Chapter 41
Sophia Parker
"I got the job Lily!" I screamed as soon as she opened her front door.
"Oh my god! Really?" She jumped up and down and gave me a hug.
"Yes, I'm so happy. I really thought it would be difficult to get a new job but you really helped me a lot, thank you so much." I squeezed her.
"I'm happy too. Now I can get exclusive discounts from Burberry."
"Oh, I can't wait." We both laughed.
It was a good perk from the job. All Burberry staff get 40% discount and they can choose a third-party to share the discounts with. And of course, Lily already nominated herself.
"There's also something I want to tell you. I don't know what's been happening to me Lily, but I don't feel well."
"Have you been to the doctor?" She asked.
"No, not yet. I don't think its anything serious. Just headache and a high temperature. I just want some painkillers if you have any."
"Yeah I do, come on in."
Lily's place was a lot more mature than my own. It actually looked like a standard apartment, unlike mine which looked like a 12-year-old's place.
I sat at the kitchen counter while she rummaged through her cupboard for the drugs.
"Here. They're 500mg so take only one." She said.
"Okay mom."
"What do you think is wrong with you? Is it just a fever or what?"
"I don't know... I woke up this morning feeling tired and dizzy. I was so uncomfortable, I even felt like throwing up." I said.
"That sounds like pregnancy." She joked.
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. All other thoughts fled my mind as I recalled what happened the last night in my parent's house. She might be right!
My eyes shot wide open and I stood up abruptly.
"Wait, Sophia relax. Calm down." She laughed and held my shoulders. "I was only joking. I'm sure that's not the case."
"No Lily, I might be. We had unprotected sex."
"What?!"
"Oh my god!" I gasped as I realised how true this might be. I began to pace back and forth in the kitchen. My hands were shaking and my heart was beating so fast in my chest.
"Sophia... you had unprotected sex?!"
"It was him. He said I could take the pill afterwards and I'll be fine, which I did!"
"It was him. He said I could take the pill afterwards and I'll be fine, which I did!"
"But the pill doesn't always work!!!" She screamed.
"Please don't yell at me. This isn't my fault." I felt my eyes tearing up.
"Okay, okay. Just sit down and relax for a moment." I obeyed her and sat down, taking a deep breath to calm myself. "When did it happen?"
"A day before I came back which is more than two weeks ago." And I hadn't spoken to Mr Wilson since then.
"And when was the last time you had your period?"
I did some frantic calculations and came to the realization that I couldn't even remember when I'd last had my period!
"Oh my god Lily, I am knocked up!" I freaked out even more.
"Hang on! Before you come to that conclusion you need to get tested first. For now, it is only a theory."
"I don't see it being anything else, I haven't had my period in a while!"
"It's probably just late Sophia! You only had sex two weeks ago, stop being so dramatic! Like I said, before we get ahead of ourselves we should probably confirm that you're actually pregnant."
"Okay. I have a test downstairs in my apartment."
"How come?"
"He gave it to me along with the contraceptive."
"What?! Was he prepared for this?" Lily squeezed her face in confusion.
"Of course not Lily! I think it was just for precaution."
"Thats because he knew the pill might not work. You two are so overwhelming. I can't believe this." She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Come let's check."
***
Adam Wilson
"What you need right now, is a hot sexy blonde that'll make you forget all about Sophia. Trust me! I have the right girl for you!"
"Thanks, but no thanks." I politely passed on Fred's tempting offer. We were drinking at a bar in the evening after work, with Mason and Hendrix. A daily ritual for us.
"Come on Adam! She's beautiful and has everything you'll ever want in a woman."
"Not tonight Fred."
"Don't waste your time on this lovesick puppy." Mason joked and we all laughed. It was pointless taking offence to their jokes because they do it so regularly and frankly, I don't care. There were far more pressing issues that I needed to be upset about.
Number one was the fact that I hadn't seen the love of my life in 2 weeks. I was respecting her privacy and giving her some time off to make her decision. But I was anxious as hell! The silent treatment never ends well, especially when it's for a long period. I might not be able to control myself when I finally see her. Which is why I have made a decision to see her as soon as possible.
My men have already gathered enough information about her. She just got a new job at Burberry which she started last week. She ends work by 5pm so I'd use that as my cue.
If it were up to me, my Sophia wouldn't have to work anymore because I will give her everything she wants, when she wants it. I would put her on a gold platter because that's where she deserves to be. Not working some crappy 9-5 job that pays her just enough to cover her bills. At least while she worked for me, she was earning significantly more than she needed and I gave her monthly bonuses for her hard work and for a wardrobe allowance.
She was more than comfortable, but now she's struggling.
"What are you thinking about?" Hendrix asked.
"What else would I be thinking about?" I deliberately made fun of myself and we all laughed.
***
Sophia Parker
As I came out of the bathroom my mind was racing with a million and one different thoughts.
