Hello, Kenzo

Fight for Me

"I'm pregnant?"

An extreme range of emotions flooded through my mind as I processed the unexpected news. Thoughts of joy, anxiety, and uncertainty swirled in my mind, leaving me wondering how this would impact everything that I was going through and what decisions I would need to make moving forward.

My mind went blank as I tried to comprehend the implications of this new reality. Questions about my career, relationship, and future plans bombarded me, making it difficult to think clearly. It was as if my entire world had been turned upside down in an instant.

"S...Stella?" Narih stammered, struggling to find the right words. The weight of the news felt overwhelming, and she desperately wanted to make me feel better amidst the unexpected turn of events. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder, silently offering her support.

"Not now, Narih!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with frustration and sadness. I needed time to process everything that had just happened and couldn't handle any more questions or attempts at comfort. I turned away, seeking solace in my own thoughts and emotions. "I needed to be alone! Can I have a moment to myself?" I pleaded, my voice trembling with vulnerability. The weight of the situation felt suffocating, and I yearned for a moment of solitude to gather my thoughts and find some semblance of inner peace.

"You can leave for now, Narih. I'll call you when I'm ready to talk," Kenzo said gently, his eyes filled with understanding.

"You too, Kenzo," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The room fell silent as everyone exchanged concerned glances, understanding the magnitude of my request. With a nod of agreement, they slowly filed out of the room, leaving me to confront my emotions in solitude. As the door closed behind them, a wave of relief washed over me, knowing I finally had the space and time to process everything that had just unfolded.

However, as soon as I felt the emptiness, my tears began to flow uncontrollably, each drop carrying the weight of my suppressed emotions. The silence amplified the sound of my sobs, echoing through the room as I allowed myself to fully release the pain that had been building up inside me.

"What more?! What else should I go through?! Was it going to be this hard when all I wanted was a life with someone who would love me and be with me for better or worse? WHY?! WHY?" I cried out, my voice filled with anguish and frustration. The questions echoed in my mind, searching for answers that seemed elusive. At that moment, I couldn't help but question the fairness of it all, wondering if my heart would ever find the solace it so desperately craved.

I grabbed the nearest pillow and buried my face in it, trying to muffle the sound of my sobs. The weight of the unanswered questions and the pain in my heart felt suffocating, leaving me hopeless. "THIS IS UNFAIR!" I growled once more, throwing the pillow across the room in frustration.

I kept crying until my tears eventually subsided, leaving me exhausted and emotionally drained. As I lay there, staring at the ceiling, I could not help but think about how my mother would look at me with so much dismay and disappointment if she were here.

Hours passed by as I lay in bed, feeling the heaviness of my emotions. I was slowly drifting to sleep when a sudden door knock startled me. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if I had the strength to face anyone, but curiosity got the better of me, and I reluctantly got up to answer it.

"S...Stella!"

I stood frozen in shock as I saw Narih standing at the door with tears streaming down her face. Without saying a word, she pulled me into a tight embrace. "What's going on?" I asked her, confused, and my hands remained down, mentally preparing for whatever might come next.

Narih's voice trembled as she finally spoke, her words barely audible through her sobs. "It's... it's about GRIVA and my appeal for your dismissal. They accepted it, but the company was firm with the decision of you paying for the damage you caused to the company or they'll sue you," she managed to say, her eyes filled with anguish.

My heart sank with the news. "How... how much?" My mind raced, trying to calculate the potential financial burden that awaited me. The weight of the situation settled heavily on my shoulders as I awaited Narih's response, fearing the worst.

"Almost two billion dollars, leaving you with almost nothing," Narih broke down her knees on the floor. "We will fight, Stella! We will fight!"

I stared out of nowhere and felt a wave of panic wash over me. The thought of losing everything I had worked so hard for was overwhelming. Narih's determination gave me a glimmer of hope, but the daunting task ahead seemed insurmountable. I knew that the battle to save my share would be long and arduous, but how would I prove my innocence? I did try to remove my unborn child when I was left with no choice. I guessed it was the payment I had to make for the mistakes I had made in the past.

"I won't fight Narih!" I finally exclaimed, tears streaming down my face. "Let them take everything. I no longer want anything but rest. Go far away from this place, to all the people who hurt me when I never did them wrong. I have to save my child from them!"

"Stella! But the money you worked hard for would be more than enough to start a new life! You don't deserve to go back to zero?" Narih pleaded, trying to reason with me. "I understand your pain and frustration, but giving up everything won't solve anything. Let's find a way to win over this."

"How? There's no way out! I'm sure the conversation I had with my doctor friend about getting the prescriptions would be a one-blow win against me. I do not want any more stress. I'll leave. I am not in any way interested in living or breathing the same air as the people who dragged me to this hell!" I wept, walking back to my bed and sinking into the covers. My mind was clouded with despair.

As I lay down, a warm pair of arms wrapped around me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "I understand how terrible you are feeling right now, but running away won't solve anything," a gentle voice whispered in my ear. "We can find a way to navigate through this together and overcome the challenges. You're not alone in this, and I believe in your strength to face whatever comes your way."

I turned around and looked at him. "Just please, don't leave me behind. Please don't ever let me go. I know I won't be able to pay back what you lost at once, but I'll work hard for it!"

Kenzo tightened the hug, squeezing me tightly before letting me go. "Of course, Stella. You know I will stay by your side and watch your back. I promise. Sleep for now, and rest!"

He cuddled me while rubbing my back gently while our gazes locked into each other.

The next morning, I felt myself lying inside a car and felt extremely groggy as I attempted to open my eyes. I squinted my eyes shut and rubbed my head, still feeling as though I hadn't slept very well after my exhausting night.

I tried opening my eyes again and saw Kenzo driving, and automatically I shot up, looking out the window. As I gazed upon the familiar street signs, an immense irritation surged within me, and I sat down heavily on the bench seat, slamming the door loudly.

"Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty~!" Kenzo chuckled. He looked over at me with a smile. His grin immediately disappeared, however, as he took in my distraught expression. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? Really? What am I doing inside my car while you are driving to my hometown?" My voice was laced with anger as tears welled up in my eyes and spilled down my cheeks.

"Stella, please! Let me fight for you!" Kenzo begged, trying to calm me down. He pleaded as he reached for my hand. I flinched back from his touch, and Kenzo instantly withdrew his hand, letting out a loud sigh of resignation as his expression showed that he knew he'd failed.

"And how would you even fight for me? Ha?"

"I'll do this one last thing, and if it doesn't work out, I'll leave. But I ask you to let me be a father for my child," he said before finally stopping, pulling up the driveway to my house, and turning off the engine.

My breathing turned heavy as I looked at the café, and Kenzo offered his hand while standing outside the car's door.