"Are you pregnant Melissa"??

I tried to get my self from the hit while few other employees rushed up to the scene, and when I noticed my tummy was now opened for everyone to see I am pregnant, I stood up immediately and covered tha jacket very well but it was still too late for that.

Almost all the worker had seen I was pregnant and were all staring at me in surprise and great shock, I knew what they were all thinking as they stared. They must think the baby I am expecting belongs to Richard and that’s why he always favored them.

“I am so sorry Lisa, I didn’t know I would hit you and I was also in such great hurry.” She lied but her sinister smile showed it all out too well.

“It’s fine, I guess I was just too weak.” I said still trying to act natural but the employees weren’t making it possible as they all continued to stare.

“Are you pregnant Melissa.” One of the board members who also ran to our midst when I fell asked and now I felt so embarrassed and frustrated.

“Ugh…” I stammered but Lucy didn’t even let me talk as she chuckled.

“Now this explains why you have been dressing in all this baggy suits and hiding away,” another person in the crowd said.

“I wasn’t hiding my pregnancy everyone.“ I said trying my very best to hold in the tears piling up in my eyes.

“You were, now we all know why he treats you so special…it’s because you are his mistress and he was just trying to keep you close to him.” The lady from the board meeting said making me feel so bad about what I had gotten Richard involved in.

“Why are you all accusing Melissa of?” Richard question making me even more anxious, now they would blame him for what was happening.

“Was this why you made her your assistant, your secretary? You had a mistress?” The board woman asked as it seemed she was related to Richard and his senior who helped him navigate his business most of the time.

“What are you talking about Alice?” Richard asked, clearly not aware of what was going on.

“We already know Richard, we know that Melissa is caring for your unborn child!” Alice said, making Richard finally realize what was going on as he stared down at my belly which I still tried to use my hands to cover.

Richard's eyes widened in realization as he looked down at my belly, which I still tried to cover with my hands. The shock on his face quickly transformed into a mix of emotions—surprise, concern, and something else I couldn't quite decipher.

Before anyone else could say anything, Richard stepped forward, his voice firm and commanding. "That's enough, Alice. You have no right to make assumptions and spread baseless rumors. Melissa is not my mistress, and I will not tolerate any disrespect towards her."

The room fell into a stunned silence as Richard's words echoed through the air. Slowly, the expressions on the faces of my coworkers shifted from judgment and curiosity to a mixture of guilt and embarrassment.

Richard turned to face me, his gaze filled with determination. "Melissa, I know this situation may have caught us all off guard, but I want you to know that I fully support you and our child. We may not have planned for this, but it doesn't change the fact that I care about you."

Tears welled up in my eyes as a wave of relief and gratitude washed over me. The weight of hiding my pregnancy and the fear of rejection slowly lifted from my shoulders. Richard's unwavering acceptance and support meant the world to me.

As the initial shock subsided, some of my coworkers started to offer their congratulations, realizing the truth behind the situation. However, it was clear that not everyone was happy about it. Whispers and glances filled the room, revealing the lingering disapproval and resentment.

Sensing the tension, Richard raised his voice again, commanding everyone's attention. "I expect each and every one of you to respect Melissa and our situation. Any gossip or ill intentions will not be tolerated. We are all professionals, and personal matters should not affect our work environment."

His words hung in the air, a stern reminder of the boundaries and professionalism expected within the office. Slowly, the murmurs faded, replaced by an uneasy silence.

Richard turned to me once more, his expression softening. "Melissa, let's get through this together. We'll navigate any challenges that come our way, and I promise to stand by your side. Our friendship and our work are separate from this, and I won't allow anyone to undermine that."

“Richard.” I called out to him with a teary voice as he was about to walk away.

“What’s wrong Melissa, the pregnancy news is out now and you don’t have to cover it up or be scared of people opinions anymore.” Richard said.

“Why are you doing all this good things for me?” I asked, he chuckled before pulling me in for an hug as everyone had left.

“Because I feel this connection with you that I have never felt with anyone, you give me that joy and happiness the kind I cannot express and I don’t think I am ready to lose you no matter the cost.” Richard whispered to me.

“Thank you so much Richard for being the firm rock I can rely on whenever I feel like I am crumbling down.” I said to him.

“You are all that matter to Melissa, only you.” I was just about to smile at those words he said when the words suddenly echoed continuously in my head and it all dawned on me.

I might not love Richard more than a friend but he…he was in love with me! This couldn’t happen. Richard had slowly fallen in love with me and he still hasn’t realized it yet, this couldn’t possibly be happening…three men in love with me.