Chapter 5 Pregnant

Dana Pov...

Days and months passed swiftly, marking my third month at this job. Adjusting was a breeze due to the professionalism of my colleagues and the comprehensive training Montecillo Corp provided. I aimed to integrate these practices when managing my parent's business, a responsibility I couldn't evade; they relied solely on me. If only I had a brother, the burden wouldn't weigh as heavily.

Lately, I've noticed some peculiar changes within me, like unexpected cravings for Japanese food and strong drinks, although I usually prefer homemade meals.

"Good morning, Ms. Dana. You seem tired." The hotel manager remarked, noting my fatigued appearance.

"Good morning, Mam Rayver. I may have skipped breakfast again." I replied, trying to compose myself.

"Please don't skip meals, Dana. Take care of your health and appearance. You are on the face of our hotel." She advised before leaving.

As the staff prepared for an upcoming wedding event, I began feeling faint, likely due to skipping lunch. Concerned, my assistant and close friend Betty, also a Filipina acclimatized to life abroad, expressed worry. Dismissing her concern, I entered a Japanese restaurant, indulging in a satisfying meal despite the curious glances directed my way.

"Bets, stop staring and close your mouth." I retorted, noticing her incredulous expression.

"You were like a mummy earlier, and now you're glowing and energetic. Did you meet someone?" Betty teased with her trademark raised eyebrows.

"Just hungry, Bets. I want more for dinner." I responded, slightly perplexed by my own behavior.

Last night was eventful and exhausting, and waking up this early has left my body feeling sluggish. Despite my longing for more sleep, my relentless alarm forbade any further rest. It's as if time is sprinting ahead, refusing to slow down even for a moment.

Today's event suddenly dawns on me, and I can't help but chastise myself for feeling like a lazy bum and rushing to get ready for work once again. My body seems to be rebelling against me this week, consistently plagued by a sense of exhaustion.

"Mam Dana, you look like you've seen a ghost. Have you had your breakfast?" Betty's surprise at my lackluster morning demeanor is evident.

"Please, could you grab me a cappuccino at Starbucks and a cream cheese bread from the other building? I haven't had anything to eat yet." I swiftly instruct her.

After a hurried meal, I make my way to the pavilion area where the grand wedding celebration of a prominent Canadian business tycoon is set to take place. My main responsibility is to ensure that everything is in order. I can't afford any disappointment, especially with our esteemed guest in attendance.

As I go about my tasks, a wave of dizziness coupled with the urge to vomit washes over me. The overpowering scent of someone's perfume proves too much to handle. Planning to leave to get some fresh air, I struggled to maintain my composure, my vision suddenly blurred, and I found myself unable to resist the descent to the floor as I lost consciousness but before I finally fainted, I never felt my body fall to the floor.

---

I awoke on a hospital bed and swiftly rose, my mind preoccupied with concerns about the job I had left behind. Just as I contemplated my next move, the door swung open, revealing a striking female doctor and a robust, attractive man.

Engrossed in their conversation, they remained oblivious to my presence, granting me a moment to openly gaze at the unfamiliar man before me. Wasn't he the individual I had collided with at the bar four months ago? Why was he here, and what brought him to my room? Did he even recall our brief encounter? A whirlwind of questions whirled within me, perplexing and unanswered, when the doctor's voice suddenly broke the silence. Before I could ponder further, the doctor addressed me as "Mrs. Montecillo," leaving me baffled.

"Who is Mrs. Montecillo?" I stammered, overwhelmed by confusion.

"You are Mrs. Montecillo. Your husband, Mr. Daniel Montecillo, and I have discussed your situation. You're four months pregnant, and you need to take care of yourself and your baby." The doctor revealed.

"Don't tell me you are not aware that you are already four months pregnant?" She asked in surprise. What?

"I'm sorry, doctor, I don't understand. I can't be pregnant right now. Tell me that this is a mistake, please?" Tears welled up in my eyes as I pleaded with her.

"I apologize, Mrs. Montecillo, but you are indeed four months pregnant, and you need to take care of yourself to ensure the well-being of your baby. Visit your OB-gyn tomorrow. The sooner, the better, dear." She strongly advised.

"But doctor, I'm not Mrs. Montecillo." I said, tears streaming down my face. I didn't know why my emotions were so overwhelming, perhaps because I was pregnant.

Before I could explain, the doctor's response was interrupted by Daniel. "Don't worry, doctor. I'll take care of her and explain everything, right Dana?" Daniel stated loudly to me.

"Okay then. Congratulations, and please take care, Mr. and Mrs. Montecillo." She said before leaving the room.

"Why didn't you contradict the doctor?" I asked Daniel, annoyed, as we stood facing each other.

"Let's just say I wanted to spare you embarrassment and help. By the way, let's talk somewhere else, not here." He replied sarcastically.

"It's none of your business, and thank you for bringing me here, Mr. Daniel." I retorted as I got out of bed.

"Listen here, Ms. Feisty Pregnant Woman. I won't dare do anything to you, you're already pregnant. Give me your husband's contact number so I can inform him." He snapped, his voice rising in irritation.

"I don't have a husband, are you satisfied now?" I replied angrily.

"Damn it!" He cursed before speaking again.

"Oh! Shit! I'm sorry. I'll just take you to your house so you can rest. The doctor said your pregnancy is sensitive, and you're weak due to a lack of vitamins and healthy food." He said, his tone softening with concern for my condition, though I didn't need his pity.

"I can't, I need to go back to the hotel. I can't lose my job." I replied hastily.

"I can take care of that, don't worry." He assured me.

As I glanced at her asleep in the passenger seat, I felt responsible. Was I the reason for her unintended pregnancy, now that she was four months pregnant? I asked myself.

Damn it! I hoped not, recalling when I saw her at the bar and handed her the margarita with drugs. What the hell! My conscience was haunting me. Am I really this terrible to cause something so dreadful?

"Dana, wake up. We're here," I shook her gently and handed her all the vitamins I had bought while she was still asleep.

"Thank you, Daniel." She replied, sounding both sad and resigned. I needed to help her recover, at the very least, or assist her in finding the man she had slept with. I had to find the man who got her pregnant. I sighed deeply as I watched her enter the building. I cursed myself for my recklessness.

Damn you, Daniel!

Before leaving I called Rayver!

"Hello, Sir Daniel! How can I assist you?" Rayver asked on the other end of the line.

"Manager Rayver, I want you to handle Dana's case. She's one of the employees there. Ensure she keeps her job no matter what. If her performance is unsatisfactory, gather 100% evidence, and I will personally dismiss her. But if she continues to work efficiently, she stays." I instructed my manager at the hotel feeling responsible for her now.

"Yes, Sir Daniel. I will handle it." She obliged.

"Thank you!"