PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I wanted to laugh but held it back. The tone of his mother’s voice changed, sounding like she was cornering me because of her son, I ended up wanting to drink cola. True, isn’t it? That’s the reality.

“But you’re okay, right?”

Again, I shook my head.

“Take care of your pregnancy, Anya.”

I blinked softly. This time, his deep and brief voice dominated the room. Since I entered; the solemn handshake, the greeting, the small talk, and even killing the uneasy feeling for not bringing anything except my body, Jonathan Blaxton didn’t say much.

It was only now that he mentioned something about my pregnancy. Even then, he didn’t shift his gaze anywhere. He remained focused on the dish in front of him. I fell silent for a moment, digesting his words. It seemed stern and rigid, but for some reason, a warm breeze began to seep into my heart, which was so thirsty for parental attention.

“Yes, sir. I’m taking good care of myself.”

“Must be. Papa’s future grandchild must grow healthy. His mother also needs to be happy because her influence is significant.”

I swallowed nervously.

“That’s your responsibility, Cedric. Don’t make Anya sad or go through difficulties. Don’t just think about yourself.”

Luckily, I wasn’t chewing on anything, or else I would have choked. Like father, like son, they often surprised me with their words.

“Yes, Dad. Cedric will make sure of that.”

“When is your next check-up appointment, Anya?” This time, Mrs. Iriana’s gentle voice interrupted. I glanced briefly, finding her friendly smile reappearing at the corner of her lips. Her gaze was truly enchanting. I felt that perhaps Cedric’s gaze, which always made it hard for me to look away, came from his mother. Really.

“In two weeks, Ma’am.”

“I’ll come along, okay?”

This time, I sought Cedric’s help with my eyes. Seriously, this would be so awkward! I never imagined being accompanied by strangers who, well… would eventually become my family. Ugh… why am I so sure about this? Will they accept me? Sincerely?

Come on, Anya! Let go of all those negative thoughts! Since you came here, they haven’t shown any judgmental looks or made any unpleasant remarks.

“Why are you daydreaming, Anya? Is something wrong?”

I fumbled. “Ah… no, Ma’am. Nothing’s wrong.” I moistened my throat slightly to cover up my nervousness. “Is it okay for you to accompany me?”

The middle-aged woman chuckled softly. “Oh… why would I mind? I’m actually very curious. Papa will come along too, right?”

Considering, hesitating, but extremely curious about the response from the still-handsome man despite his age – I imagined that Cedric would age gracefully like his father, right? If so, I should take good care of my appearance too! He still looks so cool – he gave his response.

And… he nodded without hesitation.

That’s it. I’m dead!

****

Ugh, why am I trapped here? I can’t sleep at all! This room is so unfamiliar. The interior is neat, clean, comfortable, and well… fragrant. But still… ugh… I never expected that I wouldn’t be allowed to go home. Even Cedric seemed to go along with the charade. Saying he was so tired after all those meetings.

But he wasn’t!

All day, he was busy, but not with meetings. Krystal, my boss, was the one who had the meetings! My goodness! He made up an excuse just so I would accept Bu Iriana’s offer to stay here. She had even been busy preparing work clothes for me tomorrow, taken from her daughter Krystal’s room.

Fine. I’ll just accept my fate and be met with Krystal’s sarcastic looks tomorrow for wearing her clothes.

That’s not all. She went out of her way to prepare my pregnancy milk, which I usually drink every night. Seriously, I feel so uncomfortable about it. But on the other hand, I want to cry. Twenty-four years have passed since I was abandoned by my mother, and it’s only now that I’m feeling the warmth of a mother’s love again. Pure. Without any strange looks, welcoming me so warmly.

She accompanied me for a moment in the room, making sure I was comfortable in the guest room. But before she left, I stopped her for a moment.

“I’m really sorry, Ma’am. Our relationship shouldn’t be like this. This… this…” I choked up. My breath was caught, and the carefully considered words I wanted to say disappeared. My eyes welled up with tears when our gazes met.

“Anya, I’m not angry. In fact, I would be very angry if I didn’t know that I have a grandchild.” Mrs. Iriana gently stroked the side of my head. I truly felt the warmth there. I closed my eyes for a moment, cherishing everything she was giving me right now.

“In one month, you two will get married. It can’t be postponed for too long.”Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

Originally, I wanted to voice many things. One month is extremely short for me. But I held back. There’s one thing that bothers me more than preparing for our wedding.

“But, Ma’am … I’m… just from an ordinary background. Not like Cedric and his-”

“Don’t talk like that. I don’t like it, and I don’t want to hear it. It’s enough for tonight that Anya questioned who you are in front of me.”

I fell silent.

“For me, the most important thing is Cedric’s happiness. If he’s happy with you, I won’t stand in the way. Besides, I know you through Krystal. She often tells me how intelligent her assistant is at the office. Knowledgeable in this and that. Not to mention, your ability to keep up with Krystal, who’s super demanding. Even though we just met now, right?”

I felt like laughing, but I couldn’t. I was doubtful at first, really. Well, those negative thoughts kept hammering away. Who wouldn’t have such thoughts? Not being accepted, receiving looks as if taking advantage of the situation, and many other things that bothered me due to social status. I’m aware that Cedric and I are mismatched.

Back then, I assessed it from a different perspective. I was above all positions compared to Cedric. Now, that’s what’s slowly killing me. Karma truly never plays around in its role, right? I shouldn’t judge someone based on one aspect alone. Although I’ve come to realize that Cedric is truly committed to his work, I initially judged the man who conquered my heart poorly.

“Thank you, Ma’am, for accepting this. I… I’m touched.”

Her soft and delicate hand touched my cheek. I froze. No one else has treated me so gently. Naomi and Dona, they’re in a different category. Nek Sumi? Truly, if I could repay all the kindness she has shown me, I would. Every night, I can only pray for Nek Sumi’s happiness. She no longer needs to worry about how I’m living because it’s thanks to her that I’ve reached this point.

She’s the one who has made the most difference in my life, replacing my mother and father. Although I haven’t been able to repay her with joy and happiness, I believe that God knows how to make that old woman, whom I affectionately call Grandmother, happy.

Unconsciously, I started crying in front of Mrs. Iriana. Instead, she embraced me tightly. Really tight. While gently stroking my back and trying to calm me down. It took some time for me to calm down a bit. I slowly released the warm embrace I received, and our eyes met. As I was about to wipe away my tears, Mrs. Iriana’s fingers did it first.

“Cedric told me a bit about you. Consider me as your mother. Never feel lonely again, Anya.”

I blinked slowly.

“Do you want that?”

As my answer, and this time without hesitation, I nodded. I hugged her again because, truly, this is incredibly moving. There’s someone else who’s been this good to me in my life.

God is so good to me. Really.