PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I insist on stopping by the bakery later. How can I go to Cedric’s house without bringing anything? That would be so impolite! During the elevator ride down to the basement where my car is parked, I ask a lot of questions about what his mother likes. Even though Cedric said it’s not necessary, I believe it is essential.

I mean, come on! How can a woman be introduced officially, with a not-so-flat belly, and not bring anything? I’m not crazy, right?!

“Okay, okay. We’ll stop by, alright. Your strictness is getting worse,” I grumble in annoyance.

“Strictness or sweetness?” Cedric teases.

“Yesterday, I said ‘balance’, Joice. Balanced.”

I give up arguing with Cedric. “My mother likes cheese brownies. Let’s buy them, and find a store that’s already open.” Cedric allows me to step out first, but as soon as I do, I realize this isn’t the basement.

“We still have one more floor, Cedric.”

“Here, Joice.”

I furrow my brows. “My car is in the basement, you know.”

He just smiles. His fingers slip into the gaps of my hand, holding it tightly. “Let’s go.”

I’m really confused by his behavior this time. Ah, well, maybe it’s just my presumption. Cedric is still sweet and caring as usual, nothing to be suspicious of except his appearance. Maybe he’s just as nervous as me about introducing the person who will become part of his family.

His actions prove that he’s still the same, holding my tote bag for me. It’s funny to see him looking so put-together but carrying my soft pink bag. And his grip on my hand never loosens, as if to assure me that he’s always by my side, providing the protection I need. Also, to make it clear that I belong to him.

My feelings are still the same, mixed up and uncertain. But at least, with Cedric by my side, I feel like I can go through this together. Even though the image of that middle-aged woman’s scornful gaze is haunting me. I never imagined it would happen. Oh, please, let’s avoid that!

That’s why I want to leave a good impression, right? I can’t just come empty-handed! Especially since I know his mother has just recovered from an illness. At least I’ll bring some fruits, cake, or something. Most guys might be indifferent about this matter, but we, women, get fussy when it comes to bringing gifts during visits. Especially when it’s someone important we’re visiting.

I can say, my future mother-in-law. Right?

As I follow Cedric’s steps, I think about which bakery we’ll visit later. Right at the main entrance, a sleek sedan stops right in front of us. Probably one of the residents of this apartment building. The place I chose to live in is located in an upscale area. However, my unit is still relatively ordinary. Other towers are considered more luxurious and elite.

But Cedric doesn’t stop at all! Instead, he approaches the black, shiny car and…

A man, whom I assume is the driver of the expensive car worth millions of dollars, quickly gets out. Then he opens the door for… us?

Oh, God!!!

I couldn’t think straight because I was sure he was the wrong person! There’s no way Cedric would rent a car like this, right? What’s the point? But wait… the driver is giving a small, awkward smile and nodding towards Cedric. I keep switching my gaze between Cedric and the well-dressed man. Meanwhile, Cedric just nods back with a small smile. I’m completely confused, wondering what’s actually happening here.

“Ladies first,” Cedric says, breaking my surprise.

“Cedric?”

He looks at me with a puzzled expression. “Get in, Joice.”

“This… whose car is this?”

Cedric smiles again. “Cedric? Did you rent this car?” I push, too curious to hold back my suspicions about car rentals.

The man shakes his head slightly, chuckling softly. “This is my car.”

Frowning, I look at him suspiciously. “No way,” I whisper.

Cedric nudges me to get in, but I hesitate. I don’t want to. “Who are you?”

Now it’s Cedric’s turn to give a puzzled and displeased look, probably because of my change in tone. I don’t care. I feel like he’s hiding something from me. Stupid me, I’ve just realized it.

“I have plenty of time to explain,” he says.

“Who are you?” I ask again, this time in a tone that I know might annoy Cedric a bit.

“I’ll tell you inside, okay?” Cedric pleads. “There’s another car behind. It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about this in front of others.”

I growl in frustration. Reluctantly, I step into the luxury car. The smile, excitement, and nervousness that were dominating me earlier have disappeared from my heart.

Instead, it’s replaced by anger, and I don’t know why it suddenly overwhelms me so strongly.

***

Is my brain just slow to process all of Cedric’s explanations, or am I too shocked to respond? Especially when he said we’ve arrived at his home. When my feet step on the concrete blocks covered with lush grass as a decoration, I realize that Cedric’s words weren’t a dream whisper.

“I know, I was wrong,” he says.

I remain silent.

“But everything I’ve done, including my feelings for you-”

“What else are you hiding from me?”

A frustrated sigh is clearly heard as Cedric stands right beside me. “There’s nothing else, Joice. I’ve told you everything.”

“I want to go home,” I snap sharply. It doesn’t take long for me to make this crazy decision. I don’t even care if I have to hail a taxi myself. After all, I already have my bag in my hand.

“Joice, please.”

I raise my hand, signaling that I don’t want any interruptions to my decision. I even reject his attempt to hold my hand again, pushing away his fingers harshly. I don’t want to be touched by him again.

Among the many things I hate, being lied to is the ultimate one. And Cedric, the damn person who now rules my heart, did just that. Completely, perfectly, and smoothly enough to deceive me. Until I was left speechless after hearing all his explanations.

“You can be angry with me, but not today, please. I beg you.”

Unconsciously, tears fill my eyes. I’m sure they’re already streaming down my cheeks in the blink of an eye.

“My mother is waiting for you, Joice. After that, you can punish me. Anything. I’ll accept it. I was wrong.”

Before I can fully process and unravel everything, a very familiar voice greets me cheerfully.

“Hey, Anya. Come in, Cedric. Don’t take too long out there.”

Krystal. Waving enthusiastically and walking towards me.

Is there anything more surprising than Cedric? Yes, there is.

He is the rightful owner of the company where I work, not Krystal.

***

“Anya?”

I didn’t want to say anything. My eyes were still fixed on the building across the street. I let the night breeze ruffle my hair, ignoring the cold. Even when Dona wrapped a shawl around me, I remained silent. Here, it was just me and Naomi. Dona said she would make a late dinner, but I wasn’t really paying attention. I figured Dona could handle the kitchen, and even if it ended up looking like a disaster, she would be responsible for it. Although, realistically speaking, I knew that was highly unlikely, considering how skilled Dona was in the kitchen.

“Anya, Cedric said-”

“I don’t want to talk about it, Naomi.” I didn’t look at Naomi sitting beside me. That’s just how I felt. Everything was turning perfectly, slowly, making me feel like I was so easily deceived.

I felt Naomi gently pull me into her embrace. “Just cry, Anya.”

Everything I held back while being surrounded by a group of kind people, whom I never expected or calculated to be part of my life, made my heart feel suffocated. I ran out of words except to agree with everything they said.

“Are you also one of the people who hid this, Naomi?” I asked spontaneously. Naomi blinked slowly and immediately shook her head firmly.

“No. I only found out … on the day… well…”

“Monday? You knew exactly who Cedric was on Monday, and you avoided- ” I raised my hand to signal her not to interrupt me. “You both avoided my questions, Naomi. You conspired together? For what, Naomi? Why did you do this to me?”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Nothing could hold back the tears that streamed down my face. I was so disappointed. So much.

“I’m sorry.”

Even Naomi’s apologies felt meaningless. I hated being lied to, no matter the reason. They knew, and no one wanted to share it with me. Instead, they seemed to avoid it. Everything was perfectly clear in my mind.