PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I don’t know where time went. It passed by so quickly that I didn’t even realize it. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so busy and haven’t had enough breaks, except for my limited rest time, you know?

Suddenly, I found myself in a room with quite a few people. Krystal was there, and also Mrs. Iriana-since I got engaged, I’m not allowed to call her “Mrs. Iriana” anymore, just “Mrs.” I complied. I sat quietly while someone fiddled with my face, and my dress was being straightened, I didn’t understand.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Krystal said I should just accept it. The problem is, I’m a hundred percent sure that when we become husband and wife, and I descend to the venue where the wedding party is held, I’ll be surprised. Seriously. I’ve prepared myself not to get angry or show a sulky face.

First, Krystal got involved. Even though she said the invitations were only sent to 150 people, including important colleagues for Blaxton’s business, it still couldn’t be as simple as I thought, right?

Second, my two best friends were so busy. They only accompanied me for three or four days leading up to today, my wedding day. The rest? They sometimes took two or three hours to reply to my messages. I started to think, are their jobs or their assistance to me really that busy? I don’t know! All I know is, I felt lonely. Only Anna was there with me, but sometimes she had to accompany Krystal to various meetings.

Third, Cedric was the same. He still picked me up and dropped me off every day, never missing a day. But he was no longer working in the same office as me. His decision was final, he chose to go back to being his original self. He spent his time going from one cafe to another just to check on the progress and running of his businesses there, and sometimes he indulged in his hobby of playing music. I can vouch for that last one.

Sarman’s replacement was already there. More competent, and I admit, he was very meticulous. I was left stunned several times when he gave detailed explanations-very-about the finances to Krystal. It seemed like my boss was really satisfied with this replacement for the corrupt guy. If not for the injection of funds from a certain Jonathan Blaxton, I think our office would have collapsed. Because of this case, Krystal and several other staff members were often running around to provide testimony and provide evidence requested by the authorities.

Back to Cedric.

The club where we met on that fateful night was a place where he usually hung out with his friends. I personally haven’t met them yet, but Cedric said it wasn’t necessary. They would come when we get married. How mysterious, right? Do you want to know Cedric’s reason? He’s afraid his friends will have a crush on me. Crazy, right?

“Wow, the beautiful bride,” one of the makeup artists praised after finishing putting some shimmering stuff on my hair. I didn’t understand what they did to my hair. Suddenly it was all neatly done and… so elegant. The makeup they put on was not excessive, but I felt like praising myself. I couldn’t believe that the person I was looking at in the mirror was actually me.

Indeed, when handled by professionals, the results are exceptional. Then two other people helped me put on the dress I had tried on before. Since the dress was broken white, they didn’t put it on earlier. Maybe they were afraid of getting stains or something. But I did catch a glimpse of them steaming the inside of the dress to make it fit my body better.

“You… look amazing, Anya,” Krystal came in but immediately looked at me with admiration. I just responded with a shy smile. Oh my God! Krystal herself, with her ivory yellow dress, was so beautiful that I thought no man could look away from her. And she’s complimenting me like this?

“Krystal, you too.” I was no longer too shy to address her with that new title. Even though we were very professional at the office, as I had requested, and there was no change in behavior after my relationship with Cedric was made public.

After that flower-filled evening, Cedric officially announced who I was. He answered many questions about our relationship which, they say-this is just gossip speculation, but I ignored it. I’m used to being the subject of gossip. It doesn’t really affect my performance as Krystal’s assistant. And it’s true.

It doesn’t matter who I’m involved with, I still maintain professional boundaries. After office hours, that’s when we briefly let go of work-related tensions.

“Papa said the event will start soon.”

Now, my heart was beating uncontrollably. My stomach suddenly felt uneasy and… I felt hot! Even though I knew the room was air-conditioned. Oh dear…

“Anya?” Krystal called suddenly, making me jump in surprise. “Nervous, huh? I am too.”

Ah, why did my heart suddenly feel so sentimental?

I stepped in the footsteps of a role model in my life. Krystal Blaxton, who in less than an hour would become my sister-in-law. Two nights before, we had a heart-to-heart talk. I felt like crying again when I recalled it.

I’ve been saying since I got pregnant that I’ve become more emotional.

For the first time, Krystal visited my apartment. She spent a few days with me here after finishing her business outside. Cedric wasn’t allowed to accompany me for too long as usual. They said it was dangerous. Yet he still often stayed over. I was puzzled by that myself. But let it be, we had fun spending time together before going to sleep. We always had something to talk about.

It’s like I have a very close sister.

“I don’t mind Cedric getting married first. In fact, it’s good. Especially with you, and soon I’ll have a niece or nephew.”

I was actually unsure how to respond to Krystal’s words.

“It’s not that I don’t want to get married if that’s what you’re thinking, Anya. I do want to get married.”

I mustered the courage to look into the eyes of this woman, who looked even more beautiful without makeup. Seriously. At that moment, we were both on the verge of sleep. She was candid with me, just like I was with her. Discussing the issue of Cedric and me getting married first still felt uncomfortable for me.

