PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I ignored numerous calls and doorbells that kept bothering me. Breakfast wasn’t enjoyable at all since I felt rushed. When I finally opened the door, Cedric was standing in front of me, his gaze fixed on me. Even though I was all dressed up and ready to leave, I didn’t give Cedric permission to enter.

Even when he greeted me and asked me questions, I didn’t feel like talking. Instead, I pressed my lips shut and blocked out the world with my earphones. I didn’t care about his puzzled look. Honestly, I was surprised by my own audacity, acting like I didn’t do anything wrong.

Damn it! What was I hoping for?

“Anya, why have you been acting so strange?” Cedric stopped my steps, making me flinch and glare angrily at him as I stood right in front of him in the parking lot, heading to my parked car.

“I have work.”

“Yes, I know you have work. That’s why I came to pick you up. But you’ve been silent the whole time. Is something wrong?”

I rolled my eyes. “Move aside.” I brushed off his hand. Fortunately, Cedric didn’t hold on for too long. I walked confidently towards my car, ignoring his strange gaze. Why should I bother looking at him? A damn guy!

Exactly, wasn’t my decision to terminate this pregnancy the right one? He just pretended to be responsible, but where was the actual responsibility? What has he been doing this whole time? Damn it!

That’s not responsibility at all. For me, what Cedric did was just a way to get my attention. So that I would soften towards him and he could carry out his mysterious plan, whatever it was. He probably wanted to marry me just because of the child in my womb. No, I didn’t want something like that to happen in my life. I’m pretty sure Cedric is planning something.

After he succeeds? Then what will happen to me? Misfortune. Especially after witnessing how affectionate Cedric was with those two women whose faces I couldn’t forget.

The image of the good and straightforward guy version of Cedric that I used to know vanished into thin air. Damn it, I was a bit deceived. Although I can still carry out my plan with not fully satisfying results, at least I didn’t lose focus. Now, my determination is resolute without any excuses.

Damn it!

I was so frustrated that I accidentally hit the steering wheel. The honking sound startled the motorcyclist in front of me. He turned and gave me a sharp look. I grimaced at him and apologized. Although it was through the car window, at least my intention was good. I apologized for this unintentional accident.

Arriving in the lobby of the building, I didn’t go straight to the floor where I work. I chose to cross the street to get some hot chocolate and croissant or chocolate donuts as company. At least, when I meet Dewa, I won’t have any anger in my heart towards him. At most, I would feel bad for not having to pay for my order.

“Anya, it’s been a while since you ordered breakfast here,” Dwi, the cashier, greeted me. I just smiled. Dwi was right; it had been a long time since I visited this place in the morning.

“Hi, Anya.”

When I turned around, Dewangga Obrey stood not far from me. I smiled back at his greeting. And indeed, I wasn’t allowed to take out my wallet. He said this breakfast was special from him.

“Thanks, Wa. You’re so kind.”

“Feel free to come often. As long as you come alone.”

Again, I just smiled.

“Wanted to invite you for dinner, but afraid of being rejected. It’s a burning desire.”

“Tonight?”

Dewa looked at me as if in doubt. “If you’re okay with it.”

“Bring your car, but… It’s okay. I won’t have to work overtime tonight.”

Dewa’s smile appeared. Well… consider this as returning the breakfast that was now inside the paper bag. I wasn’t taking advantage of the moment anymore. That’s not true. I ignored Cedric because that’s what I should do, right? Maybe God is opening my eyes wide, that the guy who claimed to be responsible for me is not that good after all. Yeah… it’s the same with me; I’m not a good woman either.

But I’m trying to be as careful as possible-except for tonight. I ignore Kelvin’s and Dewa’s bright eyes because I feel we’re not a match. It doesn’t mean I’m giving Cedric much leeway. No. Until this moment, I haven’t said or asked Cedric to take responsibility.

Not at all.

So I thought it would be enough if Cedric wanted to get close. I had already made my decision, and there was no strong reason to let him come near me.

“Okay. See you later, Ya,” Dewa said affectionately with a smile. I just nodded. As I left the cafe, I saw Cedric. As we met, he took wider steps towards me. I tried to act normal because we were in the workplace. At least I had to maintain my composure, right?

“Good morning, Ms. Anya,” Cedric greeted when he was about three steps in front of me. The scent that usually accompanied my journey home from the office lately greeted me gently.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“Good morning.” I walked confidently towards the corridor where the elevator was located. We joined several other employees from different companies, some of whom I recognized from previous encounters. Including Cedric. I was sure he was following my steps.

Together with other employees, whose names I knew from the name tags hanging around their necks, we entered the metal box. I pressed the first floor while others pressed various floors. I didn’t care. The most important thing was that my destination floor was already selected.

One by one, the elevators stopped and opened on the chosen floors. It didn’t take long for me to arrive at my destination floor. The sound of high heels tapping echoed in tune with my steps, heading towards the corridor where my office was located. I was sure I heard Cedric’s shoe taps too.

When I entered the room, Krystal hadn’t arrived yet. I was relieved after all. So I still had time to enjoy the warm chocolate and the pastries I bought earlier.

“Are you angry?” Cedric suddenly asked.

I glared angrily at him, and he seemed completely unfazed. Even the shy gaze that I used to remember, the one that didn’t always meet mine, was gone.

“I need to know what’s going on with you. If I-”

“Just shut up and go away for me. This is the office. I don’t want any misunderstanding here. You and I are different,” I said, holding back my very evident anger.

I could see that Cedric didn’t take well to what I said. I didn’t care. The most important thing was that he moved away from me right away.

“We need to talk.”

Before his scent could fade away completely, my stomach acted up. I winced in pain. Why, of all times!!!

***