PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I don’t know if this is luck or if the universe is being kind to me, but Cedric isn’t in the lobby. It means that maybe his threat was just a bluff. But there’s still a possibility that he might come later, right? Wait. What day is it today? Oh, it’s the weekend. Cedric probably won’t come to visit.

He once mentioned that his schedule is now filled with many commitments. He never turns down jobs on weekends. Not only because the tips are generous, but also to make up for the days he can’t visit. He said playing in the band brings in a decent amount of money. I didn’t ask for the exact figure, I just listened attentively to his stories because, to me… it’s amazing. It’s not something to be missed, right?

I heaved a sigh of relief after that. Maybe because of this, Henry looked at me and asked, “What’s wrong, Anya?” I just responded with a small grin.

He asked a couple of times about things I couldn’t give answers to. My mind was preoccupied. I was actually a bit worried about Cedric’s threat earlier. That’s why I couldn’t really focus on our serious conversation. It was all just a passing wind.

Initially, Henry still tried to hold me back. He still wanted to take me somewhere, but I insisted on going home. I wasn’t even hesitant to hail a taxi to head straight to my apartment. My heart felt like it was working harder than usual.

All because of Cedric! I’m sure of it a hundred percent. There’s no doubt about it. But when I saw the figure of the man who, I have to admit, has really been interrupting me, I felt like I’ve become more and more dependent on him.

Finally, Henry followed my request to go home. But all along the way, he couldn’t stop asking why. I didn’t answer. I let him tire himself out. The most important thing was that I arrived at my apartment and hoped that Cedric wasn’t serious with his words. And voila! I felt so relieved.

“Henry, just drop me here. I want to rest.”

Henry smiled. “Let me escort you. It’s a bit much to leave you at just the lobby, Anya.”

“Please.” I was almost pleading, but it seemed useless. Henry still held my hand and led me to the elevator. My head suddenly felt dizzy. Although Cedric wasn’t there, it didn’t mean Henry could take such liberties with my privacy, right? I’m not the type of woman who enjoys it when another man intrudes on my territory. I guard that closely.

Didn’t I mention it before? Only Cedric is allowed, and even then, it’s limited to the front yard of the house. Maybe now, it’s extended to the living room. As for Henry? Even though he’s a person from my past, that was a long time ago. There’s still so much I don’t know about him. Yes, right?

Actually, I’m quite annoyed with the current situation. Why am I so obedient to Cedric’s orders to go home and rest? Just like that? Let me count the number of annoyances I’ve experienced in the past few hours. If I think about it, I could go crazy with this situation.

First, I’m annoyed because Cedric successfully made me change my mind in seconds. I followed his wishes as if his words echoed in my ears, telling me not to waste time. As if I already belonged to him. Whether it’s through a dating relationship or whatever, I’m dominated. By his voice earlier.

Second, I’m still free, actually. Even if I don’t accept Cedric as my husband, it’s not a big deal. I can support my child on my own. The issue of abortion seems to have disappeared with the passing days. But recently, Cedric’s presence seems to affirm that he deserves to be called a father. With all his attentiveness and care that has unknowingly stolen my heart.

Third, I don’t know if Henry is forcing himself into my life again. He assumes that I’m single and not in a relationship with anyone. Especially after the incident when he argued and exchanged snide remarks with Kelvin. Where my name was dragged into their debate. Henry concluded that I rejected Kelvin. He saw that I was always busy with work and ignored Kelvin’s existence.

But that applies to him too.

“This is right in front of my unit. Can you please go home, Henry?” I was about to reach for the keys hanging together with the access card, but Henry moved away. It made me growl with annoyance. “Henry, don’t be silly.”

“Oh, come on, Anya. Can I come in? Is it allowed?” Henry chuckled. “Are you living here alone?” He even opened the door to the unit.

“Wait, why aren’t you coming in?” Henry asked, turning to face me.

I fell silent. My gaze sharp and directed at him. As if not understanding my wishes, Henry just went in. “Henry,” I warned.