I didn't need to say it, Lily could already tell the outcome. It was plastered all over my face.
There was absolutely no doubt that I was pregnant. It showed clearly on the test.
She hugged me tightly just as the tears started falling from the side of my eyes.
It was all a huge shock to me. I never thought this would ever happen to me.. not at such a young age. I'm only 23!
It all stared with a silly crush on my boss. It was completely harmless... until I acted on it. I never meant for things to turn out this way.
I wept seriously on Lily's shoulders. I didn't even want to think about my parents. There was no way I could ever be their daughter again after this.
And this new job I just got. How was I going to tell them about my condition? I only just started working!
I don't even have enough experience with children for me to raise one of my own!
"Lily, I don't think I can cope with this. My life is not in order for me to have a child right now. I don't even know the first thing about pregnancy!"
"Shhh... Just stop crying Sophia. It will be fine. I'm sure he will support you when-"
"NO!" I screamed. The thought of him made me furious.
"What do you mean 'no'?"
"I mean, I don't plan on telling him!" I said angrily.
"You can't do that Sophia! You have to tell him, it's his child."
"I hate him so much Lily! He tricked me! He put me in this situation."
Deep down I knew that I wasn't making any sense but I wasn't thinking rationally right now. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions and I needed someone to blame!
"You're having mood-swings which is another symptom. I think you just need to relax." She walked me towards the bed and I sat down. "Eventually you're going to have to tell him. The earlier the better."
"No." I shook my head lightly. My headache came back ten times stronger from crying.
"Okay. Get some rest for now. And please stop crying. Everything will be okay."
I cried myself to sleep that night, but at least I wasn't alone. Lily stayed by my side all night and I was grateful for it.
*
"See you tomorrow Bob!" I said goodbye to the security of the building. He was an old man who had my heart from day one of me working here. I gave him a kiss on the cheek two days ago because he helped me pick up files I had accidentally dropped on the floor in the lobby. He went so red after that. It was so cute.
I came out of my building and stood by the road for a taxi. It was such a long day at work and I was extremely tired. I needed to sleep immediately. My body was not strong enough as it used to be due to my current situation.
I just needed to get home quickly and sleep. I was already feeling sleepy.
But all the taxis were occupied.
I stood in my heels for about 15 minutes but couldn't get a ride and I started feeling dizzy. My legs were wobbly and I felt sick all of a sudden.
God please give me strength.
I prayed silently, because I really didn't want to collapse on the street and draw any attention.
"Sophia." I heard my name being called from behind, by a voice I knew all too well.
I turned and saw Mr Wilson standing there.
My breath got caught in my throat.
I hadn't seen him for weeks and I wasn't expecting to see him anytime soon... especially not now.
"Hey." He smiled.
I couldn't even smile back. My head was spinning two times faster. I was so confused as to why he was here.
"What are you doing here?" I asked only out of curiosity. I was to weak to be hostile to him.
"I'm here for you." He stated matter-of-factly.
"What do you mean?"
"I've given you enough time to think about us. I need an answer right now. I want to know if you love me and want to be with me. If not, just say so now. In that case, I would leave you alone forever and I won't cause you any more problems."
His words hit me like a trailer.
Yes, he gave me time to cool off but I was so busy thinking about the baby, that I forgot about us.
Do I want to be with Mr Wilson?
Now that I'm having his child it seemed like the reasonable thing to do but I don't want to be with him just because of the baby.
Me keeping this baby means that Mr Wilson will always be in the picture... except he doesn't know about it.
But if I tell him I'm sure he will be supportive of me... and... and... * * * *
***
Adam Wilson
"Sophia! Sophia! Can you hear me?!"
I shook the now unconscious woman in my arms.
What happened?
All of a sudden she collapsed but I was fast enough to catch her before she fell to the ground.
Was it what I said?
I know it was confrontational but she didn't need to faint!
"Fuck." I cursed.
Every time I come near this woman something bad always seems to happen to her. Maybe it's the universe telling me that we shouldn't be together.
I held her bag and scooped her up.
I felt her wiggle and get comfortable in my arms which meant she had recovered. There was no need to call an ambulance then... although she didn't want to wake up.
Maybe she was tired and stressed out from work. I could see it in her eyes as I spoke to her.
The best place to take her was her apartment.
I carried her silently to my car which I parked somewhere down the road while I had waited for her to come out of her building. She crawled up and fell asleep once I put her in the backseat.
I still couldn't believe this was happening. I'd anticipated anything but this.
I drove her home and carefully carried her to her apartment. I had to fumble and guess through a bunch of keys in her bag to get the right one to unlock her door. Once we were in, I tucked her into her bed.
She tossed and turned before she got comfortable between her sheets and she completely passed out.
Part of me thought this was all a joke and she was just pretending so she could avoid my question.