“The problem is not as simple as seeing someone, falling in love, and getting married. It’s not that easy, Anya.”

Krystal sighed softly. She sipped her green tea.

“My past still haunts me. I can’t forget it. It’s sad to think that he’s no longer by my side while our relationship is about to reach its destination.”

Honestly, I had never heard about this before. Krystal had never talked about her personal issues, especially something as private as her feelings. She was open about work and professionalism. But when it came to her heart, she was tight-lipped and hard to open up, revealing that she was more fragile than me.

I hesitantly touched her shoulder. Since I didn’t receive any rejection, I gently stroked it, letting her know that she wasn’t alone. I was there for her.

“That’s why I’m happy you two are getting married. I’ll have a friend. You, Anya.”

Her smile was so genuine. I could feel it.

Being accepted by the Blaxton family alone, I was already so fortunate. And Krystal, who was so open with me? There are no words to express my immense gratitude. Who am I, anyway? Just a person who was once arrogant but was slapped by the path of fate. That even though logic might prevail, it must be balanced with the heart. Because a sincere heart can overcome logical principles that stand firm.

One thing I always feel grateful for in the midst of everything that has happened in my life in the past few months is Baby. Baby is strong. Baby isn’t fussy or demanding like me. And Baby never leaves me, no matter how foolish the intentions that once crossed my mind.

If those intentions had been realized, I don’t know how deep the regrets would have been. Perhaps for a lifetime, I would be immersed in a feeling that could not be redeemed with mere apologies.

Unconsciously, I rubbed my bulging belly.

“What’s wrong? Is your stomach hurting?” Mrs. Iriana came closer to me. I was quite surprised by her sudden movement. The cheerful smile from earlier disappeared, replaced by a worried look as she glanced at me. Krystal also looked concerned.

“Oh? I’m fine, Mrs. Iriana.”

I heard them exhale with relief.

“I thought your stomach was hurting.”

I shook my head firmly. And that happy smile began to reappear, warming my heart.

“Finally… I has a daughter-in-law too.”

Both of them, Krystal and Mom Iriana, stood side by side and hugged me. They learned in close to embrace me tightly. And then? What else could I possibly want? I had a man I could rely on, who promised not to leave me and Baby, who loved me with all his heart, flaws and all, and accepted me just the way I am.

“Oh… why is it like Teletubbies here!” The mood-ruined came again. This time, her lips were moving, muttering incoherently, I could see that.

“Oh my goodness, Anya! You look so beautiful, seriously!”

I saw Mom Iriana shaking her head slightly with a small smile. Then she held my hand. I looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“Let’s go to Cedric’s place. He must be impatient to see his wife.”

I think my cheeks were getting even redder.

“Your smile is so adorable, Anya!”

“Doni! That’s enough.” Krystal warned her, making Dona instantly silent, while Naomi burst into laughter and stuck her tongue out.

I felt like I was floating from the dressing room to the venue. I didn’t know how it was decorated since I had requested a simple concept, but it seemed like my idea had been taken over. The cameras deliberately focused on Cedric, not the venue. Annoying, right?

When we arrived in the courtyard… my heart felt like it was about to burst. Money does talk. I was a hundred percent sure of that. The chairs were neatly arranged with food and drinks lined up at the side, beautifully arranged with touches of white and gold everywhere. At the end, where a stage-like setup seemed to have been built, although I was certain it wouldn’t function properly, there was a lake in the background.

I just found out that the chosen venue wasn’t far from the man-made lake on the site. As all the guests who were sitting turned their heads to me-probably because the event host announced that the bride had arrived-I felt nervous. Seriously!

However, once our eyes met, and I saw his outstretched hand waiting for me to accept it, all the fear and nervousness seemed futile. There, at the end of the rustic-style altar, Cedric was waiting for me. If I thought he was attractive before, now he was even more.

His attractiveness had increased a thousand percent!!!

I no longer heard the whispers about me as I walked towards Cedric. I didn’t hear the accompanying music either. Not to mention Dona’s mischievous whistle, which I knew she was enjoying to the fullest.

I just focused on my steps. Being careful and quickly accepting the hand of the man who had already taken residence in my heart. And when my hand touched his slightly trembling palm, I surrendered my world to him.

“Hello, Wife.”

I chuckled. “Hello, Husband.”

“Who picked your dress?”

My eyebrows furrowed. Seriously, Cedric was asking this? Not asking how I was doing in the dressing room or something more reasonable?

“I feel like I want to cancel the party, Joice. I’m serious.”

I guess Cedric’s sense of embarrassment had been cut off. Without any signal, he kissed me in front of everyone!!!

Was there something wrong with this dress? No, there wasn’t. I didn’t even wear high heels. It was just a low-cut dress that showed a bit of my shoulders and back. My hair was styled in a slightly high bun. What was wrong?

I didn’t think there was anything.

Cedric was just being cheeky. At the end of our kiss, he said, “Apart from being incredibly beautiful today, you’re incredibly sexy, Joice.”

What did I tell you?

“The sweetest temptation in my life… is you. Anya Joice.”