4

~NINE WEEKS LATER~

Mariah's pov

I clock out and wave goodbye to my fellow waitresses as I finish my shift. My whole body is heavy from the strain of a busy shift.

"Why are you settling for a waitressing job Mariah? You're a freaking Architect for Christ's sake. Plus, you were cum laude. I've seen your designs too. They're fantastic. You've got real talent girl. Anyone would want to hire you."

My best friend asked me when I told her about this job a month ago. Naturally, I want a job related to my profession. However, given the present circumstances, I probably will have a hard time working outside of the house. Which is why I settled for a job that I can leave easily.

Before I was hired by the restaurant, I informed them that I will only be working with them for six- seven months. By such time I was expecting my hugeness to inhibit my moving around. So before that, I plan to maximize my income-generating efforts. I work at the restaurant from 6 AM to 2 PM then hurry home to put in as many hours as I can to the online English courses that I teach. At the same time, I have to complete all my assignments, requirements, and quizzes for the online Master's Degree of Business Administration that I enrolled in right before the night, the night I never knew that'd bring lots of consequences.

Instead, I opted to earn through the online English courses and save up for the tuition. Fortunately, I paid the full tuition so despite my current circumstances I am able to proceed with earning my MBA.

Looking at my watch, I hasten my steps since I have a doctor's appointment at 3 PM. I'm currently in my 9th week of pregnancy and will have my first ultrasound today.

"I'm excited to finally see you, little one," I said touching my stomach.

Upon reaching the clinic, I was ushered to the waiting area. After waiting for about 20 minutes, I was called and ushered into the doctor's office. She proceeded to ask me some necessary questions -- following up on some of my symptoms and on how I was coping. I quickly answered in the best way I can, excited to finally get a glimpse of my baby.

"All right, let's proceed with the ultrasound."

I then proceed to a room where they let me recline on the exam table. This is it. I thought as we began the ultrasound. Several moments later, I see a black-and-white image displayed on the screen. The doctor looks at the screen intensely making me nervous.

"Everything seems to be in order. And right there is your baby."

I focus on where the doctor is pointing and my heart swells at seeing my baby for the very first time. I can almost feel the tears escape but I hold them in.

"But ...."

"But what Doc?"

"You seem to have two ... no three babies."

Upon hearing that my heart skips a beat. Then my world starts to slow as the doctor's words sink in."

"Three babies Doc? Are you sure?"

She continues to study and adjust the image on the screen. A few minutes later, she nods her head in reply.

"Yes, it appears that you are having triplets. Congratulations."

...

Mariah's POV

I walk home in a daze.

"...it appears that you are having triplets. Congratulations."

The doctor's words ring repeatedly in my head. Triplets. Three babies. Three.

I'm filled with emotions that I can't pinpoint. Joy? Excitement? Fear? Panic? I don't have the time to analyze what I'm feeling as the tasks I have to do rush inside my head.

I have to inform the restaurant that I can only continue working until two months for now.

I have to move to a bigger apartment. I can't continue to impose on Grace, my best friend, with my three children.

I have to work harder since I now have three babies to take care of.

My three angels.

My heart bubbled with both joy and panic knowing fully well that I was pregnant for my sister's fiancé. What do I do?

I found out three weeks ago when I my health detoriated badly.

I shake my head, stopping that line of thought. As I approach the apartment gates, I was restricted from entering.

"I'm really sorry Madame Mariah but I can't let you in."

Edward, my dear friend and Head of Security at the Nathan Holdings headquarters, looks at me sympathetically. I'm standing outside the main door of this huge and state-of-the-art building to see Nathan. Well, soon-to-be husband of my sister. The thought makes my heart clench. But I have to be strong. I did absolutely nothing wrong.

All I needed to do at this moment was to talk to Nathan and then together, we could find a way to solve this issue, probably I'd take some money from him and leave for good.

"I understand you're following orders Ed but I really need to see Nathan."

"We tried to convince him Mariah, but he won't listen to reason." Said a voice from behind Edward. 

Coming towards us is Mrs. Wilson, Nathan's secretary. Having been the secretary of Nathan's father until his retirement, Mrs. Wilson is the second mother figure in Nathan's life. Now that Nathan has replaced his father as CEO, Mrs. Wilson continues to serve as his secretary.

Well, I heard when he was saying that to his future in laws.....

Seeing the sympathetic looks they cast at me, my eyes start to mist. No. I will not cry. These two wonderful people were among the few who believed me. I do not want to hurt them even more by crying.

"But I need to tell him something important," I said. An idea crossing my mind I say, "Mrs. Wilson, can I ask a favor? Can I ask for some paper and an envelope? I could write him a letter. Maybe at the very least, he would read it." I say hopefully.

"Certainly Madame."

"No!, Even if he was to get a letter from a pathetic person like you, am sure he would be even more disgusted!" Emilia said approaching me, a hypocritical smile plastered on her face.

Oh?, She finally decided to show her true colors!?