The though made me somewhat mad and I wanted to wake her up...
But there was a knock on the door. I quickly went to see sho it was.
It was Lily, her good friend.
I opened the door and she was surprised to see me.
"Oh, you're here." She gasped.
"Yes, hello Lily. Nice to see you."
"Um... is Sophia in?"
"Yes she is, but she's asleep."
"Oh. Well, she was expecting my company... I didn't know she had one already."
She's probably still expecting you.
"Let's just say... I disrupted you guys' plans together." I said jokingly but she gasped.
"Don't tell me you guys are back together." She said with a glimmer of hope.
Apparently, it looks like I've been a topic of discussion between these two. And I guess Lily has been rooting for me.
"Yeah, you could say that." I lied. I wanted to see if I could get something out of her.
"Thank God! I'm happy. She really can be stubborn about her feelings. I'm so glad she's finally following her heart." She smiled.
"Mhm." I nodded interestingly.
So Sophia actually loves me...
"And I'm sure she told you about the other thing." She said reluctantly.
Bingo.
"Of course she did. Wait, was she planning on not telling me?"
"I know right! It's ridiculous! You have every right to know."
"I do." I said, playing along.
What the hell is Sophia keeping from me now?
"She's going to the doctor tomorrow morning to have a checkup because she's been throwing up and fainting more than usual."
"Yeah, I know. We're going together." I said but I was still confused as hell. What's happening to Sophia? Why is she fainting and throwing up?
"That's great! She wanted me to accompany her but I guess you're a better fit since you're the father."
Father???!!!
"Fuck." I cursed. It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, um... I just remembered I'm cooking some soup for Sophia. And I don't want it to get burnt."
"Oh, I'ld leave you to it then."
"Thank you so much Lily, I'll let her know you stopped by."
"No problem. I'll see Sophia some other time. She's all yours."
Once she left, I rushed back into the room to where Sophia was.
She was sitting on the bed like she had just woken up. She had taken off her top but she wore a camisole.
I walked towards her and she looked up surprisingly.
"Mr Wilson! You're here?!"
"Who do you think brought you home?"
"Oh. About that... I'm sorry."
"What happened Sophia? Why did you faint all of a sudden?" I sat on the bed next to her.
I wanted her to tell me. I wanted to hear it from her lips.
"I don't even know myself. This is the first time this is happening." She lied.
"I will call a doctor or an ambulance to come and check up on you."
I brought out my phone. This way, she won't be able to lie to me so she better come clean now.
"No! There's no need for that. I'll be fine. It's probably the stress from my new job. Thank you for bringing me home though."
I couldn't believe she's withholding such information from me. Sophia is pregnant for me and she doesn't want to tell me.
It made me so angry but I couldn't stay mad at her. I did this to her. That night in her parent's home, I took the risk. The pills clearly didn't work and now she's pregnant.
I looked at her and I realized that she wasn't looking tired and stressed out from work. It was the pregnancy that was consuming her.
I imagined her reaction when she found out. She definitely didn't want this. How many times did she cry herself to sleep? What will her parents think?
I'ld perfectly understand if she didn't want me near her again. I've caused her so much drama.
"Sophia." I took her soft little hands in mine. I tried pulling her close to me but she stood up abruptly.
"No, you have to leave now. I'm expecting someone." She pointed towards the door.
I didn't ask who she was expecting because I knew it was Lily.
"Okay. I'ld leave."
"Thank you."
"But promise me you'll keep in touch."
She hesitated for a moment before she answered.
"I'll try."
I gave her one last look before I stood up and walked out the door.
When I reached my car, I slammed my head on the stirring wheel about 5 times.
What the fuck have I done?!
Chapter 42
Sophia Parker
Lily finally came to my apartment after I had to call and remind her. We were supposed to meet up after work but she forgot.
"I told you this was urgent but you forgot." I said to her as I closed the front door.
"No, I didn't. I was here." She said.
"No you weren't."
"I was. Is he still here?"
"Who?"
"Your new boyfriend."
"Who, you mean Mr Wilson?"
"Mhm."
"How did you know that he was here?"
"Because I met him. I'm so glad you two are back together." She said and I almost laughed.
"Wait, is that what he told you?"
"Yeah..."
"Ha, well that's not true. I fainted again and he brought me home. That was all."
"Huh? First of all, was he with you when you fainted?" She asked.
"Yes, he tracked me down after work. And then he basically threatened me to confess my feelings for him, if not he'll leave me alone forever. But I couldn't give him an answer. I was so overwhelmed that I felt dizzy and I passed out."
"And... then he found out about the baby? Which both of you discussed?"
"No, he doesn't know. I'm not ready to tell him."
"What!"
"He said he knew! Are you sure you didn't tell him?!" She almost screamed.
"What?"
"What?"
"He said he knew! Are you sure you didn't tell him?!" She almost screamed.
