PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

My sadness lingered as I sat down at my work desk. Even when I tried to turn on the computer, I still couldn’t stop thinking that Krystal would soon replace me. If that happens, what job will I have? Especially with my current condition!

I even mentioned that terminating this pregnancy was the best option. My job would be secure, my financial situation would be stable, and Krystal wouldn’t replace me so quickly. I’ve dedicated myself to every task all this time. I don’t want everything to just fade away. No. No.

So, right now, I’m truly determined. In the past, I had some doubts, weighing the pros and cons, but seeing this situation so clearly in front of me has erased any doubts. I want Krystal to understand that I love my job. Sure, she seemed attentive yesterday, but I don’t like it when attention is given just to please me. Then, I might end up being replaced. I don’t want that.

I’d rather be overwhelmed with numerous orders than presented with a lot of snack jars.

I wiped away the lingering tears, though they were not as frequent as before. I decided to wash my face to freshen up and reapply some compact to look more presentable. Krystal is perfectly beautiful, and every time we meet clients, they always compliment her. I get some compliments too because I always pay attention to my appearance. I don’t want my boss to be embarrassed to have a shabby and unkempt secretary.

“Morning, Miss,” I greeted her with a small smile. I don’t want to be fake because I know Krystal quite well. She’s perceptive and can sense when something is off.

“Hi, Anya. You look more refreshed.”

I smiled in response to her praise. Then, I followed her as she entered the office. I arrived early this morning, even though I was sure I left a bit later than usual. Maybe Krystal leaves later than usual. “By the way, do we have an office tour on the agenda today?”

I could see she was a bit surprised by my question. Ah, I was right. For this agenda alone, Krystal no longer trusted me to handle it.

“Yes. We have an office tour, and you’ll be coordinating it with Hanni. She’s in charge of this.”

I simply nodded, feeling a bit weak. So, Hanni is handling this. It’s true that Hanni is a suitable person to organize this office tour. She works in public relations and knows all the data about the employees here. But still…

“But before that, we’ll have a meeting. Did you inform everyone?”

I nodded again, letting my boss take her seat behind her desk after placing her branded bag, which is always a fashion accessory. Feeling like I had nothing else to say and hearing her instructions, I chose to step aside.

But before I could fully leave her office, I suddenly stopped in my tracks, absorbing every word my boss said.

“Anya, you’re pregnant. Don’t overexert yourself.”

I don’t know if the warmth that suddenly enveloped me is a kindness or more like a time bomb ready to explode soon.

***

Hanni is good at guiding and giving directions. I agree with Krystal’s assessment during the office tour. We followed behind, and occasionally, I joined in explaining things as Krystal’s representative. My boss? She smiled elegantly, as usual. Luckily, my stomach didn’t act up today. I entered and left various rooms with different smells. Maybe she’s aware that I need to perform well in front of everyone here.

We finished not long after the brief introductions and presentation of visions and missions from the new managers. I still have a lot to do, including synchronizing financial reports, which may come with some surprises. I’m not sure yet. I’ll do my best, though, with precision and attention to detail.

“What’s on my agenda for tomorrow, Anya?”

I looked up to find my boss standing in front of my desk, busy with her gadget. I quickly opened the computer screen showing all of Krystal Kesuma’s schedules.

“Tomorrow, you have a meeting at the office, but there’s also a lunch meeting with the Long Globe team and Mr. Kelvin. It’s about discussing the system, ma’am.”

Krystal glanced at me, her face showing deep thought. “If I’m not able to attend, it won’t be a problem, right? The one who’s concerned is Mr. Kelvin, right?”

“That’s possible, ma’am. I’ll let Mr. Kelvin know that you won’t be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.”

My boss nodded slowly. Then she walked away, leaving behind a faint knock that faded away when the glass door closed. I checked the time, and lunch break was less than thirty minutes away. Having lunch with Naomi and Dona wouldn’t hurt, right?

Apparently, they had already planned to eat together. The choices weren’t far from the cafeteria and a cafe across the street. Dona insisted on going to her favorite cafe. I responded casually. What’s important is that I want to eat something warm. Maybe beef soup?

Before I left for lunch, I prepared the work I would continue. I placed it close to the computer for easy access. When I went to take a sip of water, I noticed my tea cup was still full. For some reason, it brought a smile to my lips.

“For Anya.”

I just stared into his black eyes as he gave me a small smile.

“Don’t be sad anymore, okay? I’m confused.”

Didn’t I say that Cedric is an annoying type of guy?

***

Cedric. K: Sorry, Ma’am. Can’t take you home. The guests want to go sightseeing. (sad emoji)

I had just finished closing the computer screen when I laughed reading Cedric’s message. No wonder he wasn’t around all afternoon. Oh, maybe he’s been busy since lunchtime. When there are guests like this, the front office is always busy. But what makes me think that Cedric falls into the category of good guys is that during lunch, he still managed to ask how I was doing.

It was just a simple inquiry, not an interruption, like “Don’t forget to eat, Anya.” Or, “Please remember, you’re pregnant. Take care of your eating habits.” Not like that. Cedric’s message to me earned its own special place in our chat history.

“I hope Anya has eaten because I’ve already had my meal.”

I scrolled through our previous chat history, and it was all about sharing food or breakfast. Nothing more than that. Even since that fateful night, I haven’t received any strange messages from Cedric. We’ve been interacting as usual. Because back then, I considered it just a passing moment.