PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I saw that Cedric didn’t divert his gaze anywhere else.

“Oh, I see. I’m not attractive anymore, right? My belly must be getting bigger,” I said teasingly.

“N-No, it’s not like that.” Cedric took a step closer without hesitation. “Oh my goodness! Are you doing this on purpose or what?”

I looked at him with a confused look, though my heart wanted to burst out laughing. “Doing what on purpose? I don’t understand.” As I reached the edge of the bathtub, I sat down, making myself comfortable. “Hurry up, Cedric. I’ll get cold.”

Cedric rolled up his shirt sleeves. Occasionally, he let out a soft sigh. He grabbed the shower hose at the edge of the bathtub and started washing my hair gently. I tilted my head back slightly, closing my eyes. I felt the soft touch of Cedric’s fingers on my scalp.

“You haven’t answered my question, Cedric.” The warm water flowed gently over my scalp, and the sound of dripping water filled the air.

“Which one?”

“I’m doing this on purpose. What am I doing on purpose?”

The water stopped flowing. I turned to face him and challenged his gaze. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as his eyes wandered up and down my figure. I slowly stepped closer until my half-wet, half-naked body was right in front of him.

I teased him, really teasing him until he almost lost control. I loved it when Cedric growled slightly against my neck. He left many wet marks there. It seemed intentional. I didn’t forbid it or push him away. Well… what could I do? Being in the same room with a man with such an appealing body. And his gaze pleading with me to reprimand him, even if just a little.

Once he was given the opening, I was the one who lost control. Even the kiss on my lips felt more demanding than before. Usually, it could make me feel hot and cold, but now? He said that between our kisses, he missed the softness of my lips so much. I pouted. What a lie, right? Just admit that he was tempted to keep kissing me relentlessly. His lips not touching mine for three days, how could he bear it?

“You might get sick, Joice.” Cedric released the demanding kiss slowly. I was genuinely struggling to keep up.

“Who made it last so long?”

Cedric grimaced. “I don’t know who started it, me or you.”

His shirt was clearly wet. My body was clinging to Cedric, only separated by my already bulging belly. If not for that, I think I would have been completely satisfied being enveloped in his embrace. He took a dry towel for me, and I quickly dried my hair and dressed properly. I didn’t want to get sick because I spent too long in the bathroom like this.

I just complied.

“Joice,” Cedric called as he gently touched my shoulder. He might have thought I was asleep, but I wasn’t. In my mind, I was imagining Cedric’s body shape, which was clearly visible, even though I had enjoyed being in the embrace of his bare chest several times, it still felt tempting. To be explored with my fingertips, of course.

“I’m going home,” he said.

I processed his words. Go home? Whose shirt would he wear? It couldn’t be with that wet shirt, right? I turned around and found him still shirtless. “Don’t go.”

His forehead creased. “It’s already late.”

“I know. I’m not blind to the clock on the wall.”

He laughed.

“If Baby makes me uncomfortable again, what are you going to do? Who will massage me? Take responsibility.”

His laughter increased. “Can I stay the night again?”

I frowned but nodded slightly.

“Do you need to wear clothes, or is this fine?” Cedric asked.

Extraordinary, wasn’t he, Cedric? Now it was his turn to tease me like that? Really? Just wait and see. My retaliation would be greater than what he received before.

“Your body looks good. So it can be used as my living doll for bedtime company.”

Cedric drowned in laughter. “Sure. As long as it keeps you company.”

“Yeah, sure. You’re bound to me for life. No way you can stray.”

“Let’s speed up the wedding, Joice.”

This time, I looked at him with confusion. “Why?”

“I can withstand it today. I don’t know about tomorrow or the day after.”

A faint smile appeared on my lips.

“You… are the sweetest temptation in my life, Joice.”

***

I don’t immediately forgive Cedric, you know. It’s not that easy, actually. But last night, while I was soaking in the bath before Cedric washed my hair, I took a moment to think. What Naomi and Dona said was worth considering? Although Cedric was wrong, he had his reasons. And his anger towards Sarman was strong evidence that he loves me and Baby.

“Think about it, Anya, if Cedric didn’t love you deeply, he wouldn’t have gone this far. You can see it, right? Has he ever left you?” Dona’s words kept echoing in my mind before we decided to go to bed while they were staying over. And Naomi’s words too. “You don’t need to waste your energy being angry for too long. Just be angry within reason, I know you’re disappointed. But I’m sure you won’t be able to leave, Anya. You two love each other, you just haven’t admitted your feelings clearly. Right?”

I was speechless. Dona’s words kept playing in my mind before we decided to go to bed. And Naomi’s words too. I don’t need to let my anger drag on too long. Just be reasonably upset, and I know that you’re disappointed. But I’m sure you won’t be able to leave. You both love each other; you just haven’t admitted your feelings clearly. Right?

There’s nothing I can do. It’s true. I have fallen for Cedric. Even though his appearance and now that I know who the real Cedric is, it doesn’t change my feelings just like that. Especially since what has changed is only his appearance and status. His attention, affection, gentle words, and everything related to me, none of that has changed. It has only decreased, if at all.

