Chapter 2
900 Words
He drove in silence to a nearby hotel. Inside the dimly lit room, he leaned in, kissing her slowly, testing. She froze under the weight of his lips, her awkwardness betraying her inexperience.
He paused, brows slightly raised. First kiss?
He asked, his voice low.
Felicia nodded, shame creeping up her throat.
He exhaled and stepped back. You're not ready for this.
Reaching into his wallet, he pulled out a thick stack of cash and placed it gently in her hand.
It’s not a big deal. Take it. Go home.
He turned toward the door.
Wait, she called out, her voice barely above a whisper. He paused.
I can learn, she said, stepping closer, nervous but determined.
Pull him close to kiss him, “Is that… okay? she asked.
He looked at her for a long second, then gave a small smirk.
Close... but not quite. Fast learner, though.
He pulled her closer, this time with less hesitation, letting her feel the weight of his presence. They fell onto the bed in a tangle of emotion and silence.
Then she whispered, eyes wide and vulnerable,
Can you use a condom? I’m still in college. I… I can’t get pregnant.
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his gaze steady.
Relax, he said.
I have a rare condition. I can’t have kids. Never could.
The next morning, Felicia stirred as he fastened his watch.
You're awake, he said, pulling out a black card from his wallet.
This holds $100,000. It should cover… whatever it is.
He tossed it gently onto the bed, not waiting for a response.
Felicia smiled faintly.
Thank you… sir. I’ll make sure to take my birth control on time.
He paused at the door, turned slightly.
I mean, my swimmers don’t swim. Never have.
And with that, he was gone.
Outside the hotel, James, Daniel Andrew’s ever-loyal personal assistant, burst through the lobby doors, panting, rain dripping from his collar.
Sir, finally. He exhaled sharply. The board’s in chaos. They’re threatening to appoint a new heir before your 30th birthday.
Daniel, leaning against his sleek black car, wiped a faint lipstick smudge from his neck with an amused grin.
So they really think I’m going to drop dead the moment I turn 30? he said dryly. The legendary Andrew curse.
James shifted uncomfortably.
It’s not just the curse, sir. They know about the infertility. With no heir in sight… they’re panicking. I’m just trying to protect your legacy.
Daniel chuckled under his breath, eyes distant.
Legacy. Right. Then he turned to James, voice calm but resolute. Tell them this. Three months from now, I’ll sign the will. Everything, assets, shares, control, go to Roy.
James stiffened. Your nephew?
Better him than those boardroom vultures, Daniel said, brushing past him.
James hesitated, spotting the lipstick stain again. His brows lifted.
Wait… did you sleep with someone last night?
Daniel just smirked, finishing the smear on his collar.
Relax. Even if I did, it’s not like she’s not carrying anything.
Daniel’s eyes darkened slightly, though his voice stayed casual.
I was born barren, James. He tapped James lightly on the shoulder
Relax. Even if I did, it’s not like she’s carrying anything.
Sir, you can’t be so sure..
Daniel’s eyes darkened slightly, though his voice stayed casual.
I was born barren, James.No heir is coming. Let the board rest easy.
And with that, he slipped into the car, the engine purred to life, and he disappeared into the morning fog.
Months passed..
Felicia sat alone in the hospital waiting room, her knees pressed together, hands clutched tightly in her lap. Her eyes flicked to the wall clock, then down to the wrinkled slip of paper in her hand.
The nurse appeared.
Miss Felicia?
She stood slowly, her legs unsteady beneath her.
Yes… she whispered.
Please, follow me.
The doctor’s office smelled like disinfectant and tension. Felicia sat quietly, eyes searching the floor as the doctor cleared his throat.
Your results are in. He looked up, offering a soft smile. Congratulations. You’re pregnant… with triplets
Felicia blinked, her heart slamming against her ribs.
Tripplet??? she echoed. Her voice cracked. That’s… not possible. He said… he said he was infertile.
She swallowed hard.
How could he lie about something like that?
Her voice was a whisper now, more to herself than anyone else.
Men…she muttered bitterly.
She stood up in a daze, gripping the paper with trembling hands and turned, only to nearly bump into a wheelchair being rolled toward her.
Felicia, her mother called. What were you doing in that room?
Felicia hesitated, stuffing the results deep into her coat.
Oh… just running errands for the nurses. I’ve been helping out here too, remember?
Her mother reached out, holding a folded bill in her frail fingers.
Take this. It’s a hundred dollars. I know it’s not much, but I see how hard you’ve been working, studying, caring for me, sacrificing everything. I’m sorry for all the weight I’ve put on your shoulders.
Felicia crouched beside her, blinking back tears.
No, Mom. Please don’t say that. She smiled softly. You took care of me my whole life. Let me take care of you now.
But inside, panic crept in.
I need to find a job… fast, she whispered under her breath, glancing down at her stomach.
The hundred thousand is almost gone… and I can’t let her find out.
- Writer