"No Lily, I didn't. I never mentioned it once. Why are you freaking out?"
"Because we talked about it like he already knew! Oh my god, he used reverse psychology on me! I can't believe him."
"What, you mean you told him everything?!" It was my turn to be alarmed.
"I'm sorry Sophia, but I actually thought he knew."
"Oh my god Lily!!!" I screamed. I was so mad right now.
"Whatever Sophia, it's his child and he has every right to know. He was going to find out anyway."
"Telling him was not the decision for you to make!!!" I yelled.
"I didn't make the decision, he tricked me!!!" She yelled back.
"Look! I've already lost the support of my parents and Phoebe as a friend, all because of him. I'm not about to loose you too. I can't let him ruin my life completely."
"But I haven't done anything wrong Sophia. Blame him, not me."
"Okay, I'm sorry. I need you right now." I said and she hugged me.
I don't know why but I started crying.
"It's okay, don't cry." She rubbed my back. "Now that he knows, what do you think he'll do?"
"I have no idea." I sniffed. "He didn't even bring it up. He just told me to keep in touch."
I pulled back instantly.
Lily looked at me confusedly.
"Don't you see Lily? He doesn't care! If he did, he would have said something about it. I'm going to have to raise this child all by myself."
"No don't say that. I feel like we should expect him to show up soon."
"No Lily, he won't. He walked out without even looking back. He's probably not attracted to me anymore. All he ever wanted from me was sex and stupid me let him have it. Now I'm in a mess and he's just going to leave me and move on to the next woman. I'm so stupid. I knew who he was when I worked for him. I never saw him commit to one woman for a long a period. Knowing that, I still fell in love with him and slept with him uncontrollably. I deserve to be a single mother." I said bitterly.
"Shut up! What the hell Sophia! You sound depressed!"
"Maybe I- umph"
She covered my mouth with her hand.
"Don't even say it. Just shut the hell up. Now, we have an appointment tomorrow. We are going to go and find out what is wrong with you and why your side effects are a lot worse than usual. And we are not going to make stupid negative comments about ourselves ever again, okay?"
I nodded my head.
"Good."
***
"I'm quite nervous you know. I don't know the first thing about babies. I wonder what the doctor will say."
"Well, I'm with you. I've never had a baby too so I wouldn't know."
We were both leaving our apartment complex to get a taxi to the hospital.
Once we came out of the building, right in front of us was Mr Wilson looking sharp in a clean suit. He was leaning on his car in the street as if he was waiting for someone or something. Once he saw me, his eyes lit up.
"I told you we should expect him soon."
"What is he doing here? He always shows up unannounced." I said even though a small part of me was happy to see him. He didn't just turn his back on me and leave me all by myself with the baby.
"He's coming over."
He was. He crossed the street and walked up to us.
"Hello Lily. How are you today?"
"We know what you did yesterday." She said to him.
"Yes, thank you for that by the way." He smiled wittily. "If not, I probably would never have known about certain information which someone was planning to keep from me." He looked at me.
I looked back at him speechlessly. He seemed angry.
"I'ld leave you guys to talk." Lily said.
"No." I grabbed her arm instantly. "Don't go."
"Are you afraid to be alone with me?" He asked. He enjoyed seeing the panic written all over my face.
"No! Lily and I have an appointment to attend and we are running late, that's why!" I shot back.
"Don't worry so much about the appointment Lily because she will be going with me. Aren't I a better fit since I'm the 'father'?"
I wonder why had to emphasize that.
"No. Lily's name is registered as my companion not you. Therefore you cannot attend." I challenged.
"Why do you want to deprive me of all my paternal rights?" He asked frustratedly.
"Sophia, he wants to go so I'm not going. Just tell me about it when you get back." Lily said.
"What?"
"You heard her. Now get in the car, let's go. We're running late." He grabbed my hand and gently but hurriedly pulled me across the street.
I wanted to refuse to enter his car but I really didn't want to miss the appointment and I didn't have the energy to resist him right now so I just complied.
I gave him the details of the hospital and he drove us to the place. His driving was quite rough but he was just trying to make it there in time, which we did.
He came out and made his way round to open my door but I beat him to it. I came down myself and he held my waist.
"Let's go." He said holding me by his side. The contact was disturbing but I ignored it.
After I made some corrections to the name of my companion, we checked in. Then we were given a number and put in a waiting room.
There were two other people there and Mr Wilson and I sat in silence. Once the nurses called their numbers they left the room, leaving just both of us.
As soon as they left, he held my hand.
I just knew he was going to do something when we were alone.
"How are you feeling?"
"Good." I replied not looking at him.
"Well, I'm nervous." That's when I looked at him.
"What for?" I asked.
"Well first of all, I don't know what the outcome of this appointment will be. Are we going to find out if it's a girl or boy?" He asked.
