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Enduring a foolish and regrettable night with Cedric, Anya tests positive for pregnancy two months later. Her career, position, and financial stability are now at stake. What other misfortunes will Anya Joice face? And here's another twist, perhaps the worst of all: "Please, refrain from making any further rash decisions. All I want, Mrs Anya, is for you to be healthy. Whatever burdens you may carry, allow me to shoulder them. Because inside, you beat my child's heart. I implore you, Ma'am." Cedric's words continue to resonate, leading her to reconsider her initial thought of terminating the fetus she's carrying. Meanwhile, as Krystal Blaxton finally receives a proposal from James Andrew, with whom she frequently clashes during their lengthy meetings, she realizes that ensuring her family's happiness is more significant than mere affection. Unfortunately, she overlooks that love can emerge unexpectedly, especially after exchanging marriage vows. Krystal didn't anticipate their marriage would be far from ordinary. Andrew requests Krystal's full support, gradually unravelling a chain of interconnected events from the past. Will Krystal be willing to offer her unwavering support, or will she leave Andrew to resolve his problems independently? *** Welcome to my new story. Perhaps, you can ending reading my story.
"I'm pregnant," I said without hesitation. I gently swirled the contents of the glass I was examining. Ripples formed inside it, but nothing spilled out. The background noise I was facing was as turbulent as the liquid I was observing. Murky. Or rather, noisy.
I usually came to this club just to unwind, but this time, even unwinding felt pointless. For me, it was just a routine visit, hanging out with my two incredibly talkative friends, whom I only agreed to come along with.
"Dang! Don't play around, Anya," one of them exclaimed.
"Shut up! If you want to joke, don't be that foolish!" Obviously, it wasn't my shout, but Doni's, who turned into Dona whenever he was with me. My male friend, who we often called Dona, never got offended by the nickname. He even joked that maybe in his previous life, he was indeed a Dona, minus the sideburns that occasionally grew around his jawline.
"I'm not joking," I replied wearily. My gaze now focused on them, observing how their faces displayed shock and fear. They were both terrified; how about me? As I found out from the pregnancy test result and the series of examinations this afternoon, I no longer knew the color of my face.
Perhaps pale like a corpse.
I, Anya Joice, want to carry a child. In a legitimate bond according to law and religion, that's an absolute requirement. Not like this. Damn it!
"Do you know who the father is?" Dona asked, immediately grabbing my hand. Maybe he needed something to hold onto, unlike me, who felt like I was floating away.
"I do know," I replied weakly. As I was reminded of the person who continued to knock on the doors of my mind, I suddenly felt shivers down my spine.
Around me, it was seriously so noisy. The DJ's music that always livened up our nights disappeared from my life. My body was here, but my mind seemed to have wandered off. Most importantly, I was thinking about another life within me.
"Anya," Naomi, my female friend, held both of my hands. "You can tell us. What's going on with you?"
"Yeah, Anya. You usually talk a lot when something happens," Doni Andrean, his full name, but both Naomi and I mostly called him Dona, added sympathetically. He embraced me, trying to contain part of me in his arms.
Could I hold back my tears? No.
So, I let these tears flow in front of them. I shared my doubts, worries, and other negative thoughts with the two people closest to me. In Washington DC, they were all I had. In this transient world, I was all alone. My parents had long passed away. Their bodies weren't buried in the ground; in my heart, their existence was no longer there. So, I guess I consider them dead.
"Who?" Naomi asked softly.
I was confused myself, wondering why I could be so foolish. I'm not a saintly woman, I apologize. But I'm not the kind of woman who opens her legs for just any man. No, I'm still sane, except maybe two or three months ago, right? I'm a bit forgetful, but I remember vividly, even under the influence of vodka, who was on top of me.
Ah, my goodness! I'm so stupid.
"Cedric," I whispered softly.
"Son of a bitch!" Dona cursed. "Why did you mess around with the office boy?!"
I closed my eyes. If I had known, I definitely wouldn't have done it!