“Oh, come on, Anya. I wouldn’t do anything bad to you. I know the boundaries.” Henry looked at me tenderly. “Are you afraid?”

I shook my head. “I want to rest.”

“I just stopped by for a moment to make sure you’re safe here. It’s not good for you to stay alone. But what can we do, right?”

I feel like Henry is mostly talking to himself. Oh well, I don’t feel like debating with him. It’s better to go inside, maybe prepare a drink and try to get Henry to leave. What I’m saying this time is serious. I really need some rest. I wonder why my stomach feels tight and tense. Is it because I haven’t eaten? Doesn’t it feel painful when you haven’t eaten? It’s not painful, but it feels tight and crampy.

Back to Henry, acting exactly like Cedric when he checks every nook and cranny. I don’t know why. According to me, the environment is already very safe. Whatever, I don’t care. Let him do what he wants. Let him be satisfied.

“It’s safe here.”

I didn’t bother preparing him a drink. My stomach is getting worse, and I really want to lie down. But it doesn’t seem possible with Henry around.

“Speaking of safety, do you remember when I punched that guy?” Henry chuckled, his eyes looking far away. I still remember vividly when someone tried to hit on me while I was buying a drink by the roadside. Henry was still at the mechanic shop because his motorcycle tire was flat. I ignored that weird person completely, but he became more and more annoying.

I’m not even sure if that weird guy touched my face with his fingers, but he ended up falling down with a cut lip. Henry’s loud yelling resonated around the small shop, drawing the attention of many passersby and locals. Not to mention the coarse curses that perfectly rolled off Henry’s lips.

“Never dare to bother my girlfriend again! Memorize her face, will you? If you bother her again, it won’t be just your lips that get hurt, but your brain too! Got it?!” It didn’t take long for the strange guy to run away in a panic. Henry immediately embraced me, and we walked away while he asked this and that.

“Yes,” I said softly, suppressing the pain in my heart from remembering the past.

Henry walked toward me, and I was a bit startled when he gently stroked my hair. “I’ll take my leave then.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

I forced a small smile. Following his steps towards the front door, which I deliberately left open.

“Whose shoes are these?”

Oh my God! Henry’s eyes are really sharp! I myself didn’t realize that there were a couple of shoes that Cedric usually wears for work. Not just one, but two pairs!

“Anya?” Now Henry turned to look at me, seemingly demanding an answer. My brain was slow to process; what excuse should I use? I can’t possibly say they belong to Dona!

“Who is he?” Henry pressed impatiently. I think he noticed my silence implied something hidden, something I didn’t want to share with anyone, including him. But I forgot, Henry is not the type of person easily fooled.

“I can’t tell you all the details now, Henry. It’s just confusing me too much.” This situation is really giving me a sudden headache. “What’s certain is…” I took a deep breath. I can’t deny this anymore, can I? “He’s, my fiancé.”

“What did you say?”

My belief in Henry’s extreme surprise at my confession was confirmed. I personally don’t want to keep making excuses every time Henry mentions “getting back together.” It’s not that I don’t want to, but I can’t have Cedric and his child in my life now. Henry can’t just come in like that, right? As much as I want to return to him, I am self-aware. It’s the most impossible thing I know.

I heaved a frustrated sigh. “Our past is over, Henry.” It hurts so much to say this to him. Especially when his gaze suddenly changed to look hurt. Even though I’m not involved with Henry anymore. I hope not. Because I know my current position.

Slowly, his grip on my shoulder loosened. I’m pretty sure there’s a slight red mark there. There’s a little relief that Henry let me go. What I never prepared for was the man in front of me gripping my chin roughly and kissing me mercilessly.

“I don’t care. You’re still engaged, right? I’ll break your relationship! I love you, Anya,” Henry said between kisses. I can’t even breathe as I’m not given a chance to take a break. I’m forced to respond.

As if that wasn’t enough, Cedric walked in. From the look in his eyes that I caught, there was sudden sadness. Also, a great disappointment in Cedric’s eyes.

***