I burst out laughing. I couldn't believe he was so oblivious to anything about pregnancy. He was worse than me.
"What's funny?" He asked.
"Because there's no way they can tell right now. I'm not even close to 6 weeks pregnant. And I believe it's at least 18 weeks before they know the gender of the baby."
"Oh." He said dumbly.
He was a smart man in other things like business, technology and security. But this was one subject he didn't have a clue on. It was funny... and quite cute.
"So what are we doing then?"
"Ok, so I haven't been feeling well. I have been fainting a lot as you know, I've also been throwing up quite a lot too. I have nausea every morning when I wake up, alongside other symptoms. It's normal to have them but mine is pretty bad. So, I'm doing my prenatal visit quite early." I explained to him.
"Okay." He nodded like he just learned something new. "I'm sorry you feel this way. This is all my fault."
He looked at me as if he could feel my pain but there was no way he could empathize with me.
I wanted to agree with him and tell him it's was all his fault but I didn't. It was also my fault just as much his. I looked away and stayed silent.
It became awkward and I began playing with my hands in my lap. I could tell he was still looking at me and still feeling bad for me. It made me uncomfortable.
"Let me kiss you Sophia." He said suddenly.
"No." I shook my head.
"Yes." He countered.
"No Adam don't."
"Please."
"No..." I said but he didn't listen to me.
He held my chin and brought our lips together.
I couldn't fight it. I was too weak. The kiss made me melt in his arms as he slipped them around me.
I hated him so much but I loved it anytime he touched me... even though I knew that I would regret it later, I didn't care. My body only wanted the immediate gratification of his touch. It also contradicts everything I say about him. I am the biggest hypocrite on earth.
I let him in. All of him. We loved each other restlessly in the corner of the waiting room. I don't know how or when I got on top of him with his hands underneath my dress but I was ready to have sex with him right there and then until a nurse came in and interrupted us.
The moment I came back to my senses, I wanted to cry.
And I did.
"Don't cry my love." He wiped the tears from my eyes and gathered my dress for me.
I hid my face from him but he still hugged and treated me with respect even though I had just completely disrespected myself in public because of him.
All he had to do was touch me in order to bring out this stupid behavior. If we weren't interrupted I 100% would have given myself totally to him. I could never pretend in front of him again. Ever.
"Come, let's go. It's our turn." He held my hand and walked me into the doctors office.
*
"Good morning Ms Parker, my name is Doctor Clarke and I will be your health care provider for today." A lady greeted us. "I assume you are Mr Wilson, the father of the child."
"Yes I am." He responded.
"Congratulations are in order for both of you."
"Thank you."
"So, Ms Parker, I have your report and I would like to ask you a few more personal questions."
I looked at Mr Wilson. I didn't know whether I wanted him to hear the answers to the so-called personal questions. The doctor noticed that I wasn't okay with it.
"Don't worry Ms Parker, the questions are not extreme. I assure you you would not feel uncomfortable answering them in front of your partner."
Partner?
"Have you ever been pregnant before?"
"No, I haven't."
"Did you smoke, drink, use any form of drugs or exercise regularly, prior to the pregnancy?"
"I only used to have a couple of drinks here and there. Not often at alł."
"Okay and what is your blood type?"
"Group A I believe. It's been long since I checked."
"It should remain the same. But we're going to do one anyway. This is to test your blood count and check for anything unusual. How far are you pregnant?"
"This is the fourth week." I said.
She took and tested my blood and urine sample but the results were to come out the next day.
We also performed a little ultrasound to check for and prevent an ectopic pregnancy. Mr Wilson was quiet all through but I could tell from his face that he was fascinated by the images on the screen.
She estimated my due date and gave me a prescription for the nausea, and tiredness. At the end I asked her so many questions involving what I should eat, regular exercise etc.
I walked out of the hospital feeling more comfortable about my body. I was much more confident in having this child, before I wasn't.
"Let's get lunch together." Mr Wilson suggested as we walked back to his car.
"I'm fine thank you." I was still embarrassed about what happened earlier.
"Aren't you hungry?"
"Just a bit, but I have takeout in my fridge at home that I could eat."
"But I want to take you out." He insisted.
"No Mr Wilson, take me home or I will go home myself!"
"Alright, alright. I'ld take you home."
I got into his car and we drove home. He didn't talk throughout the ride but I knew he had a lot of things to say.
When we finally reached my apartment, I thanked him and came down from the car, only for him to come down too.
I rolled my eyes seriously.
"Mr Wilson what-"
"I'm just walking you inside. And there are some things that I would like to discuss with you."
"Like what?"
"Like our future together. We are having a child Sophia. I need to know what role I will play in his and your life. Now can we go inside?"
His?
"Okay. If that's what you want to talk about then fine."
I let him in and offered him some takeout but he refused. We both sat down in the kitchen and he spoke to me as I ate.