"Anya..." I shuddered when Naomi spoke so softly and sharply. I knew I wouldn't be able to resist her. "Don't jump to conclusions. Cedric is a good guy, Anya. You know that."
"I feel so stupid, Naomi?" I felt cornered now. "You talk like I'm the one who seduced Cedric."
I heard Naomi sigh. "That's not what I meant. You know what I'm trying to say, Ya. If you had said you were pregnant with Dewangga's child, I'd believe you. Or even Kelvin's."
I laughed. "Yeah, right. They've been aggressively pursuing me."
"There you go!"
"Yeah, true." Now, Dona joined in. "And why did you say you were pregnant with Cedric's child? You've rejected Dewangga or Kelvin, who are clearly shining like gems."
I just rolled my eyes in annoyance. I knew the two men they were talking about. One is the IT manager at my workplace, Kelvin Sturborn. The other is the store manager of a café across the street, where we occasionally hang out to unwind after lunch, Dewangga Obrey.
As Naomi said, both of them have been competing for my attention. I'm not trying to act like I'm something special or anything. For me, they both treat me like a dessert. I need more than just sweetness to be enticed. I'm not blind to that. That's why I've been trying to avoid them as much as possible. It's challenging, but at least, I still had my dignity.
And now, my dignity has completely disappeared.
In the silence we shared, my mind was so loud, trying to figure out how I would get through the next day.
"Does Cedric know?" Naomi asked. This question struck me multiple times. Since the first and last time we met and did it, we haven't seen each other again. Except at the office, of course.
"I'm sure he doesn't know yet, Naomi," Dona said to Naomi. "When did you check for pregnancy?"
"This afternoon." My shoulders slumped. The tissue I used to wipe my tears now covered the table, soaked with my tears. This time, we sighed together.
"You have to talk to him. Cedric has to take responsibility," Naomi emphasized the word 'responsibility' in her words just now. "But before that, you have to tell us. Why did you let yourself go with Cedric, but rejected Dewangga or Kelvin, who are obviously dazzling?"
"It's all vodka's fault."
The next definition of being a jerk is when you're hit by a disaster and your two friends laugh at you with great satisfaction.
Just like what I'm experiencing now.
***
I looked at the ultrasound result sheet that I had done earlier this afternoon. Then, I gently rubbed my still-flat belly. I felt like an incredibly wicked person considering getting rid of the life inside me. But it's not because of money. My salary and position are more than enough to meet its needs. I'm sure of that.
What I meant by "capability" is about many things. Especially raising and educating a child. Okay, I know I made a mistake. Naomi was right; I can't just open my legs for anyone. Not to mention the consequences I would face. My job, my life, my habits, and I have to start learning to accept the presence of a little creature called a baby around me in the future. All of that is at stake. I already have to count down how much time I have until my flat belly becomes bigger.
I've already set aside any thoughts about love. What's love got to do with it when Cedric and I only meet occasionally at the office in this case? We just greet each other when Cedric brings me a cup of sweet tea and a full bottle of water. I sigh in frustration afterward. Why did it have to end up with Cedric?!
God, why is my punishment like this?
I can still vividly remember how it came to this. Naomi was right when she said that vodka and I are a crazy combination that should be avoided unless we're having a party together with them, or at least, Dona accompanies me. At that time, I did ask Dona to accompany me, but he had a date. I didn't want to bother him. I'm self-aware enough.
As for Naomi, she was in Bangladesh for work.
Besides vodka, I also feel like blaming my direct superior, Krystal Blaxton. The woman, who is nearing forty, loves to torture me with ever-changing agendas. I'm her secretary, and she's the big boss at my office. It's a company that provides shipping services with a network as vast as the ocean.
The place where I work is considered quite elite. Almost all e-commerce and small to large-scale businesses use our services. All because of Krystal, who dares to take action. To me, Krystal is a role model for a successful independent woman in her career. Minus her tendency to torment her subordinates. Especially me. She said, "You're so smart, Anya. Think about that. Don't tell everything to everyone, be creative, Anya."
