Chapter 4

Camilla Varela’s Point of View

It had been a few months since I started working at Del Castillo Tech, and I couldn’t be happier with how things were going. My job was fulfilling, and I was finally doing something I loved. On top of that, I was building great relationships with my team. They respected me not just as their leader but as a person — and I truly respected them in return. It felt good to work in a place where I was appreciated and valued.

What surprised me the most was how quickly things started falling into place. In just my first month, I received a generous salary — far more than I ever expected. With that, I was able to start saving money and even help Cassandra with the expenses at her condo. It felt amazing to finally stand on my own two feet and contribute in some way.

But just when everything seemed perfect, my body decided to betray me. Of all days to get sick, it had to be today — the day of an important meeting with the board members. I couldn’t believe my bad luck.

My head throbbed painfully, and as the morning went on, my stomach began to churn. Before I knew it, I was rushing to the bathroom, throwing up everything I had eaten. I wasn’t sure if it was something I ate — maybe food poisoning — but it’s impossible because Cassandra ate the food last night too. It’s strange that I am the only who experience this.

As I sat there, trying to pull myself together, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I knew I needed to get through the day, but my body clearly had other plans.

“Are you okay?” Cassandra asked, her voice full of concern as she looked at me worriedly.

I nodded weakly, though I didn’t really feel okay at all. “I don’t know what’s happening to me,” I admitted after rinsing my mouth. “I’ve been feeling this strange morning sickness for weeks now… I’m always nauseous, and I don’t know why.”

Cassandra’s eyes widened as if something clicked in her mind. “When was the last time you had your period?” she asked, her voice careful but urgent.

To be honest… I had no idea.

I shook my head slowly. “I… I don’t know,” I whispered, feeling a knot of anxiety tighten in my chest.

“Oh my God, Camilla! What if you’re pregnant?!” Cassandra exclaimed, her voice rising with both shock and excitement.

Pregnant? No… I couldn’t be. That just couldn’t happen — not now, not with everything going on in my life. The mere thought of it sent panic rushing through me.

“I… I can’t be pregnant,” I said, my voice trembling. “Not with my situation right now… it just can’t be true.”

“You should really get yourself checked,” Cassandra suggested gently, her eyes filled with concern. “It’s better to know for sure.”

But once again, I shook my head. “I can’t,” I said, my words coming out in a rush. “I have a meeting with the board members today — I can’t miss it.”

“Camilla, if it’s an emergency, the meeting can be rescheduled,” Cassandra said firmly. “The board members will understand. Your health should come first.”

I covered my face with my hands, my heart pounding. “I… I’m scared, Cass. I’m scared to find out the truth. What if I really am pregnant? I can’t handle that right now,” I whispered.

Cassandra’s voice softened. “Why? Is it because… he might be the father?” she asked quietly.

She let out a deep sigh before continuing. “Listen to me, Camilla. Whatever mistakes he made — those are his, not the child’s. If you’re pregnant… you need to face it. You need to accept it. And no matter what happens, I’ll be here for you.”

"But… but what if I really am pregnant? And Lucas finds out… Cass, I’m scared," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cassandra didn’t hesitate. "If you’re pregnant, I’ll talk to my boss and ask him to assign you to work abroad. The company is expanding to Italy soon…"

I quickly shook my head. "That’s too much, Cass. I can’t ask that from you," I said, feeling overwhelmed.

She let out a deep sigh. "Then we’ll find another way, okay? But right now, the most important thing is for you to go to a clinic and get checked. I’ll drive you there," she said firmly.

I nodded, realizing she was right. I needed to know the truth, no matter how scared I was.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I grabbed my bag, and Cassandra guided me out of the condo. As we waited for the elevator, my head still throbbed, and I felt like I was on a roller coaster—lightheaded and dizzy.

When we reached the ground floor, she held my arm, steadying me as we walked toward the parking lot. I got into the passenger seat while she slid into the driver’s side. After fastening her seatbelt, she started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, driving carefully.

I leaned my head against the car window and closed my eyes, letting my thoughts wander. The possibility of being pregnant kept running through my mind.

I didn’t know how to feel. Should I be scared? Should I be happy? I wasn’t sure. All I knew was that my life might be about to change forever.

When we arrived at the nearest hospital, Cassandra handled everything. She filled out the forms and spoke to the staff while I sat there, feeling weak and exhausted. The doctor asked me to lie down on the bed since I wasn’t feeling well, and I didn’t argue — my body felt so drained.

Cassandra stayed by my side, even skipping work just to take care of me. I knew she had important things to do, but here she was, making sure I wasn’t alone. That meant a lot.

The doctor had already run some tests, and now all we could do was wait for the results. The room was quiet except for the occasional sounds from outside. I stared at the ceiling, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

It didn’t take long before Cassandra gently called my name.

"Camilla…"

I turned my head toward her. She was watching me closely, her face filled with quiet concern. "Are you okay? Please don’t stress yourself. We’ll know soon, and whatever happens, we’ll figure it out together."

I forced a small smile and nodded, pushing away the thought that I might actually be pregnant. Just thinking about it made my stomach twist with anxiety.

Minutes felt like hours, but finally, the door opened, and the doctor walked in, holding a piece of paper. My heart started pounding so hard it felt like it was trying to break free from my chest.

"What’s the result, Doc?" Cassandra asked, her voice filled with a strange mix of excitement and hope.

But the moment the doctor spoke, my entire world stopped. I was stunned and couldn’t process what the doctor said.

"Congratulations Miss Varela, you’re 15 weeks pregnant."