PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

“Miss,” Cedric called, snapping me out of my daydream. The bottles of aroma therapy were already in front of me. I chose to sniff each one of them. As for the ones with flower images, I set them aside. They would make me nauseous for sure.

My choice fell on the ones with a lot of Eucalyptus and Ginger. At least, their scent was relaxing when I inhaled them. Once I made my selection, Cedric smiled again. I couldn’t ignore his effort, right? So, as an appreciation, I thanked him.

“I’m glad I can be of use to you, at least.”

I was taken aback for a moment. “Why?”

I saw Cedric blink and look a bit embarrassed. I sat up straight on the long sofa while he chose to sit on the single one, right across from me.

“Uh… because you’re pregnant, so I feel responsible for you.”

“So, if I weren’t pregnant, you wouldn’t be like this?” I don’t know why I asked this way. It only made Cedric stare at me intensely. Ugh, why did I say that, Anya?!

“Let’s forget about that. Just answer my question honestly.” I waved my hand to dismiss my own awkwardness and said, “What did you talk about with Krystal when I was at the hospital?”

His brow furrowed, and his expression showed that he was thinking. “Talk?”

“Oh, come on. Just answer.”

“I said we were in a relationship but kept it professional at the office.”

“WHAT?! ARE YOU CRAZY?!”

“I haven’t finished, Miss.”

I was shocked. Half-dead!!! I took as much air as I could and tried to calm myself down, although it was really hard.

“If not that, your reputation would be ruined in Krystal’s eyes. At least, you could blame me. Because I was the one tempted.”

This conversation was making me even more insane! I don’t understand where Cedric gets such an immense amount of confidence! Krystal, you know! He faced Krystal. Okay, Krystal is not my mother, but I have so much respect for her. I consider her a role model and a mirror in all my life’s achievements.

Rather than continuing and making myself emotional, I need a lot of energy to just curse Cedric out. So, I took my chosen aroma therapy bottle and headed for the toilet. I couldn’t bear to keep facing Cedric. It would give me a headache.

“I’m going to take a bath!” I snapped.

“I’ll wait outside the toilet door.”

“Are you crazy?!” Seriously, Cedric’s brain doesn’t exist!

“Just in case something happens to you.” Cedric spoke with concern in his tone. I could see it, but no! I wasn’t having it!

“My toilet door is made of glass, and you know that clearly.”

He still smiled! “I know.”

“Are you trying to peep on me or what? You’re such a jerk!”

“I’ve seen you naked before.” His smile still adorned his lips. “I could never forget that.”

The perfect definition of a jerk, I must say! Right?

“I’m not that perverted to spy on you while you bathe. Why would I? I just want to see only if the owner of the body allows it.”

I didn’t feel like dealing with this. I was just cursing Cedric in my mind perfectly. Later… later, I would surely get back at him.

***

I felt energized. It was refreshing to soak in the foamy water with the scent of ginger filling the room. I enjoyed it. When I got out, Cedric wasn’t at the door. I knew he was there since I entered the bathroom. His silhouette was evident, not facing towards me. Not at all.

He leaned against the glass, probably scrolling through his phone, killing time while waiting for me. I didn’t ask. I really didn’t care about Cedric’s presence when I bathed. What I wanted was to relax. As I started drying my hair, I saw him stand up and not return. I guessed he knew that I had finished my bath.

Since my energy was fully restored, I was ready to scold Cedric to retaliate for his words earlier. Relaxing didn’t mean I forgot, but what he said could be forgiven. However, my intentions vanished into thin air when I stepped out of the room. The aroma of delicious soup filled the kitchen. I imagined hot soup poured over rice with extra meat and crunchy crackers. Don’t forget the chili and freshly squeezed lime juice for added flavor.

Suddenly, I felt hungry.

“Miss.”

This was the first time I saw Cedric wearing a pink apron. Yep, it was clear. It was also his first time invading my kitchen. The apron belonged to me and I often used it when I wanted to cook something.

“I’m heating up the soup we bought earlier. The rice is almost done. Can you be patient a little longer?”

I might have drooled. I felt embarrassed. “Oh, okay.”

“I apologize if it seemed impolite.”

Ah, I just realized I wanted to scold Cedric. Why did I forget? “Yeah. You really lack manners with me.”

And once again, he did something I hated. He smiled.

“Shall I make you some warm lemon tea?”

Damn it, I nodded. And foolishly, I approached. I sat on the kitchen chair, not far from where Cedric stood, a minimalistic space for eating. My apartment wasn’t big, but it was more than enough for me alone. Two bedrooms, a toilet near the kitchen, and a private one in my room. The kitchen area wasn’t too large, but it could accommodate four people.

The living room only had a sofa and a flat-screen TV that I didn’t remember when I last turned on. I rarely watched TV. Maybe because I was too tired, I preferred to spend time in my room. The part of this apartment that I liked the most was the balcony. I could place a small table and two chairs there, perfect for relaxing while feeling the gentle night breeze.

Cedric was quick to prepare dinner for me. It was just as I had imagined, and it was amazing.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” I realized that the bowl he had prepared was only for me.

“No. You should have it, Anya.”

I shrugged my shoulders. It wasn’t my concern if he didn’t want to eat, right? After all, I was sure the heated Soto was more than one portion. It should be enough for him too.

“I’m glad that you’re eating regularly these days.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

My spoon froze in the air. I lost my appetite again upon hearing his words.

“Why don’t you continue?”

“I don’t feel like it,” I said, wiping the corner of my lips from the Soto broth. I was hungry, but Cedric’s words, which seemed like an excuse to pay more attention to me, made me uncomfortable.

“You need to understand my situation as well. I don’t need your protection to face Krystal, and I personally don’t plan to stay in this belly for long.”

I could see the change in Cedric’s expression. The smile that had been on his lips disappeared completely.

“I don’t want to sacrifice many things I have. Consider this the biggest mistake in my life, and I don’t want you involved in it.” I wasn’t afraid to challenge his black eyes, which gradually lost their luster and were replaced with disappointment.

“I want to take responsibility, Anya. I won’t run away.”

I sighed softly. “It’s not about responsibility, as you know.”

I let there be a brief pause before continuing. “It’s late. I want to rest. You can go home.”

***