CHAPTER 4: BOSS DANIEL NOTICES
960 Words
Monday morning, Ada walked into Okafor Industries with her blazer buttoned tight. She wore loose tops now. She prayed nobody noticed her waist was getting soft.
The pregnancy was 8 weeks. Still no bump. Just morning sickness and secrets.
“Miss Okafor, my 9am meeting,” Daniel’s voice came through the intercom. Cold. Sharp. No hello.
Ada grabbed the files and walked into his office. Her heart raced every time she was alone with him.
Daniel didn’t look up from his laptop. “Put it there. And close the door.”
Ada placed the files on his desk. The smell of his cologne hit her. Expensive. Dark. The same scent from Room 1402. Her stomach twisted.
She turned to leave.
“Wait,” Daniel said.
Ada froze. “Yes, sir?”
Daniel finally looked up. Those black eyes scanned her face, then dropped to her hands. She was holding her stomach without realizing it.
“You’ve been looking tired lately,” he said. “And pale. Are you hiding something from me?”
Ada’s blood froze. “No, sir. Just work stress.”
Daniel leaned back in his chair. He studied her like she was a business deal he didn’t trust. “My secretary fainted last week. Now she’s hiding her stomach. Miss Okafor, I don’t like surprises in my company.”
Ada forced a smile. “There won’t be any surprises, Mr. Okafor. I promise.”
But there was already a big surprise growing inside her.
Daniel stood up and walked around his desk. He stopped just 2 steps from her. Too close. Ada could feel his body heat.
He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered.
“Your eyes,” he murmured. “I’ve seen them before.”
Ada stopped breathing. Her mind flashed back to Room 1402. The darkness. His voice saying “No names.”
“You’re imagining things, sir,” she whispered. Her voice shook.
Daniel’s eyes narrowed. “Am I?”
The office door burst open before Ada could answer.
David Okafor walked in with coffee and a smile. “Bro, I brought you—” He stopped when he saw Ada.
His smile got wider. “Ada! You’re looking beautiful today.”
Ada stepped back from Daniel quickly. “Thank you, Mr. David.”
David placed the coffee on Daniel’s desk and winked at Ada. “Lunch today? I know a quiet place. No CEO brothers allowed.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened. “David. Out.”
David left, but not before mouthing “Text me” to Ada.
The office went silent. Tension filled the air.
“Miss Okafor,” Daniel said slowly. “Are you having lunch with my brother?”
Ada shook her head. “No sir. I have work.”
“Good,” Daniel said. But his eyes looked angry. “Because I need you here. All day. Every day.”
Ada nodded and rushed out. Her legs shook.
What was happening? Why was Daniel acting jealous? He didn’t even remember their night. Did he?
At 2pm, Ada ran to the office clinic to vomit. The nurse took one look at her and frowned.
“Miss Okafor, when was your last period?” the nurse asked casually.
Ada panicked. “I… I don’t remember exactly.”
The nurse smiled knowingly. “Honey, I’ve seen this face before. Go see a real doctor. Don’t let pride kill you and the baby.”
Ada ran out before the nurse could say more. The baby. Everyone could see it but her boss.
That evening, Daniel asked her to stay late. “Overtime pay,” he said. But his eyes said something else.
At 9pm, the office was empty. Just Daniel and Ada.
He poured two glasses of wine. “Drink with me.”
“I don’t drink, sir,” Ada said.
Daniel pushed one glass toward her anyway. “One sip. For me.”
Ada’s hands shook as she took the glass. She couldn’t drink. The baby. But if she refused, he’d get suspicious.
She lifted the glass to her lips. Her hand trembled.
Daniel watched her intently. “What’s wrong, Ada?” He said her name for the first time. Not Miss Okafor. Ada.
Her heart exploded. He remembered her name.
Before she could answer, Daniel’s phone rang. He answered, eyes still on her.
“Yes? What?” His face changed. “She’s here with me now.”
He hung up and stood. “Come with me.”
“Where are we going, sir?” Ada asked.
Daniel grabbed her hand. His touch burned her skin. “To find out the truth.”
They stepped into the private elevator. Alone. Close.
Daniel pressed Floor B2. Basement. Hospital wing.
Ada’s stomach dropped. “Sir, I don’t need a doctor—”
“You fainted in my office,” Daniel said quietly. “You’re pale. You’re hiding your stomach. You won’t drink wine. Ada, tell me the truth. Are you pregnant?”
The elevator stopped. Doors opened to a bright hospital light.
A doctor waited with a pregnancy test kit in his hand.
Daniel looked at Ada. His black eyes were no longer cold. They were desperate.
“Take the test,” he said. His voice was barely a whisper. “I need to know.”
Ada stared at the test kit. Then at Daniel. Then at her own shaking hands.
If she took it and it was positive… her secret was over.
If she refused… Daniel would know she was hiding something worse.
The elevator doors started to close behind them.
Ada had 3 seconds to decide.
Take the test and expose the truth. Or run and lose everything.
She opened her mouth to answer—
- Writer
