PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

“You seem different.”Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

I just give a small smile to Dewa, who hasn’t stopped staring at me since I sat in one corner of his café. Finally, the four of us are having lunch together. I couldn’t avoid it because Dona was insistent on eating here. More accurately, she missed being with Dewangga.

Luckily, Dewa isn’t annoyed by Dona’s antics.

“Yeah, Anya looks stunning today. Flawless, right, Nao?” Dona says, giving me a mischievous wink. I know what she means. Fortunately, I have excellent self-control. Otherwise, I would have snatched Dona’s favorite French fries by now.

“Yes! I’m amazed too. Is there something in the air?” Naomi has no shame when it comes to asking such questions in front of Dewa. I don’t want her to think that what I’m wearing today is something special to him.

“Well, I’m having lunch with Dewa, that’s why.”

Ugh, I feel like I want to drown Dona in the pond near the office lobby! Why did she have to emphasize that?

“No, it’s not that. Anya is always beautiful in my eyes.”

While Kelvin often brags about his accomplishments, it’s different with Dewa. For someone who dislikes men’s sweet talk, Dewa is a master at delivering charming words. I find it quite annoying.

Back when I was a teenager, my paternal grandmother, Nenek Sumi, took care of me until her passing. I wanted to make Nek Sumi happy, like buying her a new TV so she could watch her favorite dramas comfortably. Nek Sumi once said, “Don’t believe everything men say. You can’t trust them 100%, dear. As a woman, you have to look out for yourself.”

At that time, I just nodded without really caring. Her words seemed like the wind, and I thought that even without Nek Sumi saying it, I wouldn’t easily believe what men said.

To me, everything is a lie. I still vividly remember how my father promised me he would be back soon. But what happened? He hasn’t shown up until now. He might as well be dead. I don’t know, and I don’t care.

In my every prayer, I only mention Nek Sumi as my parent, my grandmother, the person I love most in this world. So when I meet a guy like Dewa, I’m not surprised at all and don’t easily believe in him.

Maybe that’s why I don’t want to get to know Dewa’s personal side too much. In response to his compliment earlier, I give him a small smile and continue to enjoy my meal. I ordered beef ribs soup. Naomi has her favorite grilled chicken, and Dona, spaghetti.

The restaurant where Dewa works offers a pretty complete menu. The back area is reserved for the restaurant, while the front part is dedicated to relaxed sitting for coffee or hot chocolate. They also serve sweet treats. The coffee available here is quite delicious.

Now I crave it.

“Let’s buy coffee on the way back, okay?”

Naomi almost chokes, and Dona scolds me, “You’re enemies with coffee, Anya! Don’t even think about it!”

“But I want it, Naomi,” I whine shamelessly. “I can smell the coffee from here, and it’s so good.” I instinctively rub my belly. “Seriously, I really want it.”

“And what if you get into trouble later? Who’s going to take responsibility?”

I pout, impatiently spooning the hot soup. This makes me struggle because the heat sticks to the tip of my tongue, making me panic.

Dewa, who sits beside me, quickly offers help. He hands me a glass of mineral water. Ah, it’s so relieving!

“Thanks, Wa,” I say as I put the glass down. What I didn’t prepare for was Dewa casually touching the corner of my lips with the tip of his finger wrapped in tissue. I widen my eyes. At the same time, Cedric appears at the cashier’s table, looking at me with a disappointed expression?

***

I can’t concentrate on my work at all. When I returned from lunch, with the intention of not thinking about Cedric’s gaze at me earlier, I found Krystal’s office empty. I thought my boss was having lunch outside, but no. Her laptop, notes, heels-everything is ready. Even my makeup has been retouched.

Killing time, I try to complete as much work as I can because there’s a lot to do. Not to mention the ongoing meetings with Lazade. Krystal was right; dealing with Pak Andrew drives me crazy. He never seems satisfied. There’s always something he wants to change or adjust.

Oddly enough, my boss tolerates his oddness as long as that handsome guy is in front of her. But after the meeting, don’t expect any sweet and polite words from Krystal. Swearing directed at that Andrew bursts out loud and clear.

As the clock hits two, a message comes in from Krystal.

Krystal. K: I’m having a meeting outside with Kelvin. I’m postponing all my schedules for this week, except the one with Lazade.

I remember today, there was a meeting with Globe alongside Kelvin. Krystal informed me that I wouldn’t be attending after one hour had passed? It really hurts my feelings. Krystal really doesn’t want me to work with her for long. Maybe because this time she feels sorry for me now that she knows I’m pregnant. That’s why she’s asking for someone to accompany me from now on, who can replace me at any time without notice.

Suddenly, my mood turns sour, and for some reason, my stomach cramps. It hurts a lot, and I grimace in pain. But I can’t give in to this. Even though my tears are welling up again, I have to rearrange all of Krystal’s schedules. I also need to reschedule with the many people I have to contact regarding her agenda.

Why am I suddenly feeling so emotional? It’s like I’m not myself! But what can I do? This really makes me sad to no end. The cramps intensify, but I ignore them. I have a lot of work to do. I must show outstanding performance to Krystal, far beyond what I usually do.

I have to.

That’s why, when office hours are about to end, I’m sure they won’t allow overtime, so I quickly tidy up the things I brought home. I’ll work on them at the apartment after dinner. Sleep late and wake up early if necessary. Can’t I do something like that?

Before I can step out of the room, Cedric enters, startling me, and I take a few steps back.

“Do you want to kill me?!” I exclaim, shocked.

“Sorry. I’m sorry.”

I continue walking after calming my racing heart.

“Let’s go home together, Anya.”

“You’re still working, right? Just focus on your work.”

Cedric holds my arm immediately. “I’m here to pick you up.”

I look at him skeptically. “Using the company car again? Are you trying to get fired?”

Once again, he smiles. I remember his wounded lip. As I observe, the injury is starting to dry up and is less noticeable now. No wonder he’s not wearing a cap anymore. Master of camouflage, indeed!

“Where’s your car key? I’ll drive.”

For some reason, I laugh. Yes, I just laughed at what I heard. “You’re crazy, you know that? I’ll take my car back home.”

“If you’re willing to ride on my motorcycle, seriously, I don’t mind.”

“Putting my life in danger?”

“Why would it be dangerous?” Cedric’s eyebrows knit.

“You want to go fast and make me crash?”

For the first time, Cedric laughs, albeit softly. Revealing his white teeth, including the crooked one on the left side. I was amazed for a moment, but quickly regained my senses. Fortunately. So I put on my guarded face again.

“I won’t take you on a speedy ride; I want to take you home together. It’s lucky if you’re willing to ride on my motorcycle.”

“Look at me. Do you think I’ll ride a motorcycle wearing a skirt like this?” I protest smoothly. Again, he smiles, although I thought he would laugh.

“You can sit sideways. Do you have a jacket?”

“My files?” I point to my laptop bag and a tote bag with copies of the documents I need.

“We can arrange it.”

“Do you have a spare helmet?”

“Always. Who knows, maybe Anya will agree to ride with me.”

I roll my eyes in exasperation. “Your smooth-talking lips are incredible.”

“You also have the ability to sweet-talk me.”

Flattered? Not at all! Instead of entertaining him, I choose to continue walking towards the time clock machine. I’m sure Cedric is following me. After finishing the attendance record, I head to the elevator, and damn, there are only two of us. Where did the other employees go?

“Here, take this!” I hand my bags to Cedric a bit roughly. Instead of getting angry, he happily takes them.

“Are you serious about riding on my motorcycle together?”

“Are you asking again? I canceled the plan for you to pick me up this afternoon.”

***