“Edward… are you ready?”
Just arriving at the office and sitting in his desk chair, Kairos was already seen approaching. The man entered the room and immediately invited Edward to leave.
“Does it have to be now? I just arrived at the office.”
Edward wanted to protest. But, on the other hand, he was curious about what Kairos would show him. For whatever reason, his friend was full of secrets and mysteries. It would be a shame if he missed out.
“But, you’re not busy today, are you?”
Edward nodded. Luckily, there were no work deadlines today.
“No, I’m not. But, if I knew I would be picked up this early, why bother coming to work. I might as well just take the day off.”
Kairos laughed. He knew Edward must be annoyed. His friend didn’t like being taken somewhere without a clear reason.
“Come on. No need to complain too much. But, by the way, did you have breakfast?”
“What’s that got to do with anything? Are you treating me to breakfast?”
Kairos shook his head.
“No.”
“Then?”
“Need more energy to see another surprise after this.”
Edward sighed. He rose from his seat, grabbing his jacket hanging behind the chair, replying to Kairos’s previous statement.
“No need to exaggerate. Unless after this, you want to announce a death.”
“You wish!”
“Alright, let’s go. Don’t waste my precious time. And be warned, if the surprise you’re showing turns out to be completely unimportant.”
Kairos chuckled. He looked at Edward disdainfully, as if mocking the man’s previous words.
“Don’t challenge me. I’m worried you’ll have a silent stroke because you can’t say anything.”
“Enough… fine…” Edward said then. “We’d better go now.”
Kairos nodded. He gestured for Edward to walk ahead. Using his car, Kairos took Edward to a place that was very familiar. Edward had even visited that place often.
“Why are we going to the hospital?”
“We need to meet Samuel,” said Kairos, then urging Edward to get out of the car.
“Meaning, we’re picking up Samuel too? So, he’s coming with us?”
Kairos shook his head. As they kept walking, he responded to Edward’s question.
“Just keep your questions and all your curiosity, Edward. When the time comes, you’ll know why I’m taking you to meet Samuel.”
Edward pursed his lips tightly. He wanted to curse out loud, but Kairos would surely scold him. So, he decided to keep his mouth shut until they finally arrived in front of Samuel’s room, then his friend invited him to enter.
“I thought you weren’t going to stop by this morning.”
Samuel immediately gestured for them to sit. While he himself took something from the drawer and joined them.
“Of course, I wouldn’t forget,” Kairos replied. “Besides, I don’t have much time today, Sam.”
Samuel smiled. Then he looked at Edward.
“I guess you must be curious, aren’t you?”
Edward sighed lazily. He felt like he was being played.
“Can’t we just get straight to the point? Actually, what are the three of us here to discuss?”
Samuel smiled. Because Edward seemed curious, he handed over the envelope he had been holding onto.
“Please read it.”
“What’s this?” Edward suddenly became confused.
“Just open it. You’ll understand soon enough.”
Edward opened the envelope Samuel handed him. He read it slowly and carefully. Then after a while, he looked up and stared at Samuel with full of questions.
“What does this mean?”
“Tsk.” Kairos sighed. His face looked sour. “Such an idiot.” Then Kairos looked at Samuel. “I’ve told you before, for important information like this, it’s better to be explained directly, Sam. You know Edward is fundamentally stupid.”
“Damn!” Edward cursed immediately, not accepting it.
“Is it true, though?”
“Listen, Ed.” Samuel intervened. “This is the result of a DNA test.”
“So, what does it have to do with me?”
“In this sheet, it is explained that the baby Bella is carrying right now is not the result of in vitro fertilization from your and Julia’s sperm.”
“W-what? What do you mean? I don’t understand, Sam.”
“Yes,” Samuel nodded. “Just as you heard just now.”
“If it’s not from my and Julia’s sperm, then from whom? Does it mean the baby is from another man? Or do you mean there’s another man who impregnated Bella?”
“Ah!” Kairos sighed impatiently. “Why are you making it more convoluted? What you need to know is, Bella is currently pregnant with your child, Edward Darkwood. The child is the result of your relationship. Your flesh and blood, with Bella. Understand?!”
Edward’s throat tightened. He choked on his own breath hearing the news that Kairos and Samuel conveyed.