SARAYA’S POV.
I read the message again before sending it to Dominic. Somehow, I felt bad for training his proposal and yet he was still there for my parents.
It made me look cruel and selfish but I was grateful he was taking it well.
I dropped my phone and continued reading through the documents piled in front of me.
Two hours passed and I yawned loudly. I still had a long way to go looking through the heap of documents I haven’t touched.
“Here is a cup of coffee.” Gabby gently placed it on the table.
I looked up and smiled at her. “Just what I needed.” I grabbed the mug and took a sip. “Thank you.”
“This is the first time in a long time, I see you desperately want to do something for yourself. You’ve been going through the company’s document for over four hours, shouldn’t you take a break?”
I glanced at Gabby who stood there with her arms crossed, her brows knitted in concern as she watched me.
“I can’t take a break,” I said, shaking my head. “I need to get through these. If I don’t, who will?”
Gabby sighed. “You’re all grown now, Saraya, but you’re going to burn out if you don’t pace yourself.”
I took another sip of my coffee. “Yiu just called me an adult, didn’t you?” I asked. “Are you supposed to be worried this much about an adult?” I added, teasing her.
“Great word play.” She smiled at me. “But I really think you should take a break.”
“I’m fine,” I said firmly, turning my attention back to the documents. “Really, Gabby. I just need to get this done, then I’ll take a break soon.”
She stood and shrugged her shoulders in resignation. “I’ll be back in an hour to make sure you’ve actually taken a break.”
As she walked away, I let out a long sigh. Once more, and I turned back to the documents.
But my focus were soon shattered when my phone buzzed on the table. I glanced at the screen and saw it was a message from Dominic.
Dominic: “Enough thanks, Saraya. I know you would do the same for me if I were in your shoes.”
I stared at the message, my emotions tangled. How could someone be so kind, even after I’d rejected him? Dominic didn’t deserve this. I didn’t deserve him.
I hesitated before typing a response. My fingers hovered over the screen, the words in my mind feeling inadequate. What could I say to someone who was so unwaveringly supportive, even after I’d pushed him away?
Saraya: “You’re too kind, Dominic. I don’t deserve you but thank you. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I sent the message and turned my phone off. “Enough distractions, let’s get back to work.”
*
MATILDA’S POV.
“What is this you’re saying?” Tessy asked, looking disturbed. “Have you lost your mind?”
“Tessy, listen.” I said in a bid to persuade her.
“If this is what you’re here for, then I’ll advice we end the conversation because it’s going nowhere.” She said angrily.
“Tessy, what if this is the reason we meet again?” I asked her in a very low tone.
“Don’t play this emotional blackmail with me, Matilda. I didn’t meet you to lose you again.” She countered. “You already know I love this child but I love you more.” She added. “It makes no sense you’re entrusting an unborn child to me. You shouldn’t be so pessimistic.”
“What is Arlan saying about this?” She added. “Does he supports this decision of yours? Because if he does, then I’m going to skin him alive with my bare hands.”
“Easy, Tessy.” I sat beside her but she looked away. “Arlan shares the same opinion as you do.”
She turned to me. “Then why are you so adamant?” She queried.
I grabbed Tessy’s hand, startling her in the process and places it on my protruding belly. I let her feel the child’s movement and she went stiff.
Tessy’s hand trembled slightly against my belly as she felt the gentle movements of the life growing inside me. Her eyes, wide with emotion, blinked severally to meet mine. I could see the war in her mind. Her love for me battling with the movement of the child.
She quickly withdrew her hand. “You shouldn’t even be thinking about this,” she said, her voice cracking. “Why are you so convinced something will go wrong? You’re strong, Matilda. You always have been. I’m sure you’ll pull through.”
I let out a shaky breath, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. “What do you think will happen when I’m gone?” I asked. “When I’m gone,” I continued. “Arlan will probably make up with Saraya and get back with her. Then what happens to my son? With everything that has happened, I don’t think Saraya will consider my child hers.”
“You know this yet want to give up your life for the child?” Tessy asked like she was questioning my sanity.
“This child is already the greatest miracle of my life, I want nothing else if I can save his life.” I replied, tears rolling down my cheeks.
Tessy stared at me, looking frustrated yet somehow understanding of me. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it again, shaking her head. “Matilda, you’re being reckless,” she finally said, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’re putting your life on the line for a child who needs you alive.”
I pressed my hand against my belly, feeling the tiny, reassuring kicks beneath my palm. “Tessy, I’ve thought about this over and over again. I know what I’m risking, but I can’t let fear dictate my choices. This baby, he is everything I’ve prayed for, everything I never thought I’d have. If my life is the price to ensure his, then I’m willing to pay it.”
Tessy’s eyes filled with tears. “That’s not fair, Matilda. It’s not fair to him, and it’s not fair to those of us who love you. You’re acting like you’ve already decided you’re not going to make it, but what if you’re wrong? What if a miracle happens?”
“What I’f it doesn’t?”
“Can you stop it already?” She snapped.
I looked away, my throat tightening. “You’re the one not answering my question. What if something happens, Tessy? I can’t take that risk. Not without making sure he’s safe, that he has someone who loves him unconditionally. Someone who will fight for him if I’m not here to do it.”
Tessy let out a shaky breath, rubbing her temples as if trying to process everything I was saying. “Arlan should be having this conversation with you, not me,” she muttered. “He’s the father. He’s supposed to protect you, you’re not meant to make this kind of decisions alone.”
I shook my head. “You should see him and decide for yourself. He already have his own battles, he loves this baby too, Tessy, but I can’t let him shoulder everything. I need you to be part of this. Please.”
She looked at me, her jaw clenched and her eyes on mine. “You’re asking me to stand by and watch you sacrifice yourself. Do you even understand how that sounds?”
“Tessy, if I could guarantee that I’ll make it through, I would. But I can’t. And if the worst happens, I need to know that someone I trust will be there for him.” My voice cracked as I added, “That someone will love him as much as I do.”
Tessy covered her face with her hands, letting out a muffled of teary groan. After what felt like an eternity, she dropped her hands and looked at me. “Fine,” she said quietly. “If it comes to that and I pray it doesn’t-I’ll do it. I’ll be there for your son. But, Matilda,” she added, her voice breaking, “you have to promise me you’ll fight with everything you have. Don’t you dare give up on yourself.”
I nodded, tears streaming down my face. “I promise, Tessy. I’ll fight. Thank you.” I said pulling her into a hug.
“This should be enough restitution.” I told myself.