"So the SBTA's annual gala is tomorrow night." He said randomly.
"Really? Where is it being held?"
The SBTA stands for Security, Business and Travel Association. Mr Wilson is a member and also one of the most influential people in the organization.
"Grand New York Hyatt. Same place as last year."
"That's great." I used to make his reservation for him while I still worked for him. I also sent out invites to his clients as well. He never went alone to these events. He always took someone with him. I wonder who he will take with him tomorrow.
"Would you like to be my plus one?" He asked.
I was startled by his question. He never made me his plus one back then. He always went with his flavor of the moment at the time, or sometimes a random pretty girl that I would be forced to send flowers to and book an appointment for perhaps a follow up.
I didn't want to be in the same position as any one of those girls so I replied with a "No."
"Why not Sophia? You know I have to take someone and I want to take you."
"I'm sorry but I don't want to be in the spotlight like that. Plus I might just fall sick all over the place. I wouldn't enjoy myself." I said, taking a sip of water.
"Il'd have to take someone else then."
"Go ahead."
"You're okay with it?"
"What? I shouldn't be?"
"Yes. You shouldn't be."
"Adam. I have no control over-"
"Yes you do." He cut me off. "If you come with me I won't have to take another woman."
"But I already told you, I'm not coming." I said frustratedly.
"Okay. Fine. I will take someone else... but you know what that means." He asked.
"No, I have no clue." I lied.
I knew exactly what it meant. In two days, Mr Wilson's face along side the super hot model he will probably take with him tomorrow, will be plastered on all the gossip newspapers in New York. Maybe even The Financial Times. People are going to assume they are in a relationship and he was worried what I think.
"Come on Sophia, let's cut this crap! We're having a child together. It only makes sense if we be together. I want you in my life and I've said this countlessly. I don't know what else to do to make you believe me."
I might be pregnant but that didn't put him off one bit. He still wanted to get into my pants at all cost with all his sweet talk. It won't work.
"I'm sorry. I'm not going to be with you for the sake of the child." I told him.
"What about for me?" He asked.
I didn't say anything.
"This will be the last time I ever ask this. I have humiliated myself so many times and I can't do it any further. Do you want to be with me Sophia?"
What humiliation is he talking about?
He's not the one who got kicked out of their parents house, lost their job and got abandoned by their best friend. I can't believe he actually said that.
"No. I don't." I said frankly. Even though the words hurt slightly when they came out.
For a split second I saw an emotion in his eyes. He looked like his whole world just fell apart.
"Okay." He said confidently, recovering quickly from the bullet I just shot in the chest.
Isn't he going to ask me why?
"Well, even if we can't be together we have to work together. I accept the liability for the child. Therefore I will be invested in his life, physically, socially and financially."
There he goes again saying 'he' like he's so sure I'm having a boy.
"I don't need your money." I said to him. "I am perfectly fine raising the child myself."
"I am not giving you the money. I am investing in MY child. I will not let him be raised on just your salary from Burberry." He said angrily but as soon as he realized what exactly he said, his eyes widened.
There was a long pause.
"Sophia, I-"
"Just get out." I whispered.
He didn't object. He stood up grabbed his things and left.
The second I heard the door close, I burst into tears.
Chapter 43
Sophia Parker
Who was interrupting my sleep this afternoon!
I had fallen asleep on my couch while watching Netflix. It was a cozy Sunday afternoon and I wasn't expecting anyone. Lily was the only friend I currently had and she went out already.
I reluctantly stood up and literally dragged myself to the door.
Whoever was on the other side knocked again.
I didn't bother to look through the hole. I was so annoyed that I just swung open the door.
"Sophia."
I gasped.
My sleepy eyes were now open and I was wide awake.
"Phoebe!" I croaked.
"Come here." She said, hugging me tightly.
I hugged back instantly. I hadn't spoken to her or seen her in decades.
"Finally, I've missed you so much! I can't believe you're actually here! Oh my goodness!" I almost cried.
"It's okay Sophia, I miss you too. I couldn't handle being away from you any longer."
Ever since she walked in on Mr Wilson and I in the ladies room, she stopped speaking to me. Not because of Mr Wilson, but because of Sean. She liked him and I was 'supposedly' dating him at the time. Me kissing Mr Wilson was very unfair to Sean.
"Again, I'm so sorry for everything that happened."
"It's okay. I'm over it now." She said.
I had tried reaching her severally on her phone but she never used to answer. I considered going to see her at the office but I didn't want to step foot in the lion's den. And an appearance in front of her apartment was a very creepy move.
"Come inside." I ushered her in and closed the front door."
"Well, I have good and bad news. But I'ld start with the good news first." She said.
"Already getting down to the gossip are we?" I laughed.
"Sean and I are seeing each other."
I gasped.
"Oh my god, that's amazing!"
