My only morale support

Marrissa's point of view 

After work, I headed straight to Molly’s apartment. My mind was in chaos, and I felt like I was drowning. If I stayed alone with my thoughts for one more second, I was sure I wouldn't totally lose it. Molly was the only person I could trust to help me make sense of everything—or at least not judge me for it.

She opened the door with her usual smile, but it quickly faded when she saw my face. “Marrissa,” she said, pulling me into a tight hug. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I stepped inside, letting her close the door behind me, and dropped my bag on the small table by the couch. “Molly, I am in big trouble,” I said, the words spilling out like a confession.

Her eyebrows knit together in concern. “What kind of trouble?”

I sighed, heading straight for her fridge. “I’ll tell you everything, but first—I’m starving. What do you have to eat?”

Molly frowned but did not press me. She opened the fridge and pulled out a container of chicken and chips. “Sit,” she ordered, pointing to the table. I obeyed, and she tossed the food into the microwave.

Moments later, she set the plate in front of me, and I immediately started eating like I hadn’t seen food in weeks.

“Okay, slow down,” she said, watching me in disbelief. “Why are you eating like a refugee?”

I paused, swallowing hard. “I haven’t eaten all day,” I admitted, stabbing a piece of chicken with my fork.

“What?” she exclaimed, hands on her hips. “Marrissa, don’t you dare starve my future godchild like this!”

Her lightheartedness brought a small smile to my face, but it vanished as quickly as it came. I dropped my fork and looked up at her, serious now. “Molly,” I said quietly.

“What is it?” she asked, her voice softening.

“I know who the father of my child is,” I said, my heart racing as the words left my mouth.

Her eyes widened. “You do?”

I nodded, unable to meet her gaze.

“Well? Who is it?” she pressed, leaning forward like she couldn’t wait another second for the answer.

I hesitated, then said, “My boss.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Molly stared at me like I’d just told her I was moving to Mars. “Your what?” she shouted, breaking the quiet.

“My boss,” I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

She gaped at me. “You’re telling me you had sex with that old man?”

“What? No!” I exclaimed, horrified. “Not that boss. Mr. Thornhill retired. His son—Morgan Thornhill—took over.”

Molly’s jaw dropped. “Wait. Are you saying that Morgan Thornhill—the Morgan Thornhill—is the father of your baby?”

I nodded, feeling heat rise to my face.

Her reaction was immediate. “Oh my God, Marrissa! Morgan Thornhill? Handsome, rich, practically a walking Greek god? That Morgan Thornhill?”

“Yes,” I said flatly, wishing she’d stop saying his name like it was some sort of divine revelation.

She stared at me for a long moment, then shook her head. “How? Why? I mean—how did this even happen?”

“I already told you the story, Molly,” I muttered, staring at my half-empty plate.

She folded her arms, pacing the room like she was trying to solve a mystery. “I don’t get it. So what did Morgan say when he found out?”

I scoffed. “Oh, he offered me money to leave the country and blah blah blah.”

Molly froze mid-step, her mouth falling open. “He what?”

“Yeah,” I said bitterly. “But his dad stepped in, and now he’s forcing Morgan to marry me.”

Her face twisted in disbelief. “You? Marry Morgan Thornhill?”

I tensed at her tone. It was like she could not imagine me being good enough for him. “Yes,” I snapped. “That’s what his dad is insisting on.”

Before she could say anything else, my phone buzzed on the table. I grabbed it, and my stomach dropped as I read the notification.

“What is it?” Molly asked, noticing the change in my expression.

Without saying a word, I handed her the phone. She read the message aloud. “‘Mr. Thornhill cordially invites you to his mansion for dinner this evening.’”

She looked at me, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I guess it’s happening.”

I took the phone back, staring at the message like it might disappear if I blinked. Molly suddenly wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, surprising me.

“Marrissa,” she said, her voice warm and soft. “I’m so happy for you. This is going to change your life for the better. You deserve this.”

I pulled back, confused. “You think this is a good thing?”

“Of course!” she said, her eyes lighting up. “You’re about to become part of the Thornhill family. Do you know how many women would kill to be in your position? And think about your baby—this is going to secure their future.”

I frowned. “I don’t know, Molly. This whole thing feels wrong.”

“You’re overthinking it,” she said, brushing off my doubt. “You’re about to become one of the most important women in the country. Everyone will be talking about you. And who knows—maybe with your connections, I’ll meet my own rich, handsome prince charming.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re crazy.”

“Crazy, but right,” she said with a smile.

I sighed, standing up. “I guess I should start getting ready, then.”

“Don’t worry, bestie—I’ve got you covered.” She dashed into her bedroom, shouting back at me. “You’re going to look amazing, and you’re going to show Morgan exactly what he’s getting!”

I laughed, despite the knot tightening in my stomach. Molly’s enthusiasm was contagious, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was not going to end well. As I waited for her to return, I stared at my phone again.

Dinner at the Thornhill mansion.

My life was about to change forever, whether I was ready or not. I know Morgan would not make it easy for me, but one thing is sure: I would not be intimidated by anyone.... not even by the Greek god, Morgan Thornhill.