“What time is the ribbon cutting again?”
I was talking about the opening of the Jewelry shop Hezekiah built. He also invited me to the mall in Manila that just got finished, but I couldn’t go because it’s too far. I decided to just go to the new branch of the company because it doesn’t sit right that I couldn’t attend this event, too.
“10 am in the morning, so may you still have time to think about it again.” She rolled her eyes and stood up.
“Come on, Zuay! I know it’s not you…” I teased. Even if she said that she hates Hezekiah, I know she’s still hoping for us to get back together again.
“Tss… I better go back to work.” She turned around and and left my office.
After she closed the door, I leaned my back against the chair. I gently caressed my baby bump and closed my eyes.
He shouldn’t find out about my pregnancy. Not because I don’t want to give him his rights as a father, but because I’m scared of the result once he found out.
It’s finally ten in the morning. I left together with Tawin and Zuay for the grand opening of Hezekiah’s Jewelry shop.
I was really nervous while sitting on the back seat. Tawin and Zuay were on the driver seat and front seat. I’ve been canceling Mommy’s calls, she informed me that Hezekiah’s already there together with Iseah.
I leaned against the backrest and took a deep breath. So this is it, there is no turning back, Emory. There’s no reason to stop now.
“Here we are…” Tawin glanced at me, calculating my reaction.
I cleared my throat, trying to control my nerves. I nodded at them and opened the door of the car.
“In fairness, you don’t look like a preggy with your outfit!” Tawin teased me.
I glanced down at my black dress suit. I customized my outfit just for today.
“Let’s go…” I mumbled.
There’s already a lot of guests when we entered. Mommy immediately greeted us and went straight to me.
“I thought you won’t come because you kept on declining my calls.” Her voice raised, shaking a little bit.
A small smile appeared on my lips before looking around, “Where’s dad?” I asked.
“Oh, he’s in the office, having a talk with Ellwood and— Hezekiah,” she said under her breath.
I gasped. Different emotions cascaded down my veins as I forced a smile. I bade at her for a moment to face the guests.
I waved at Iseah when I saw him get out from one of the doors.
“Hi!” He went to me and kissed my cheek.
“How are you? The kids?”
He smiled while scanning my whole body. And I was a little bit confused and tried to clear my throat.
“They are fine. Zia’s graduation will be next week. I hope you can come.”
“Of course, I can’t be absent for their special day,” I said.
“Oh, kuya is here…” His eyes went behind me so I quickly turned around.
My feet froze as my knees wobbled. I couldn’t look away when his attention went to my direction.
Ellwood are also behind him together with Daddy Adriano. I swallowed hard and braced myself in front of him.
“Kuya, let’s start,” Iseah said before glancing at me for a moment and nodded. He walked to Hezekiah who’s also walking to our direction.
I chose to enter the office and comfortably sat on the sofa to rest. I slowly placed the glass on the small table that was still filled with champagne and took off my sandals. I was planning to just rest for a bit but because of tiredness, I ended up drifting off to sleep.
I flinched and woke up when I felt the cold breeze touching my cheek.
The whole room was dark, only the lampshade served as the light.
“Shit!” I smeared my face on my palms and brushed my hair back before looking around the room.
“How was your sleep?”
I quickly stood up when I sighted Hezekiah sitting on his swivel chair.
“Oh, I fell asleep.” I mumbled.
The lampshade was near me so I can’t really see his expression. But I know that he is breathing heavily, based on his shoulder’s movements.
“I–I gotta go…” I said, clearing my throat. I immediately stood up and went to my car, but I was shocked to see my car missing in the parking area.
I brushed my hair and went back inside.
“Where is my car?!” I raised my voice.
“Zuay drove your car. You were sleeping earlier so I didn’t disturb you. They didn’t bring a car, so I let them use yours.”
“Who told you that you can decide for me?!” I shouted. I wanted to calm down but I couldn’t. Being with him in a dark cool place is a big danger to me. I don’t know if I could stand the words I said to him before if we’re alone in this place.
He stood up from his seat. He didn’t hesitate and walked to my direction. My heart thumped faster, my whole body was tensed and uneasy.
“You’re not really mad, aren’t you?” His brows twitched, both hands were in his pants pocket.
I slowly stepped back, but he only stepped forward. Heavy breaths came out from my lungs. But I couldn’t even find any strength from it.
“Please, don’t…” I almost swallowed my word. I don’t know what to do anymore.
His eyes slowly went to my lips, down to my neck. He stepped more closer and looked down on me with deep scrutiny.
“W-What… are you doing?” I almost whispered.
He stood straight and looked at me in the eyes.
“You’re pregnant…” His voice had a taste of roughness but quietly untroubled.
His jaw clenched while trying ti read the answer in my eyes.
I chuckled softly and looked away, “That’s impossible!” I said, clearing my throat.
“It could be possible, Meredith.” His voice was vibrating with power.
The smile on my lips faded as I lifted my gaze to him, “No, that’s not true. I’m not pregnant!”
I turned my back on him but he tightly grabbed my wrist and made me face him again. His eyes were filled with dark murderous intent. I’m sure he won’t accept any lies I say.
“I know you’re pregnant, Ellwood told me himself.”
I couldn’t deny it any more. My shoulders slowly fell as I went silent.
Why didn’t you tell me? You can’t hide your pregnancy from me.” His voice were laced with deep resonance.
“Yeah, I can’t. Don’t I have the right to do that? This is my child for Pete’ sake Hezekiah! I know what is right for my child and you’re out of it!”
“It’s also my child and I hsve the right to know and recognize her or him as my child.” His voice echoed through the dark massive room.
I chuckled again. “So here we go again, when did we last argued about your child? Again, you want to be a father to the baby, then okay, I’ll give you that. Not because I want to, but because it’s your right. But that’s just it!” I shouted, voice as high as ever.
He looked like he realized something. His eyes were holding total shock. Lips turned into a grim line, so I grabbed that chance to move away from him.
But before I could even do it, he immediately stopped me. His hand wrapped around my waistline and the other hand was strongly grabbed my nape.
I wanted to resist from his hold but my knees were too weak. His hard chest and strong arms made me so damn fucking lewd. I couldn’t even feel the ground anymore because of his grasp. He even lowered down his head just so his eyes can look at me evenly.