PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

“Anya, how’s Anna? Are you getting along well?” I turned and blinked in confusion. We were in Krystal’s office discussing the points she requested. Since I didn’t attend the meeting and asked Kelvin directly about some things, it might not be in line with my boss’s expectations. She crossed out some points and asked for revisions. Krystal said it was for a discussion a week after Kelvin’s replacement.

“Um… honestly, Ma’am, I can handle all the tasks.”

I heard her sigh softly. “I never doubted that. The purpose of having Anna is to assist you temporarily. I don’t want a repeat of you fainting due to exhaustion. Next quarter, we’ll have a lot of deals with E-commerce. Online shopping is becoming more popular, and we’re going to be really busy.”

I nervously swallowed and no longer dared to challenge her gaze. I chose to focus on taking notes and marking the important points she requested.

“By the way, the replacement for Kelvin will probably start being active tomorrow.”

I furrowed my brow. According to the rumors I heard, one week later meant next week, and that’s when the new person should start working. Why is it accelerated? What’s going on? But all those thoughts were spinning in my head, and I didn’t dare to voice them. Once Krystal makes a decision, it can’t be challenged, and I always believe that she must have her reasons.

“Should I also send a copy of this to Mr. Kelvin?” I asked Inggid.

She shook her head. “Just send it to me.”

One hundred percent of my suspicion went up. There must be something between Kelvin and Krystal. Should I try to find out on my own? But what’s the point? It’s not essential to my life. So instead of letting my mind wander to things that shouldn’t be in my head, I chose to leave the room immediately.

Krystal didn’t stop me, meaning there was nothing else she needed from me. As soon as my behind landed on my beloved chair, I immediately completed what Krystal requested. There were still many other tasks that needed to be done. And well… I’d still be working overtime at the apartment. No need for anyone else to know.

To hell with overtime pay or anything else. My goal is to exhaust myself. It’s a big bonus for my life right now. Perhaps because I was so immersed in my work, I didn’t realize the time had already reached four in the afternoon. Somehow, I really wanted to have Regal biscuits drizzled with honey.

Oh no! I couldn’t resist this desire! The crispness of the Regal and the sweetness of honey were already imagined to greet my tongue. I had to keep swallowing saliva several times just by thinking about it. Damn! What’s wrong with me?

Ah, I remember! Naomi must have some snacks. I immediately typed a message to Naomi, hoping she still had cookies. The two jars that Krystal gave me were gone, eaten by me, I don’t know since when. Because the jars were nice, I kept them in case someone needed them.

Naomi: Alright. I’ll bring it to you later. I need Krystal’s signature.

A smile spread across my face. My friend is indeed the most reliable one. I felt a bit calmer and regained control. I continued working with the thought that my snack would arrive soon.

“Ms. Anya, here’s your snack.”

I was genuinely shocked. My concentration was broken the moment I saw Cedric standing in front of me, holding a tray with the biscuits I was craving and a small bottle of honey. Not to forget, a cup of hot tea was also prepared.

Damn you, Naomi!!!Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I’ll place it on the table, alright?” I didn’t even have time to say anything, just stared at his back as he suddenly disappeared from my sight. This is not right at all! I must protest to Naomi about this!

Anya. P: Why did Cedric deliver my order?!

Not long after, my message was replied.

Naomi: Sorry. The boss didn’t give me a break. I asked Cedric for help. The important thing is that you eat.

Oh well, there’s nothing I can do now. Being angry and annoyed would be pointless. Cedric had already bought it for me. Judging from his rushed manner, he might have other work to do. But it ended up causing inconvenience to him. I should warn Naomi about this.

Anya. P: Next time, don’t ask Cedric again. He seems busy.

I was being good with my slightly positive thoughts, right?

Naomi: Someone is starting to pay attention to Cedric. Big gossip. I’ll tell Dona later!!!

The most infuriating definition is always with closest friends like them.

***

“Anya, are you sure you don’t want to buy something?” Cedric asked to confirm. I, sitting behind him on the motorcycle, rolled my eyes in annoyance. I don’t know how many times he’s asked this question already.

“No,” I replied shortly.

“But I’m hungry. Just a quick bite, okay? I can’t take it anymore. I’ve been busy helping Mr. Sarman.”

Suddenly, I felt sorry for him. He must be exhausted from focusing on driving the motorcycle carefully all day. I know Sarman’s work habits. He always wants everything perfect and praises from Krystal. But the report I was studying had a lot of lies. Still, I can’t talk to Cedric about this.

“What do you want to eat?” I asked, leaning closer to him. The noise from other motorcycles made me do it. Sometimes I wonder if that’s just like noise pollution, right? Weird!

I’m quite affected by the scent of Cedric’s jacket, whether it’s perfume or just a fragrance. It makes me feel comfortable staying near him. Usually, I’d feel nauseous if there’s a strong scent, but that’s not the case with Cedric’s jacket. Why, I wonder? Should I ask him what perfume he’s using?