Not to mention, "Anya, you know, your face makes me angry. Don't show me your face like a duck. Smile, Anya. Smile."
But I had to carry out a pile, oh, not just a pile, two boxes of work from last year that I had to go through one by one just because there was an agenda she missed. Even though I had already told her a simple way to handle it. Krystal is always right, but I can't refuse to do what she asks.
The peak of it all was when our company was periodically audited externally. And Krystal is a woman with an extremely high level of perfectionism. I'm the one who experienced the effects of it first. Until my stress level facing Krystal was transferred to vodka.
It's understandable, right? I blame Krystal.
I laughed, more towards being pathetic. Cursing myself for this impulsive act that has caused me so much harm.
Being at the peak of her career allows Celine Princessa to freely pursue her goal; the destruction of Desmond's family. She didn't care about the label that would continue to be attached to her forehead; the home wrecker. All she cared about was that Desmond knew she still existed. "Are you sure you're doing this?" The man's forefinger played on Celine's seductively exposed shoulder. From the reflection of the mirror in front of them, Celine smiled. The model said, "I'm sure. But can I ask for conditions?" The man slightly twisted Celine's body. There was a melodious squeal from Celine's sexy lips full of temptation. also, a crisp laughter that made his heart tremble even more. Desiring. Because it's been a month since they met. He made sure; this room would be full of sighs from both of them. "Whatever you want, Baby." "Turn off your cell phone, Uncle. I don't like your wife calling." The man laughed. "That's it?" "That's all." Unfortunately, Celine had no idea that she was trapped. In a love that burned with passion and also shouldn't exist. Where that feeling made Celine feel alive and no longer empty. How will Celine get through this, when she falls under the spell of a married man and is suddenly selfish about wanting to possess her?
Miya Ashton has always lived a life of luxury until it all comes crashing down in an instant. Her father suddenly leaves, leaving her in a difficult financial situation. Chased by unpaid debts, humiliated at college, and betrayed by her boyfriend, Miya almost loses hope-until a mysterious offer from a school principal changes everything. Victor Wyatt introduces Miya to Damian Sawyer, who's known for being a bit cold. To save her family from total destruction, Miya signs a crazy contract: she'll have Damian's heir in exchange for everything she's ever had. However, what seems like a simple deal soon turns into something much more complex. As Damian becomes caught up in a brutal conflict that threatens her family, Miya finds herself increasingly drawn into Damian's dark world and into a heart she never expected to open. But there's more going on behind the scenes than meets the eye. Damian's dark secrets and the lies of those closest to him put Miya's life and the child she's carrying in danger. As the power struggle reaches its peak, Miya must fight not only for her life but also for the future she and Damian have in mind. Will they succeed in overcoming their opponents, or will their relationship be ruined by a devastating secret?
For Arini, loyalty is expensive but is made cheap by Reyhan, her boyfriend. Even though the marriage plan is in sight. Unfortunately, infidelity made Reyhan's eyes dark. Arini is the victim of a triangular love affair between Reyhan and Rieka, Arini's best friend who doesn't know herself. The heartache of being cheated on makes Arini reckless. Entering a nightclub and partying with the many humans there. Forgetting for a moment her heartache and tears until the next morning she woke up in bed with a man. Naked of course. That's nothing compared to the man she slept with last night; Richard Alexander, Reyhan's father. Double shot! "Sir Richard... what are you doing here?" Richard who still did not want to open his eyes only said, "Serving you, Rin. Last night you were very savage." Arini glared. "Savage, Sir! I still remember how you move!" The man laughed softly. "So what?" "You set me up, huh?"