"I know!" She screamed and jumped up and down lightly.
"How did this happen? I want to hear all the details please." We both sat down on the couch.
"Well... when you guys broke up, I used that as my cue to speak to him for the first time. I asked him if he was okay and told him if he needed anyone to talk to, I was there."
"So you took advantage of our breakup." I said but I wasn't mad at her at all.
"Yes, I did." She shrugged. "At the time I was still furious with you so I didn't care. I also really wanted to make sure he was okay."
"I understand."
"He took me up on my offer finally and we went out for lunch together. We had a really nice time together." She smiled as she daydreamed of the moment. "After that, we had lunch together more regularly. Eventually he took me out for dinner as well."
He did the same for me which meant that he really liked Phoebe.
"Then we had our first kiss in the file room."
"You two are so sneaky!"
"It was both electric and magical Sophia. I loved the way he looked at me, like a real man would. And you were right, his very gentle with his kisses."
"Haha." I remember telling her about my first proper kiss with Sean and she being jealous as hell. "What happened after the kiss?"
"Well, he apologized but I told him it was okay and that I liked it. However, he insisted that it was wrong and it shouldn't happen again. A thick tension grew between us after that. But the next time we kissed, it was so intense! It was almost as if he was holding himself back all the while."
"He probably was." I laughed. "Sean is really a gentleman and he doesn't like taking advantage of women, especially at the workplace. If he kissed you like that, then he really likes you and he broke his rule about not dating at work."
"Kind of the same thing happened to you right?" She asked.
"Sort of... until he found out about the uncompleted history between Mr Wilson and I. Then he lost all interest in me."
"Speaking of Mr Wilson, did you hear?"
"Hear what?"
"This is the bad news." She said as she dug into her handbag and brought out a gossip newspaper. She handed it to me and I took it.
"Billionaire spotted with love interest for the first time in months." I read.
On the front page was a picture of Mr Wilson with a sexy blonde. The two looked really cozy.
I didn't want to feel this way but I was intensely jealous. Even though he'd asked me to go with him but I'd given him permission to go with someone else.
"That's good for both of them." I said, trying my best to hide the venom in my voice.
"Sophia, I'm so sorry. I thought by now you two would have figured something out. I didn't think you guys will still be having issues by now. I was so surprised when I saw it. I wanted to make sure you're okay."
"I am great Phoebe." I put on the fakest smile ever.
"Are you sure? I think we should go out and have a drink." She tugged at my hand.
"Um... you mean like coffee?"
"No silly!" She laughed and stood up. "Let's get some alcohol in our system. I know you don't like to get drunk but trust me, it takes the pain away... temporarily."
Oh no. She doesn't know.
"Phoebe... no, I can't drink."
"I'm not having that today Sophia. You need to loosen up. I can tell that you're upset by this-"
"I'm pregnant." I blurted out.
She went silent for a moment.
"What?"
"Almost 4 weeks." I added.
She sat back down. The mood changed drastically.
"Um, whose is it?" She asked me carefully.
"His." I said. I didn't have to say his name. She already knew.
"Oh my god Sophia. I am such a terrible friend. I haven't been there for you at all." She whispered.
"It's okay, I had Lily."
"Does he know?" She asked and I nodded. "What?! Then why is he out seeing other women? What the hell is wrong with him?!"
"Phoebe, I knew about this already. I knew he would take someone else and he told me about it."
"What? And did you allow him?!"
"Well, yeah. He's free to do whatever he wants. We're not together."
She looked at me like I was crazy.
"Are you saying that you allowed the father of your child to go out with other women while you're sitting at home with his baby? Aren't you even going to attempt to make him stay with you?"
"It's not like that Phoebe. He actually asked me to go with him but I said no. I'm not feeling well. Plus I can't handle being in a crowd and all the paparazzi taking pictures of me."
"That's a fair enough answer, but you're giving him the opportunity to be seen by other women when he should be with you! Why are you guys not together? Did he not want to take responsibility for his child?"
"Yes he did but I really don't care if he's with someone else. We aren't together. He wanted to be with me but we've been through so many things in the past and I can't let that happen again."
"Screw the past Sophia! This man is now your future! I'm sure you still love him because I could see the jealousy written all over your face when I handed you the newspaper. Why are you not making any effort to be with him? Although there's nothing wrong with it, do you really want to end up as a single mother?"
I shook my head.
"Then what are you doing? Listen to me." She said carefully as if she wanted to devise a plan. "You are going to resolve whatever existing issues you have with him. And then, you are going to tell him that you love him and you want to be with him because that is what you really want! Do you understand?"
I nodded obediently.
"Stop denying yourself of your own happiness Sophia. I'm surprised Lily let you get this far being this stupid. If I was your friend at the time, none of this would have happened."
"Lily tried to warn me too." I said. I felt stupid indeed.