“What do you want to eat?”

“I hate it when you answer with another question,” I grumbled. I’m serious about this. Who asked for food? Me?

“Who knows, maybe you have some ideas. How about toasted bread with warm chocolate?” he suggested.

“Sure,” I replied suddenly excited.

“But it’s a small portion. Are you sure it’s enough?” Cedric could really ruin my mood, couldn’t he!

***

At first, I didn’t want to eat. It’s not that I didn’t want to, I just didn’t feel like it. It’s not about the place either. The cafe that serves Cedric’s choice of toasted bread seems different. It’s more private and not too crowded. When I saw the prices on the menu, I thought they were quite normal. It’s not a place where you have to spend a lot of money just to enjoy honey-drizzled toasted bread with warm chocolate. But the atmosphere… made me feel comfortable.

Where did Cedric get the reference for this cafe?

“Do you want more?” Cedric asked, handing me a bottle of mineral water. He had already opened the cap so I wouldn’t have trouble.

“Making fun of me?”

He smiled. “No, not making fun of you. If you’re not full, you can have more while we’re here.”

I pouted. This was already my third plate; how could I not be full? Is my stomach made of rubber? No way!

“Any other types of bread?”

I shook my head quickly, not really refusing.

“Alright then. Shall we go home or is there anything else you want to buy?”

“Just go home. I’m tired.” Again, Cedric responded with that annoying smile of his. When does he not do that? I don’t like it! It’s better to leave Cedric to handle the payment rather than grumble in my heart because of that smile.

I took out a red bill to pay, but Cedric firmly refused. It’s not that I intended to belittle him, but he already bought a lot of steak yesterday. There’s nothing wrong with me paying for our dinner today, right?

“Don’t bother, Joice. I have money to pay for dinner tonight.” He returned the money I offered and folded my palm with his hand. He patted it briefly before calling the waiter.

Fine, I won’t insist. It’s quite dramatic to argue about who’s going to pay for a meal. I already offered and knew my place. Rejected? Fine, I’ll put it back in my wallet. It’ll be enough for tomorrow’s lunch. I walked slowly towards Cedric’s red motorcycle Once I was close to it, I picked up the jacket he intentionally placed near the handlebars. I put it on to keep warm on the road.

I had barely finished zipping up the jacket when Cedric took over and startled me. I couldn’t stop him; I couldn’t refuse. He stood so close to me. Very close. It reminded me of how close he had been before. On that damn night that I can’t forget.

“You didn’t zip it up properly, Joice. It’s cold.”

I knew, okay? He didn’t have to do it himself. Seriously, this made me uncomfortable, especially with his perfume lingering in the air.

“I can do it myself,” I said, coughing softly. I quickly grabbed the helmet Cedric was about to hand me. I didn’t want him to act all gentlemanly and put it on for me. Are my hands paralyzed or something?

As usual, Cedric drove the motorcycle at a moderate speed. I was enjoying the night air, not knowing how I truly felt. The guy in front of me, who had been pushing to get close to me in the past few days, seemed straightforward. It didn’t seem like he had any ulterior motives. Perhaps his life was just straightforward without any weirdness.

His way of speaking was polite, and he didn’t say much unless I did something that seemed dangerous or careless. But I was curious how Cedric, whom I considered straightforward, could be in a club. Does that mean he’s one of those guys who… need some entertainment too?

Should I ask? But if I ask, it’ll probably end up leading to a conversation about my pregnancy, right? No way. I’d rather keep it to myself or forget about it altogether. The distance from the restaurant to the apartment isn’t too far, so I won’t spend too much time with Cedric anyway. Thoughts like these can easily disappear. It’s just a bit strange that someone like Cedric would be in a club.

“Uh… I won’t come in, okay? I still have something I need to do.”

He slowed down his movement of unzipping his jacket on my body. Not because I didn’t like it or anything, it was just… strange.

“No prob,” I said, giving him a small smile. After making sure I didn’t leave anything on his motorcycle, I walked away. But just as I took five steps, Cedric stopped me. It made me turn back, not prepared to run into his chest. What’s the deal?

I glared angrily at him.

“Don’t stay up too late, okay?”

I rolled my eyes in response. And damn it, he smiled again. “Can you stop with those vague smiles?!” I finally protested.

Cedric blinked, probably confused by my earlier remark. “Is something wrong?”

Nothing! But I just don’t like the way you smile at me! That’s only in my mind, I won’t say it out loud. I just returned his gaze. “Do you have any more messages for me?”

This time, Cedric didn’t smile, but he laughed. “Like what?”

I shrugged. “How would I know? You’re the one who often sends messages to me.”

“That’s it. If you have quality sleep, everything will be fine.” And with that, Cedric tucked a strand of hair that was slightly obstructing my face. “Good night, Joice.”

I didn’t respond, choosing to turn around and quicken my pace. I didn’t want to look back, even though my mind was telling me to do so for just a moment. But no, what’s the point, right?