Chapter 2: Impregnated

Nathalie's Point of View

"Nathalie Harper."

Shock crossed my face when I heard that heavy baritone voice again.

The voice then stuck with me for days and nights.

His voice...

My boss's voice.

I slowly turned to him and looked directly at the floor. I can't manage to make eye contact with him.

I held my tummy. Should I tell him?

"Yes, Sir?" I asked.

He handed me a pink bag.

I opened it and saw my bra inside. I was immediately mortified.

"Uhm... I'm really sorry, Sir," I uttered, stammering.

It was a wrong decision to leave my bra in that place. I thought he wouldn't notice it.

I heard him breathe heavily. "My name is Elijah Felix Brendan. Please look at me, miss Nathalie."

I raised my chin and took all my courage to look at him. I

felt like lighting just struck the both of us.

He walked toward me and smiled.

"I'm sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable, Nathalie. If what happened that night is still bothering you, just forget about it."

After he said those words, he left.

For some reason, my heart felt so painful. Does he think I'm a shallow woman who would forget things like that?!

I made a mistake, I know! But telling me that I should forget about what happened is too much.

I held unto my tummy, and a tear fell from my eyes.

"Don't worry, baby, we'll get through this," I mumbled.

...

When I was about to go home, I saw Sir Elijah leaning on his car while glancing at his black smartwatch.

I shook my head and attempted to march away, but I heard him call my name.

"Nathalie!"

I looked at him. He immediately walked toward me and smiled.

"Hi, Sir, what is it now?" I asked.

He placed his hand on his nape and awkwardly rubbed it.

"Do you mind if I drive you to your place?"

I was startled. I didn't expect him to say that.

I thought of telling him about the baby again. Maybe this could be a great time.

"I d-don't mind, Sir. But what if the other employees see us? Wouldn't that be weird?" I asked.

He smiled. "What other people think doesn't matter to me."

He opened his car door and let me in the passenger seat.

As soon as he started the engine, he looked at me and gave me a thumbs up.

I just smiled.

He was silent the whole time.

We stopped in a nearby restaurant a few minutes later.

"What do you want to eat?" he asked.

My eyes widened. Is he serious?

"Uhm...tuna sandwich," I replied.

It's my favorite.

He nodded his head and went to the restaurant.

I sighed as soon as he left. I can't believe I'm with the man I slept with. I am not supposed to be doing this, but I want to tell him about my baby.

About OUR baby.

And if he doesn't accept it, what should I do?

My brothers are still studying, and I'll have to work extra hard for the baby.

Sir Elijah came back holding the bag of food. He also came with drinks.

"Here you go," he said.

But for some unknown reason, when I opened the tuna sandwich packaging, I was nauseated.

I felt like vomiting.

I immediately went out of the car and barfed at a nearby trash can.

"Hey, are you okay? What's going on?" Elijah asked. He was also worried.

I wiped my mouth with a tissue and looked at him.

"I'm pregnant."

He gasped. His eyes widened, and his expression was unexplainable, but I don't think he was disappointed.

"You are?" he asked.

I nodded my head.

He looked at the side. I knew he felt uneasy.

Maybe I must've not said that too brazenly? He probably thought I was pathetic.

My eyes went downcast. I didn't know what to do.

What if he thinks this baby isn't his?

"That's mine, right?" he blurted out. His voice was gentle. I didn't sense any doubt about it. He was just making sure.

I peered at him and nodded my head.

He smiled. It was a sweet smile. His slightly red and thin lips curved in satisfaction.

"Then we should get married," he said.

My eyes widened. "Isn't that too fast? W-we barely even know each other. Uhm, if you don't want my child, I can raise it alo—"

I halted speaking because he suddenly hugged me. I felt his enormous hand and fingers brushing my nape. I felt safe.

"I want that child, and I will support the both of you until my last breath, Nathalie," he said.

"Then, shall we date? I'll re-schedule my meetings and save time for us." He pulled himself from the hug, and his hands went down my waist.

It gave me butterflies.

We went back inside his car. Still, he kept smiling like he was the happiest man alive. Did he really want to have a child? Usually, rich and powerful people like him would never dream of having a child. Well, it still varies, I believe.

Then suddenly, one thought came to my head.

"What if the other employees find out about this? What are we going to do?" I asked.

He gave me a sideways glance.

"Does it matter what other people think of us? We're both responsible for our actions. People shouldn't have a say about that. And if they did, I'll immediately fire them," he uttered.

"You don't have to go far like that."

"Well, I would. For you and for the baby."

...

I arrived at my apartment safely. Elijah drove me here and even got me dinner.

We didn't spend much time together because he said he had to pick up his sister from school. He must be such a caring older brother.

Whenever I think of having an older brother or sister, I end up being sad and jealous because I know that I will never experience that. I will never have someone stand up for me.

That's why I'm doing everything for my younger brothers. They're very dear to me since all I have right now is them.

Plus, this baby inside me.

Tears flowed from my eyes as I remembered my mom and dad. As we were driving home that night, they were arguing because apparently, Dad's business started to go downhill.

I was silently sitting on the back seat while hugging a pillow. My hands were shaking, and I was engulfed with fear. Mom and Dad had never argued that way before.

Dad stopped the car and went outside. It was too dark at the place he stopped. Mom followed him out.

And then a weird creature attacked both of them. I kept hiding inside the car and forced myself not to make any sounds even though I was bawling my eyes right. I didn't see clearly what an animal that was—but maybe it was a bear.

Until now, every time I remember that moment makes me traumatized. That's why even dogs make me feel afraid. If the animal found me inside the car, I must've been dead. And no one will stand up for my younger brothers.

I'm blessed.

"Hey, Nath, you came home earlier," Carol said as she came inside.

We share the same apartment, although we have separate rooms.

"Yeah, I didn't commute," I replied.

"Really? Then how did you come home?"

"Boss drove me home."

Carol gasped. I can see the blush on her face.

"You freaking little sneak. I can't believe you have excellent flirting skills!"

"I DIDN'T FLIRT WITH HIM!"

Carol laughed. She's really amazed by topics like this. I always showed an innocent side of me. Someone who isn't interested in men and is only focused on working.

So I understand if she feels unusual to this side of me. I'm not a child to not know how to seduce a man. Besides, I've dated several men before in high school.

Carol calmed down from laughing. She looked at my tummy and looked back at me.

"Did you tell him?"

I nodded my head and smirked.

"I didn't expect his reaction. He was too happy," I said.

Carol smiled as well. "That's great. I'm glad he accepts it. So, are the two of you getting married or what?"

"We're dating."

Carol gasped again. This is too much for her to take.

"My goodness, Nath, you are so fast! I wouldn't be surprised if you already have a whole basketball team one day."

I chuckled. "That's too much, Carol! I'd probably just want two. A boy and a girl. And I want the boy to be the firstborn," I said while gently massaging my belly.

"But let me ask you. Are you really prepared to be a mom? And not just that, are you ready to be your boss's wife? Because I'm sure the both of you will get married anyway."

I pursed my lips and sighed.

"That's yet to be known, Carol, but I will do anything for this child. I'll make sure that I'll give him all the love and support he needs."