Giselle Namiozuka never imagined that someone was stalking her life, disturbing the girl until she felt annoyed and bothered. The disturbance didn't stop even after warnings were given; instead, threats came that would tarnish Giselle's name. As a top model and with her level of popularity reaching its peak, Giselle worried if the threats would actually be carried out by the stalker. Upon learning who the stalker was, Giselle was completely taken aback, as well as intrigued by the stalker's motives. It was the CEO of the owner company of a private broadcasting station that played a significant role in elevating reputations in various circles. Eventually, Giselle realized that the stalker had genuine intentions and made her fall in love. Unfortunately, Giselle overlooked one fact: that the obstacles to their love were the people who began to disturb her past. A dark past that she wanted to bury as deep as possible. Can they both be happy together? Or must they part ways when they cannot let go of each other?
Difficult to get along with the in-laws, constant arguments with the only brother-in-law, worsened by the man labeled as her husband... it's like having your head detached while your toes are being tickled, making Samanta Kiehl constantly cultivate patience. Until her sincere love is rewarded with a divorce letter. Her question always spins in her head. Is this luck or misfortune for her? But Samanta remains Samanta. She lets it all resonate in her life. She believes that payback will come. Someday, there will be a life and a new man whom she will tread with tranquility. But when? Isn't human patience supposed to have its limits?
Thomas Adam, CEO SaveFund CBD Branch, Great career, decent looks, at least twenty bucks in his wallet, debit card stacked with zeros, but good fortune had the opposite effect when it came to relationship issues. That's the gist of what Thomas Adam feels. Heartbreak from being left at the altar lingers and makes him distrust love. For him, being alone is no big deal. His life doesn't encounter complications either. His job skyrocketed like a rocket. Until Olive came along. She disrupted his straight path like a highway. It left him helpless and willing to take colorful detours just for Olive. But one question haunts him, "Will Olive leave him? Like what Diana did a dozen years ago?" *** Welcome to my another story. Hope all of you can be enjoy while read my book. Canis
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."
On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua's mistress drugged Alicia, and she ended up in a stranger's bed. In one night, Alicia lost her innocence, while Joshua's mistress carried his child in her womb. Heartbroken and humiliated, Alicia demanded a divorce, but Joshua saw it as yet another tantrum. When they finally parted ways, she went on to become a renowned artist, sought out and admired by everyone. Consumed by regret, Joshua darkened her doorstep in hopes of reconciliation, only to find her in the arms of a powerful tycoon. "Say hello to your sister-in-law."
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
In Lothlann Continent, talent in martial arts won cultivators respect. Darren Chu, a mediocre talent in martial arts, was deemed a loser by everyone. His status changed when a fireball fell from the sky and hit him on the head. He cheated death. Empowered with the ability to assimilate other creatures' talent, Darren sought to better himself and seek vengeance against those who had wronged his family, including his little sister. "You will kneel in front of me one day," swore the future lord of martial arts.
Corinne devoted three years of her life to her boyfriend, only for it to all go to waste. He saw her as nothing more than a country bumpkin and left her at the altar to be with his true love. After getting jilted, Corinne reclaimed her identity as the granddaughter of the town’s richest man, inherited a billion-dollar fortune, and ultimately rose to the top. But her success attracted the envy of others, and people constantly tried to bring her down. As she dealt with these troublemakers one by one, Mr. Hopkins, notorious for his ruthlessness, stood by and cheered her on. “Way to go, honey!”
"You're mine, little puppy," Kylan growled against my neck. A soft gasp escaped my lips as his lips brushed my skin. My mind screamed at me to push him away-the Lycan Prince who had humiliated me again and again, but my body betrayed me, leaning into him before I could stop myself. He pressed his lips against mine, and his kiss grew more aggressive, more possessive as I felt my legs weaken. What was I doing? In a split-second, I pulled away and slapped him hard across the face. Kylan's eyes darkened, but the smirk on his lips exposed his amusement. "You and I both know we can't fight this, Violet," he said, gripping my wrist. "You're my mate." "And yet you don't want me," I replied. "You told me you were ashamed of me, that l'd never be your queen, that you'd never love me. So please, accept my rejection and let me go." "Never," he whispered, his grip tightening as he pulled me closer. "Soon enough, you'll be begging for me. and when you do-I'll use you as I see fit and then I'll reject you."