5
914 Words
Kim
When I saw Theo in the cafe, I didn't think he would intercept me on my way to my car. The venom in his eyes was still part of his gaze. The last time I saw him, he had the same look.
Theo wouldn't let go of me, and I knew he wouldn't let me go until I told him the truth. But I promised myself not to tell him about his paternity to avoid problems.
"You're not the only one who's found a new partner," I said, planting a wicked smile.
Judging by his expression, Theo was surprised by my response and stopped putting pressure on my wrist.
"What’s the matter? Did you think I would stay alone and cry over you?"
I knew my ego was controlling me, but I enjoyed seeing his look of disgust.
"Do you have someone else? Is he the father of your child?"
"Yes," I savored the response.
"And how long has this been going on? How many months are you?"
"Sorry, but it's none of your business," I brusquely freed myself from his grip and got into the car.
Theo didn't bother me further and allowed me to leave. I saw him through the rearview mirror. He remained standing in the street, watching me drive away. When I thought it was safe, I cried. I cried for the illness and Theo. Seeing him shook my inner world, and I didn't know how long it would take to recover. Theo still owned my heart. No one could change the place he held in me. I wanted to tear him out of my heart, but it was impossible to do so.
I told the news to my boyfriend, and he comforted me while I cried for hours. He reserved a table at a luxurious restaurant to cheer me up. He was a gentleman and treated me like a queen. Francisco and I took a seat at one of the central tables.
"Thank you for bringing me here," I smiled sheepishly. "Since we've known each other, I've brought you nothing but trouble."
He took my hand to kiss it.
"You are the most important woman in my life. I'll do anything to see you happy."
I formed another smile.
I felt protected by his side. But the smile disappeared when I saw someone looking at me. It was Theo, who was seated at the next table. I didn't know when he had arrived.
Was he following me? How is it possible to run into each other twice in one day?
I noticed Anastasia's presence, wearing a red dress. I inevitably looked at her belly and noticed her flat abdomen. She didn’t look pregnant. And if she was, it was recent. But something told me otherwise: I think they haven't succeeded in having a child. I suppose it must be disappointing for Theo for two reasons: he could die, and his desire for a child hasn't been fulfilled.
I instinctively touched my belly. Theo was the father of my child, and he had no idea.
I quickly glanced at Francisco and took my phone with a fake smile. I let him know that we were not alone. My ex-husband was watching us.
I sensed Anastasia's gaze on my body and sinned by turning to look at her. She wouldn’t take her eyes off my belly.
I tried to stay relaxed and focused on my date, but I couldn't stop thinking about Theo and Anastasia. Theo had no idea how I felt after our encounter a few hours ago. I wanted to tell him about my illness, but I couldn't. He didn't care about anything in my life.
I got up from my seat to go to the bathroom. I needed to splash water on my face to hide my sadness. Having Theo near me was dangerous for my heart. I turned on the faucet and wet my hands. When I looked up to see myself in the mirror, I saw Theo leaning against the wall. He looked at me angrily with his arms crossed.
I jumped and turned to face him.
"What are you doing in the ladies' room?" I demanded.
"It's the second time we've run into each other today. Strange, don't you think?"
I needed to get out of the bathroom immediately. Theo's presence intimidated me. His eyes gave me the impression that they could uncover my secrets.
"What do you want, Theo?"
"Is he your new boyfriend?"
"He's more than that. He's my future husband," I added.
Theo smiled slightly and glanced at my belly. I covered it.
"I'm the father of that baby?" he asked.
"Why do you care? It's none of your business," I challenged.
Theo pushed himself off the wall and walked towards me with determination.
"What are you doing?"
He stopped a few inches from me and cornered me against the sink.
"Is it my child or not?" he asked. He knew me and knew the truth. "Are you pregnant by him or by me?"
"It's not your child."
"Why do I suspect you're lying to me, Kim?"
"Leave me alone," I pushed him away.
I don't know if it was the encounter with Theo or if he intercepted me for the second time in the day, but my head started to spin. I didn't even have time to steady myself to avoid falling. I hit the floor and lost consciousness. The last thing I heard was Theo's voice calling my name.
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