Chapter 4 - I Have My Ways

I could hardly bring myself to go to the office the next day because of the heaviness I felt in my body. I haven't been able to have myself checked to confirm if I am indeed pregnant because I'm still scared. I don't even know what to do next.

Dad must not find out about this. He'll kill me. I've heard more than enough from him when he found out about Mr. Lim rejected the company's proposal. I wonder if he has more hurtful words in store.

In the end, I arrived at the office feeling like a lifeless vegetable and immediately started my work. I didn't have a choice. I just hope I won't encounter Isabella today because I don't have the strength to engage in a heated exchange with her, knowing there is hidden anger within me.

"Pau, can you make me a cup of coffee, please?" I requested my secretary as she placed the files I assigned to her on my desk.

"Sure, Ma'am Celeste. Are you alright? You look pale," she remarked with concern.

I shook my head and ignored what she said. "Just tired and exhausted. Coffee will fix this."

She gave me one more worried look before finally leaving my office. I noticed the screen of my phone lighting up on the desk, diverting my attention. I furrowed my brow as I saw that the text came from an unregistered number.

Unregistered Number:

Hey.

"Who could this be? The text doesn't provide any context. Just a simple 'hey'. How should I even reply?" I whispered to myself, deciding to ignore it.

I spent half of the day at the office since I didn't have any scheduled meetings today. Afterward, I had a late lunch outside with Kim. Luckily, she hadn't eaten yet.

"I heard you're pregnant. Damn it! Has that guy scored three points already? Impressive!" She blurted out as we sat down at the table for two.

I groaned and found myself worrying again. "It's not confirmed yet."

"Really, huh? Well, that's acceptable. You're still in denial. Do you want us to accompany you to the OB?" She asked.

We finished ordering our food before I responded. "I'll manage on my own. I can handle it."

"Are you sure? You might end up going all over the place again," she warned.

Instead of responding, my attention was once again drawn to my phone as it lit up. There was another text from the unregistered number.

Unregistered Number:

You're just having lunch now? It's already too late, miss ma'am. You should eat healthier food.

My jaw dropped as I read the message. I quickly glanced around, looking for anyone who might be watching us, but I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. The restaurant was sparsely populated, so I would have noticed if there was someone suspicious.

"Shit!" I hissed, realizing that it might be him sending me these texts.

"What's wrong? You look like you're about to poop," Kim interrupted.

I quickly showed her the text. "Oh, my God. Does he know your number? Are you text buddies? Or maybe sex buddies?"

"Fuck you! No! I didn't give him my number," I replied, annoyed.

"Well, how did he get your number then? Maybe someone gave it to him," she stated.

I couldn't bother to think about that. I quickly typed a response.

To Unregistered Number:

Who's this? How did you get my number? This is my personal number. No one else should know it.

Unregistered Number:

I have my ways.

Unregistered Number:

Now, answer me. Are you free later tonight? Let's talk.

To Unregistered Number:

I don't know you. Leave me alone.

Unregistered Number:

Then come out of my restaurant if you want to know me.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I read that message. I quickly released my grip on the phone and looked at Kim, who was getting irritated from waiting for our food.

"Kim," I called out to her.

"Damn it! I'm hungry! It's taking forever to serve here!" she complained.

I bit my lower lip. "Let's move to another place. I'll treat you."

"What? Why? We've already ordered."

"I'll explain later. Let's go. The food hasn't arrived yet. We can still leave," I hurriedly said to her, grabbing my bag and phone, then pulling her out.

"This is so annoying! Good thing I'm broke right now. Fine, you're treating me at Ocean Blues," she said and grinned as we got into my car.

I frowned. This girl is so cunning. The food at Ocean Blues is so expensive!

"Fine. You should be grateful I love you." I quickly started the engine and left the place in a hurry.

That was his restaurant? How come? Fuck!

"Why did we leave anyway?" she asked, giving me a suspicious look. "What did he say?"

"That's his restaurant. He wants to talk." I confessed.

I heard her gasp and she even slapped my arm. "Celeste! Maybe he wants to see you again. Why don't you want to?"

"I don't think we have anything more to discuss. I told you, he knows Isabella. It seems like Isabella likes him. I don't want any trouble. You know how she thinks. I'll be the one to avoid him while it's still early," I explained to her.

I could feel my heart growing heavy for no apparent reason. It felt like there was no favorable situation for me. I always ended up losing. No matter how hard I fought, I haven't won against her.

"So? Does that mean you're not going to tell him about your pregnancy?" She asked, surprised. Her expression turned serious.

I didn't answer. That was my original plan. If I am indeed pregnant, he doesn't need to know. What we had was just a one-time experience. No feelings were involved.

"You're so stupid, Celeste. I don't know what's wrong with you anymore," she said, giving me a disgusted look.

A bitter smile crept onto my face. I wish I could stand up for myself, just for once.

I was so tired when I got home. I didn't really want to go back to the mansion, but Dad called me because he wanted to talk. I thought it was about our argument from the other day. I thought he was going to apologize.

But I was wrong. Well, when did he ever apologize to me?