Everyday she constantly told me that I was making the wrong choices but I was too stubborn to listen to her.
"You're shooting yourself in the foot Sophia, and I would not stand by and watch."
"Thank you Phoebe. I've needed you in my life since. I'm so glad you came." I hugged her tightly.
"I'm glad I came too. I hope you're stable. Do you have another job now?"
"Yes, I work as a financial advisor."
"That's good. You also need to start speaking to Sean again. He misses you too. Once in a while we talk about you."
"Really? Anything negative?"
"No, of course not." We both laughed. "Hey! We should still go out. Let's have lunch together at least. Tell me all that has been going on in your life, and also how the baby happened."
"Okay, I'ld love to." I smiled.
****
Adam Wilson
This was the most awkward lunch I've ever been on.
Caroline would not stop batting her eyes and making sexual comments about everything. We couldn't even have a normal conversation.
She was the girl Fred hooked me up with. I had taken her to the gala last night and it was great. Except for her over display of affection which was not wanted at all on my end. I had to force myself to smile and be okay with it. I literally just met her that night and she couldn't keep her hands off me. People probably thought I knew her for ages and she was my girlfriend.
"So Adam, are you busy tonight?" She asked with an attempt to sound seductive.
"I am actually. I am going to inspect a site where a few of my projects are being installed." I answered politely.
"Well, that sucks. I'm all alone tonight. Do you think you can swing by when you're done?" She bit her lip.
"We won't be done until the early hours of the morning." I lied.
"That's fine by me. I could wait for you all night."
Okay. That's enough.
"I think we're done here. Let's go."
"Where do you want to go?"
"I'm taking you home."
"Mmm, okay." She said suggestively but I ignored her.
We both got into the backseat of the car and my driver drove us to her place.
She couldn't keep her hands off me throughout the ride. I constantly threw her off but she kept coming on to me. At some point, the driver had to roll up the partition.
"What's wrong?" She whined.
"Caroline stop. I don't want to do this."
"Then why did you take me out today?"
"To say thank you for attending yesterday's event with me."
"That's a lie." She barked. "You know you want me and you know you were thinking about me. Guess what, I want you too."
She perched herself on my lap and claimed my lips. I wanted to throw her off but I'ld probably hurt her. She was clinging onto me so tightly.
"Why are you resisting? Is there someone else?" She asked.
Good question.
Really, there was no one else. So why was I resisting Caroline?
Surely it has been a while since I've had another woman in my arms. It felt strange, but as of now it wasn't wrong. Sophia had clearly communicated that there will be nothing between us. I had every right to do this with Caroline.
Surely it has been a while since I've had another woman in my arms. It felt strange, but as of now it wasn't wrong. Sophia had clearly communicated that there will be nothing between us. I had every right to do this with Caroline.
"No, there's no one else. I'm sorry." I said before I finally kissed her.
"Mmmmh" she moaned happily.
I positioned her more accurately on my lap and deepened the kiss. She felt good. And Fred was right, she was sexy. She had it in all the right areas. But for some odd reason I still didn't feel like fucking her.
"I want you right here and now, I can't wait till we get to my place." She said.
She dropped to her knees and fumbled with the front of my jeans which took me by surprise.
"What the-"
"Shhh!" She hushed me and began stoking the front of my jeans. At the same time she struggled with loosening my belt and my fly.
Oh shit! Am I really going to allow her do this?
She finally got her hand inside and she grabbed me.
"Mmm yes, daddy. Your cock is so huge." She purred. That only irritated me because I was limp as a glove.
"Get your hands off." I discard her. She was shocked by the way I flung her hands away.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" She said angrier this time.
"Caroline, as you can see," I pointed at how flaccid I was, "I don't want you. Stop forcing this and lying that my cock is huge. How do you know? I'm not even a bit turned on." I was harsher this time so she could get the message.
Her eyes became watery.
Fuck.
"Caroline." I said much calmer this time.
"I thought you liked me. I mean, why else would you take me to such an expensive event and show me off to the whole world?" She started crying.
No matter the situation, I never felt right when a woman cried. Especially because of me.
"I'm so sorry Caroline." I pulled her up and into my arms.
"I've humiliated myself."
"No. I humiliated you and I'm sorry. I lead you on when I shouldn't. Truth is, I only needed someone to attend the event with and Fred suggest you. I agreed because you are such a beautiful lady. The lunch was just a way of saying thanks. I should have told you from the start there will be nothing more."
"And there's another woman, isn't there?"
"Well, not entirely but there is someone, yes."
"And you're just using me to make her jealous!"
"What? No! I-"
"I knew it!" The car came to a halt. "Thank God we're here. Next time you want to use someone, don't you dare contact me." She jumped out of the car and slammed the door.
Good riddance.
I rolled down the partition and told the driver to take me to the office. I had much better things to do with my time.