But deep in the depths of my heart, my fear is growing. Even for a Cedric who works as an office boy, I still had doubts in my heart. What about in the future when our circumstances might not be as good as now? Will our love still be able to sustain each other’s presence? Or will we drift apart and I’ll be hurt again because of being left behind?

And now? Cedric holds the power, far above me. I’ve even come to the realization that Krystal is already amazing enough. How about her sister, who is apparently the one in control? Oh, my list of fears is getting longer, isn’t it?

I could be abandoned at any time. With Cedric’s power, he could take away my child and leave me. Not to mention, I suddenly remembered that Cedric has been to clubs a few times, right? Oh my God! I forgot to ask if he truly loves the band or if it’s just an excuse to spend a lot of time at the club. And to think… my brain is so slow to process things!

The incident from the night that I still clearly remember, Cedric was at the club too. Typical of someone who has a lot of money to spend their leisure time. Having fun.

Oh my God! What should I do?

“You’ve been daydreaming a lot lately, Joice.”

I was taken aback. Cedric was already standing not far from where I was sitting. We were both ready to go to work. Last night, Cedric stayed over after I washed one piece of his clothes. So that it would dry in the morning and I could iron it right away. That was after I persuaded Cedric this and that. Don’t forget, he never let me go easily. He followed my every step. He said he was afraid I would do something even though I was just washing one of his clothes! Amazing!

I saw Cedric brought two plates of his homemade fried rice. I’m not allowed to touch the kitchen except to make coffee. Well, I’m fine with that since I’m not really good at cooking anyway. But it doesn’t mean I can’t cook, you know. I can handle simple meals. Well… they taste good enough when eaten when I’m hungry. That’s what Naomi and Dona said, you know.

“I’m not daydreaming.” My smile appeared halfway because of the dishes Cedric brought. It looked delicious, and I could tell from the aroma that my appetite was awakened. “It looks really good.”

Cedric chuckled softly. “Eat as much as you want. If it’s not enough, I’ll add more from mine.”

My lips pouted. Damn!

“What, no morning kiss? Do I have to pout like this to get one?”

“Cedric, please! Tone down the teasing. It’s not funny.”

“I’m not joking, Joice. I’m just asking.”Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Yeah, yeah, whatever Cedric says. Instead of entertaining him, I chose to enjoy the meal. It’s delicious. Seriously. It’s not too spicy or salty. I tend to misjudge the amount of salt when making fried rice. Oddly enough, Cedric always finishes his meal when I cook for him, even though I rarely spend time in the kitchen.

We ate in silence. I’m not much of a talker while eating, unless it’s almost finished. Only then do we start chatting about random things that come to mind. Sometimes it’s something trivial, like what to have for dinner, or work-related topics. Oh, but most of the time, we discuss Baby. Cedric has been a bit worried ever since I decided to go back to work. He’s afraid I might faint again.

If nothing happens, I won’t faint. I’m being extremely cautious in my actions now. I love Baby, you know.

“What were you daydreaming about earlier?”

I slowly put the last spoonful into my mouth. I chewed it slowly, savoring the taste, although not really. I don’t want to share my fears yet, even though they’re bothering me. Last night, I slept soundly in Cedric’s embrace, even though my mind was preoccupied with the same worries.

My fears.

Should I talk and start figuring out how we’ll face our future life? Our finances are indeed unbalanced, right? I can’t deny that. I’m also starting to worry that their extended family might start looking into my background.

I’m getting a headache.

“Hey, you’re spacing out again. What’s up?”

Now Cedric lifted my chin slowly to meet his gaze. I was going to push him away, but he held firm. “Tell me, what’s bothering you?”

I shook my head gently.

“Last night, you didn’t say much, Joice. Just asking to be caressed. I thought our problem was resolved, but it seems it’s not. Is something bothering you?”

To talk or not to talk?

I heard Cedric sigh deeply. “I’m not a mind reader. I can’t understand what’s in your heart if you don’t talk.”

Those jet-black eyes delved deep and seemed to pierce right into my heart.

“Two-way communication is necessary. Just like in business. There’s no way Krystal could be this successful if she didn’t clearly express what she wanted. You, as her assistant, surely understand her performance. Right?”

I nodded in response. Krystal and her transparency.

“That’s what my parents taught me, even though my dad is a bit rigid, he always talks to my mom. Especially when she’s silent and won’t speak. Dad is sure something must be wrong.”

I still didn’t want to look anywhere else. When Cedric talks like this, I don’t know why I feel like throwing myself shamelessly. I shouldn’t be thinking like this in front of Cedric. Oh, goodness! I feel so cheap.

“And it seems like this applies to you too. You’ve been daydreaming a lot lately. When asked, you always say nothing’s wrong. I’ve been waiting for you to talk, but it feels like forever, Joice.”

Cedric sighed softly, closed his eyes briefly, and then looked back at me. For some reason, I feel like I’m being tossed around by a big wave, tossed aimlessly in a sea called indecision.

“Am I not valuable enough for your life that you don’t want to share what’s on your mind?”