PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I thought Henry’s presence would be limited to lunchtime. I didn’t want any more interruptions. Ever since he appeared at the office, I hardly paid any attention to him. This time was no different. There was no compelling reason for me to let him get close to me again. What’s the point? To me, it seemed that if I could turn back time, I wouldn’t have agreed to Henry’s invitation that left me frustrated due to the lack of news from Cedric.

It was a foolish and stupid mistake that I made out of unease. Despite ignoring his numerous messages and calls, he always managed to evoke sympathy from me again-yes, I said it’s because I was uneasy. But it all ended in misery. It’s truly exasperating.

Why didn’t I take Henry’s presence, who was a part of my past, too seriously? I was too busy with my own affairs. I was troubled by my negative thoughts, which Naomi said had significantly decreased. Also, the assumptions about my boss’s behavior, which Dona said I should be grateful for. Having a female boss who showed extra attention, rather than appearing to compete with me.

Three encounters with Henry were enough for me. I didn’t want any more. Besides protecting myself, I needed to maintain my emotions to stay sane. I couldn’t rule out the possibility of exploding with anger as Henry kept pushing me with his accusations about what I honestly said.

It’s his business if he doesn’t believe me. The most important thing is that I’ve said it, even though at first… truly, I hesitated. I never thought of sharing my suffering with others outside my personal circle. It’s not easy to utter those words, even though I’m quite sure that until now, Henry doesn’t know who the person is I’m referring to.

If they met yesterday, I don’t know what kind of scene would unfold in front of my unit. I can’t even imagine, and, well… I’m scared to imagine it.

So here I am now, in an online taxi that I booked half an hour before the end of office hours. Krystal isn’t at the office. It means she’s been absent for three days. It’s a bit uncomfortable when the boss isn’t around. All my reports are connected via email, and I’m grateful that there are no major issues. Everything is under control. I did prepare myself in case she intercepts me. Considering that Henry never hesitated to impose his will. In the past, I was fine with it; I even felt flattered. Who wouldn’t like it when their boyfriend is possessive?

I still remember Henry’s personality to some extent, whether he has changed or not. I don’t want to take any risks, especially since he said he doesn’t believe me and considers what I said about my pregnancy as an excuse to reject him. It’s possible that he will get closer to me.

I left my car in the parking lot. After all, I’m a regular member and park there every month. I also stayed there a couple of times when I was too tired during overtime. Ah, I suddenly miss overtime. Coming home late, being pressed with work, and being scrutinized under Krystal’s laser-like gaze, not to mention her unkind comments.

That’s why I’m amazed at how Krystal changed so much towards me. Well, I guess I should start embracing what Dona said. Be grateful and feel lucky that Krystal is kind to me.

The journey to the apartment was a bit delayed, longer than usual. Traffic jam. Well, that’s Washington DC for you. It’s not only congested during rush hour but also on holidays. And Anya’s taxi driver drives smoothly, not slamming on the gas, which would make my seat uncomfortable. I’ve experienced a few online taxi drivers who drive rather roughly, either because they were chasing targets or being chased by demons.

Out of curiosity, I checked my phone again. Maybe there’s a reply from Cedric.

Anya. P: Cedric, can’t you reply now?

That was my last message, four hours ago. Still the same. Two gray ticks despite the status being online. It felt like he was that angry. I scrolled through the pile of ignored messages until I reached the day when the incident happened. I sighed softly.

“Ma’am, we’ve arrived right in the lobby.”

I blinked. I don’t know how long I’ve been daydreaming. It’s fortunate, though, that I didn’t linger too long, and the car finally stopped at our destination. I quickly prepared to get out while thanking the driver.

I stepped into the lobby area with slightly high hopes. Maybe, Cedric is waiting for me without needing any notice. I sat on one of the guest sofas near the reception desk. I sat casually, as if taking a break for a while, slightly bowing my head. As soon as he saw me enter, he smiled and walked towards me. I glanced around, hoping desperately that what I imagined would come true.

But all I found was the sofa. There wasn’t a single person I recognized there. Just unfamiliar faces, presumably other guests. Ah, it felt suffocating. Did I have to struggle with tears tonight? Moreover, Cedric’s scent on the blanket is starting to fade. It’s replaced by the aroma of the therapy scent I always lit to help me relax. Should I turn it off for that night?

“Mrs. Anya.”

I quickly turned towards the voice. One of the receptionists, whose name I didn’t know very well, called out to me. “Yes?”

“There’s a delivery for you.”

I saw her pick up one of the packages from behind the counter. I furrowed my brows. I didn’t order any food. In fact, today, I wanted to have rice with sunny-side-up eggs. It wasn’t that I didn’t want anything complicated, but Baby seemed to want that.

“From?” I asked as I moved closer. I carefully observed the transparent package, in case there was a hidden note, but found none.

“I don’t know, Ma’am. It was sent through an express delivery service.”

I nodded. It must be from Dona. She had called me earlier in the afternoon and asked about this and that. I asked about Naomi’s well-being through chat, and she seemed to be doing much better. I guessed it was Dona who sent me the food. Once I got upstairs, I should call her. Not only to confirm, but also to express my gratitude, right?

In a hurry, I headed to the elevator and pressed the floor for my apartment after thanking the receptionist. The aroma of the food started to arouse my appetite, and it was still warm. Maybe I should reheat the broth a bit to enjoy it even more.

But my assumption was completely wrong. Neither Dona nor Naomi sent me any food. In fact, according to Dona, she was so kind to send me food when my salary was barely enough to cover meals. I laughed hearing her confession. If it were Naomi, she wouldn’t even have time to think about ordering food for herself, let alone for me. Although she reminded me to eat, it didn’t mean she’d go through the trouble of ordering food for me tonight.

The package and its contents were completely gone, with only traces of spicy broth left in the dirty bowl. I couldn’t resist the temptation to start eating before confirming with my two friends. Ugh… how foolish of me!!!

I started thinking about the possibility of being poisoned through the food. Oh my god! Why am I so easily believing things like this? I was planning to ask my two friends earlier, but why didn’t I do it?! Oh, God! Where has Anya’s usually brilliant brain gone?

What if something happens to me later?

I suddenly shuddered at the thought. Before my fear could fully dissipate, my phone rang. I saw Henry’s caller ID. What does this guy want now?

I ignored the call once, twice, and even ten times. Yet, it didn’t stop there; I received a message from Henry.

Henry. P: Anya, did you receive the noodles I ordered? I hope you like them. I was waiting in the parking lot, but you weren’t there. Are you working overtime? Are you at the apartment now?

A sigh of relief escaped my lips. At least Henry wouldn’t have put cyanide in my noodles. It would be downright rude and impolite if I didn’t say thank you, right? So, I replied to Henry’s message as briefly as possible.

As I was about to type my response, I noticed Cedric typing a reply to my message! I was stunned. I was in awe that my restlessness was finally going to be resolved.

I waited for a minute or two.

He was still typing, but there was no sign of the message he was about to send. Was he going to write a long message? I couldn’t wait to read it. Even if it was a lecture, I would accept it. I wouldn’t put my pride too high to apologize. My message already contained a lot of “I’m sorry” for him, after all.

Ten minutes passed, and still, there was no message. The “writing message” status disappeared from Cedric’s contact bar. All my messages had been read, but he didn’t respond to any of them. Am I not important to Cedric anymore?

Have I been completely wrong in his eyes?

He ignored my apologies.