4

Alessia

I threw up again.

I didn’t want to get my hopes high only for it to end up being a flu or my stomach reacting to my unhealthy eating habits.

Either way, I felt like shit and I looked like it. I had bed hair and my face was swollen and pale. I looked like an overfed ghost and I felt like I might become one if I threw up one more time.

I rinsed my mouth and hurried out of the bathroom. I sat down at the edge of the bed and took my phone from under my pillow. I saw a notification and my eyes widened as I read the content of the mail.

“With this, I can offer the best life for my child, I could fulfil my dream of being a mother and live out my remaining days in peace.” My voice was filled with excitement and I felt like jumping in

joy as I read it over and over again.

It was the best news I had received this week and that brought me back to thinking about the sample I received. There was only a 50% chance of me getting pregnant but deep down I felt like it was successful.

I wanted to check but anytime the thought comes up I always dismiss it not wanting to end up getting disappointed. I didn’t want to go back to that lab after what had happened even though it wasn’t my fault.

I opened my drawer and took out the test strips I bought three days ago. I took a deep breath as I walked into the bathroom.

….

I didn’t know how I managed to pack my luggage but here I was standing before my best friend's door looking like a complete mess.

I raised my hand to knock when the door swung open.

“You have been standing here acting like a skittish rabbit for as long as I can remember and I can’t watch anymore!” Isabel dramatically

exclaimed with a wide smile on her face.

“Come here you,” Isabel smirked and pulled me Into her arms. I felt like all my worries were slowly going away as I tightened my arms around her and buried my face in her bosom.

I miss her hugs and scent.

She pulled away and took my bags in her other hand as she dragged me into the house with the other. The house was warm and inviting just like her and it was one of my favorite places to be.

“Go take a shower you look like you got run over by a truck, I’ll make you something to eat then we will talk about why your beautiful eyes are looking so red and swollen.” Isabel smiled as she dropped my bag beside her wardrobe and blew me a kiss right before she stepped out of the room. I groaned loudly and plopped down on the bed.

“Get your lazy ass off that bed and take a bath!” Isabel yelled.

I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was to lie down and sleep but I knew Isabel would drag me to the bathroom if she had to.

I stepped out of the bathroom and Isabel was sitting on the bed going through her phone. She looked up and beckoned with her hand for me to come forward.

I sat down beside her and she started drying my hair with an extra towel. A soft sigh escaped my lips and I felt relaxed.

“Care to tell me why you were crying?” Isabel asked as she used the towel to massage my head.

My heart skipped a beat and I instantly felt happy, it was the most beautiful feeling in the world and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so much joy. It felt like I would explode from the amount of happy butterflies that were fluttering in my stomach and heart.

“Well I applied for a job at this company and my acceptance letter came in today,” Isabel screamed and pulled me into a hug.

“I’m so happy for you! We need to celebrate this great news!” She took my hands into her and tried to pull me to my feet.

“Uhm there’s more…” I trailed off and she was practically vibrating with joy.

“I’m pregnant.” Her movements seized.

“What! When? How?” Isabel dramatically discarded the towel and turned me around like a doll.

I laughed as I watched her shocked expression. Her eyes were wide like saucers and her face looked like it was frozen. Not that I looked any better when I found out but she didn’t know that.

“I’m having a baby, Isabel.” My vision got blurry and happy tears started streaming down my face.

Isabel pulled me into a hug and gently rocked me like a child.

“Is it Xabier’s?” She whispered and I shook my head in denial.

“We broke up,” I replied and I felt a pang in my heart. I was still devastated when I thought about him and the fact that he didn’t have the decency to call or drop a proper apology message hurts.

Isabel gave me a gentle squeeze and pulled away.

“I’m so sorry Aly.” “Whose is it?” She asked and I averted my eyes as I thought about what to tell her. I didn’t want to tell her the truth but I also didn’t want to lie.

“A one-night stand.” I didn’t know where the answer came from but it would do I guess.

“What are we going to do Aly? Do you know anything about him? Like his name or any important detail?” I shook my head and Isabel gave me a small smile as she cupped my face and wiped my tears.

“It’s all going to be fine, I’ll be right here with and I’ll support you every step of the way.” I felt the sincerity, love and comfort from her words and more started to fall.

I sobbed as she pulled me into her arms and I felt so loved and protected at that moment.

.

.

.

“Alessia wake up or so help me God I’ll drag you to the bathroom and drown you.” I groaned as Isabel pulled the duvet off me and pulled me into a sitting position.

“It’s your first day at work today and I will not allow you to be late. You need to make a good impression and being late is not a good impression.” I could barely keep my ears open as Isabel kept Rampling about punctuality.

“It’s too early!” I whined and tried to lie down but she pulled me up and I wondered how someone can be so energetic in the morning.

“Better than being late.” She replied and pulled me to my feet.

“I hate you,” I yelled over my shoulder as I stomped my feet to the bathroom.

Over an hour later I stood before the large office building and I couldn’t be more glad that I had Isabel looking out for me. I arrived at the perfect time and I couldn't wait to start.

I walked into the lobby and saw the receptionist sitting behind a beautiful marble counter. I gave her a polite smile as I walked up to her.

“Good morning.” I greeted.

“Good morning ma’am and welcome to A&P Enterprises. How may I help you?” She said with a professional smile on her face.

“I’m Alessia Gonzalez, the CEO’s new secretary.” She nodded and typed on her system.

“Yes Miss Gonzalez, today is your first day. Your office is on the 10th floor and everything you need has already been delivered. Go through them and be ready, the boss will be arriving soon.”

I nodded and walked towards the elevator. I reached the floor and walked through the long grey hallway until I came across a counter just like the one in the reception area. I felt excited as I walked around it and sat down on the chair.

A sticky note was attached to the mouse and I smiled when I saw the company’s server password written on it.

It was official that I'm now a member of this company.

I stiffened the moment I smelt him and my senses tingled at the strong masculine scent. My heart started to pound in my chest and I felt weak in the knees when his intimidating aura reached me and I

slowly looked in the direction the scent was coming from.

My heart leaped in dread and my eyes widened like saucers as I came face to face with Mr Axel.

He stopped when his eyes landed on me and my heart fell to my stomach when his stoic face changed into anger. What the fuck is he doing here?

I’m doomed!