CHAPTER 5.

AURELIA'S P.O.V

Laying on bed on my left side with my palm supporting my head, I can't help but nibble on my finger while staring out into space, the quiet bustle of the city reaching my ears while lost in thought. I had three months to tie the knot with Cooper, unconsciously, my eyes dart towards the direction of the shiny diamond ring sitting pretty on my bedside table, involuntarily I exhale deeply. As I continue to mule over the recent happenings, my alarm rings out snapping me out of my thoughts. Sluggishly, I drag myself out of bed making my way into the bathroom.

Resting my palms on both sides of the wash-basin, I stare back at my reflection in the mirror and can't help but sigh again. I looked awful. Perhaps going to work would do me some good, take my mind off things. Taking my time, I slip under the shower allowing the cold water droplets soothe my nerves, washing away my worries for a moment. I spend about 20 minutes under the shower, just enjoying the serene calmness and comfort the water brought me, but it was over all too soon as I had to prepare for work.

Stepping back into my room, I was prepped and ready for work in no time, picking up my car keys I head out to work.

***

"Hey girl." Celia calls out to me, startling me momentarily as she locks arms with mine.

"Hey you, where have you been?"

"Oh you know, been up and about. Dr. Mildred needed me to assist with one of the patients."

"Okay, So where are you headed?"

"To get lunch duh" she deadpanned. "Come on, let's go get some fries I'm starving" She whined in exaggeration, rolling her eyes as she pulled me out of the hospital, I couldn't help but chuckle at her antics.

"Fine fine, but you're paying." I tease and she laughs.

A few minutes later we were both seated at a secluded table, far away from anyone who could possibly eavesdrop.

"So tell me, what's going on with you?" Celia asked while munching on her fries.

"What do you mean?" I try to play it off coolly as I take a bite of my burger.

Rolling her eyes she waves a fry she held at me, "Don't play dumb with me Lia. You're not your usual cheery self, I mean don't get me wrong. You're not exactly the definition of cheery but you're not always this dull. Spill, is it Cooper?" At the mention of his name, my shoulders slump tiredly as I drop my burger onto my plate.

"I dunno Cee, these past few days....they've been nothing short of overwhelming...choking. It's as if I've been thrust into a completely different reality, it's like i've become a completely different person. First was the one-night stand I had with that stranger who turned out to be my boyfriends' father," My voice goes down a notch at my last words as I cautiously look around to see if there was anyone who'd have overheard me.

"Then there's Cooper who proposes to me out of the blues, and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I discover I'm pregnant. Pregnant?" Using my index finger and thumb, I rub my forehead my eyes closing briefly as I inhale deeply and then exhale. Opening my eyes, I stare out the window while shaking my head softly and slowly.

"How did it go so wrong Cee?" I turn my gaze to her as her expression softens, stretching her hand to hold mine.

"Hey hey, it's okay. Look Lia it's all just a matter of time, it'll be over soon. You and Cooper are gonna get married, you'll have your baby and everyone goes about their normal day. Cooper won't ever find out what happened, your secret is safe with me I promise." My eyes well up tearfully at her words as I sniffle.

"These damn hormones are gonna be the death of me." I mutter as we both chuckle.

"So tell me, what kind of wedding would you like?"....

The day goes by relatively smoothly and soon enough I was back home alone, clothed in my nighties as i lay in bed, while sipping wine as I skimmed through pictures on my phone. Pictures of my college days, pictures of Celia and I, pictures of Cooper and I. A particular picture of Cooper and I comes up, my finger lingering over the picture.

Just then my phones buzzes with an incoming call as Coopers name pops up on my phone screen.

"Hey baby." Coopers voice resonates from the other end.

"Hey, how you doing?"

"Stressed, good but stressed."

"Sorry babe, bad day at work?" I ask, placing my wine glass on the bedside table.

"Sort of, had a bunch of meetings about new investments. I'll most likely have to travel out to meet some new partners soon."

"You don't sound very enthusiastic about it."

"Not in the slightest." I hear him groan, shuffling movements in the background. "But you know what would make me feel better?" His voice turned playful and teasing.

"What?" I smile to myself as I take a sip of my wine.

"You coming with me."

"Baby you know I can't do that."

"Why not? It's not like you can't take a few days off. You're engaged to the son of the owner and besides you're one of the best resident nurses at the hospital. Surely you can take a break." My mood turns sour at his words.

"Yeah well just because I'm engaged to the son of the hospital's Director doesn't necessarily mean I can take breaks whenever I please." My words come off a bit harsher than I intend.

I hear him breath softly as he speaks, "Did I do something wrong?" Shit, the obvious hurt in his voice pricked at me in guilt.

"No baby, I'm sorry. Just like you I had a hectic day at work." My voice softens as I lie through my teeth, well I didn't completely lie but that wasn't the reason my mood soured.

"I understand, why don't you get some rest baby. I'll talk to you later, yeah?"

"Yeah sounds good."

"I love you" I could feel his smile through the call, inciting one of my own.

"I love you too baby." As the call dropped, I stared at my phone in my hand as I bit my lip. The reality of always having a reminder of Thorne around me didn't sit well with me, be it as a father-in-law or as my boss. And worse still.....as the father of my child.