THE FRUIT

As I slowly opened my eyes, I saw a ceiling and walls painted white all around. There were curtains and I could also hear a continuous beating sound of a machine beside me.

“Where am I?” I whispered.

I tried to sit and lean against the bed. I got a little dizzy and touched my head. Then, I noticed that a wired thing is attached to my hand.

I was all in wonder when suddenly the door went open. Then, I saw a woman wearing a white uniform come in holding a folder and smiling at me.

“Finally, you’re awake,” She said with a gentle voice.

“Why I’m here?” I asked while still having confusion in me.

“They told us you fainted and…” She was still telling me what happened when I suddenly got flashbacks in my head.

My eyes got widened when I suddenly remembered one important thing to ask. “How about the baby?”

“Don’t worry. The baby is fine. You just have to be careful next time and don’t involve yourself with too much stress. That might affect the baby.” She replied.

I sighed as soon as I heard the good news. I thought I will lose the baby because of what happened. That was the first time I experienced that kind of situation.

We were still talking when a man entered the room. He was panting and catching for breath when he reached the doorway of my room. Our eyes met, then after a few seconds, he finally composed himself.

He entered the room with a blank expression and approached the nurse.

“How is she?” He asked.

The nurse, whom I was talking to, looked at the folder she was holding all this time.

“She’s going to be fine. Luckily, you brought her here in time,” She replied while smiling.

William just nodded and looked at me.

“Can you give us a moment?” He asked.

The nurse nodded and stood up. Then, she walked out of the room and gently closed the door.

There’s a sudden awkward atmosphere surrounding the whole room since William and I were the ones left. He looked at me, and I avoided his stares.

“Since when you got that thing inside you?” He asked bluntly.

As soon as I heard him say those words, I looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Thing?” I asked and looked at him with disbelief.

“You’re calling this life inside of me, a thing? Just a thing? This is our baby, William. We made this, and you knew what happened,” I added.

“Yes, I know. But, I can’t accept that baby, Vanessa,” He suddenly replied which struck my heart that instant.

I was expecting that he would be happy as soon as I tell him that we are going to have a baby. I could still remember the time when he told me that no matter how much he tried to have a baby with his wife, they just can’t. So, I thought about it for a long time. The best gift I could ever give to him is to be the father of his child. But, what’s happening right now? Looks like the winds have changed. He’s not happy.

“But, why?” My eyes are starting to get teary while looking at him. I didn’t expect that this will be his reaction after knowing everything.

“I have my reasons, Vanessa,” He replied.

I scoffed after hearing those words from him. “Reasons? So, those reasons are enough for you to not accept the child from your blood?”

He shook his head and looked at me. “Vanessa, until now, you didn’t realize what we are, did you? You are my other woman. You are not my legal wife for me to fully accept that child I have from you. That child you have in you will ruin my reputation from the people that know me and surround me!”

“So, that’s it? You’re going to throw us out because of all those things? Do you even love me for real? Or, you just used me to fulfill the pleasure you wanted?” I asked.

He sighed. “I love you, Vanessa. But, I’m not ready to accept that child you have. I can’t.”

My heart was torn to pieces when he said those words to me. I didn’t feel any love at all. What happened to those promises he told me about? If he truly loves me, he should also accept the fruit of our love. I can’t let this baby inside of me lose his father that instant! I don’t want to let him suffer just like I had.

He suddenly turned his back on me and was about to leave when I spoke.

“You will accept this baby, or you won’t see me anymore. Choose, William!” I insisted.

He stopped walking and turned to me.

“You will get rid of that baby, or this relationship is done. I think you should be the one to choose, Vanessa,” He replied.

Before I could say another word, he left the room and closed the door, leaving me all alone.

Tears flow down from my eyes while I stare at the door where he was standing earlier. I applied for a job in his company to earn money and have a better life. I got accepted as his secretary. My intentions were pure during that time. I never intended to flirt or take advantage of his weakness. All I know was, I need to do what I was assigned. Being his mistress never entered my head, not for a single time. But, I became one.

I have no match for his wealth and popularity. I cannot threaten him to lower his pride because I don’t have anything to bribe him with. I’m just a simple woman wanting to be loved and accepted by the man that I love. I thought having this baby inside me will be the fulfillment of that dream, but looks like I have to bear this on my own.