t deceive me, and well… I missed him. A lot. So I moved closer to his embrace, seeking protection.

“What’s your problem, Cedric?” Henry asked, trying to reach for my hand again but was blocked by Cedric.

“Watch your attitude, sir. Anya said it hurts. Are you deaf?”

“Henry, please,” I couldn’t help but intervene. Henry was being stubborn. I didn’t want any commotion, although it seemed like one was about to happen. Several security guards were starting to approach me.

“Please, just go home.”

He shook his head, his eyes glaring at me and Cedric. It was as if he didn’t care that many eyes were witnessing our drama.

“No! Not until you explain this!” he demanded.

“Henry, please. I don’t want any trouble,” I said softly, grimacing again. Reflexively, I held my stomach. “It hurts, Cedric.”

“Where does it hurt?”

I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling the sudden pain. It felt like everything around me was spinning. “My stomach, Cedric.”

In the next five seconds before darkness engulfed me, I could still hear Cedric shouting my name. Simultaneously, Henry called out to me too.