PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I laughed and ended the call.

“It seems someone has a weekend date, Nao,” Dona said with a slightly loud voice, teasing me. I knew that. If I agreed to be taken out for dinner, I would drag Naomi and Dona along. It wasn’t because I wanted to show off, but I wanted them to protect me in a subtle way, even if I was later accompanied home by Kelvin or Dewa when they got close to me first. Sometimes, both of these guys complained about why they had to babysit me together.

I just gave them a grin in response. Why bother explaining that I didn’t want to be approached, as it would only lead to being labeled as arrogant. Besides, for the past few days since Henry’s appearance, I had become the center of gossip. I didn’t even know it; I was busy with my own things. But Naomi and Dona responded positively and agreed that it wasn’t good for a pregnant woman to be involved in gossip.

Well, even though I knew deep down.

How could it not be chaotic when Kelvin openly asked Henry about our relationship? Henry was the type of guy who wouldn’t back down, saying that when confronted, he would confront back. Forget it, I was tired of thinking about them. It felt like I was a trophy they were fighting over.

“Joice, is something wrong?”

I flinched. I didn’t know how long Cedric had been staring at me with a puzzled look. I fixed my hair, which was bothering me by tucking it behind my ear, even though I knew it was futile. “Nothing.”

“Do you want more?” he asked.

My lips pouted. “No, thank you. My stomach is not a bottomless pit!”

“It’s better that way, rather than daydreaming. Not attractive.”

Since when did this guy become good at flattery? Could it be that he learned it from Dewa?

“Let’s go home. Are you guys full?” I stood up and spoke to my two friends who were chatting about something. “I’m tired.”

“Ugh, you’re so annoying! I let you date, and now you want to rush home,” Dona said, complete with a mocking tone.

“You have no idea, Don. They’re dating at my apartment. Why would they date here? It’s not fun. Right, Cedric?”

I didn’t care about them. I’d better head to the car, which was parked not far from where we had dinner. The teasing about our relationship continued in the lobby of the apartment. At first, I wanted to remain silent and give the impression that I didn’t care, but it got irritating after a while. Especially since Cedric didn’t say anything to oppose them.

Defend me, or something! What should I say? Even better, he kept smiling as if he enjoyed seeing me getting more frustrated.

“All right, then. Let’s come here again tomorrow, Anya. Just make sure you don’t open the door,” Dona threatened. I could see her getting ready through the center mirror.

“Where are you going?”

“Home, of course! Why would we ride up with you? To see you dating? Ugh… it’s fun to have a live show, but the consequences are unbearable!”

Naomi burst into laughter at Dona’s words. The two of them were really in sync, making me even more annoyed.

“I’m heading home too, Anya.” Naomi also seemed ready to leave. Why were they hitching a ride if they didn’t want to come upstairs? That’s so weird, right?

“Oh, Cedric, thanks for treating us. Let’s go for friendly meals on the side of the road again sometime,” Dona added.

They truly lived up to their words, going home by ordering an online taxi. They said they just wanted to have a meal with Cedric. They wanted to know how he treated me outside of work hours. And they said all of this right in front of Cedric. What’s worse, they approved of Cedric stepping on the gas pedal to get closer to me, especially with all the times I went back and forth to the hospital. Dona even said that Cedric’s attention to me was clinically proven to be effective in melting my heart!

How audacious!

***

“Are you pouting like that?” Cedric asked as we stepped into the elevator. My belongings were already in his hands, leaving me free to walk comfortably without any burden. Well, except for my increasingly restless stomach. When it gets bigger, I might have trouble breathing, right?

“It’s annoying how they speak without thinking,” I scowled at him, only to be met with a grin. “And you too. Why do you always smile? You never defend me.”

I thought Cedric’s brain wasn’t functioning properly. He casually patted the top of my head! Was he not afraid that I might slap him or scold him again?!

“Starting tomorrow, if Naomi and Dona start teasing you again, I’ll defend you. I thought you didn’t want me to interfere,” he said.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

I pouted even more!

Once we entered the apartment, I thought he would stay for a while, but he didn’t. After putting down my belongings, Cedric made sure to check this and that to ensure my comfort and safety, according to him. But I could manage on my own, really.

“I’m going home now,” Cedric approached me as I sat down, feeling a bit tired. My feet were sore even though I hadn’t worn high heels today. Cedric allowed me to wear heels up to three centimeters high for work. Instead of listening to a lecture from him, I complied.

“Why are you still pouting? What’s wrong?” Cedric asked, aligning his body with my sitting position. I was puzzled; did I really look sulky when he said goodbye earlier? I didn’t think so.

“I’m not pouting.”

Cedric just smiled, and his hidden dimple was clearly visible in front of me. I blinked slowly.

“Do you want me to accompany you tonight?”

“You’re busy, right?” I turned my face away. I couldn’t keep challenging his dark gaze. I might lose if I did.

“No, for you, I’m not busy.”

I remained silent. Feeling that I had no response, Cedric stood up.

“Okay then. I’m going home.”

Maybe this time, I was the one who went crazy. But for some reason, the urge to hold him back was so strong that my hand reflexively grabbed his arm, making Cedric turn with a questioning look.

“Stay with me,” I said softly. I was acting so crazy!!!

Once again, Cedric aligned his body in front of me. His eyes were back on me, but I didn’t dare to look at him. I felt embarrassed!

“Say it correctly.”

He’s starting to be difficult!

“Cedric, just accompany me today.”

I averted my gaze, annoyed. “Go home already!” Cedric was so irritating when given any attention!

I thought Cedric would really leave after hearing my words. Part of my heart didn’t want him to go, for some reason. I must be going crazy. Cedric then got up from his position, and I prepared myself for him to disappear behind the door. But guess what? He didn’t.

He went to the kitchen. “You usually take a shower before bed, right? Why don’t you go shower while I make some milk for you?”

I couldn’t help but smile.