CHAPTER 2 – The Aftermath
851 Words
My name is Olivia Grayson. I’m 22 years old.
I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in life, but sleeping with a stranger ranks high on the list. The worst part? I don’t even remember most of it. The night is a blur of heartbreak, alcohol, and regret.
Three weeks have passed since that night. I’ve done everything possible to forget it.
Work, sleep, repeat. That’s my life now.
I work at Paradise Pub, a lively bar that pays just enough to cover rent and keep me fed. I mind my business, keep my head down, and try to avoid drama.
But today, something felt off from the moment I walked in.
"Some VIPs just walked in," my supervisor said, handing me a tray. "You’re on their table. Be extra polite."
I sighed inwardly. I hated attending to arrogant rich guys who treated us like disposable napkins.
As I approached the VIP section, I could already feel the judgment in their eyes.
They were four of them—young, wealthy, sharp-dressed, and dripping entitlement.
"Most of these waitresses are hot," one of them said without even trying to lower his voice.
"Yeah, but they’re usually dumb and clumsy," another added, eyes glued to his phone.
I swallowed hard and forced a smile. "Good evening, sirs. What can I get you?"
One of them looked up and smiled—finally, a decent one.
"What’s your name?" he asked.
"Olivia."
"Nice name. I’m Noah," he said, still smiling. "You’ve got a nice vibe."
I smiled faintly. "Thank you... Noah."
At least one of them had manners.
But then I felt someone’s eyes boring into me.
The man seated beside Noah was staring like he knew me.
His jaw clenched. His eyes didn’t leave mine.
Something about him felt... familiar.
"Young lady, is this how you flaunt yourself at customers every day?" he snapped.
I blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Have some self-respect and stop shining your teeth at every man that smiles at you. So shameless."
His voice hit me like a slap. Rude. Condescending. Disgusting.
"I didn’t come here to flirt," I said, trying to stay calm. "I’m doing my job."
He scoffed and looked away.
As I turned to walk off, I suddenly felt dizzy. My head spun.
Then, everything went black.
---
Leo’s POV
It’s her.
Three weeks of searching, and she just walks in with a tray.
She didn’t even recognize me. Maybe that’s a good thing.
I’ve had her face in my mind ever since that night.
The girl from the club. The one I shouldn’t have touched. The one I couldn’t forget.
When she smiled at Noah, I felt my chest tighten. Jealousy? Guilt? I didn’t know.
So I snapped at her. Pushed her away. Said something cruel.
Then she turned around, and the next moment—
She collapsed.
"Olivia!" Noah jumped up.
Eric caught her before she hit the floor.
"We need to get her to a hospital!" he shouted.
I followed. There was no way I was leaving her now.
---
The car ride felt like a blur. I kept glancing at her in the backseat. Her face was pale, her breathing weak.
Please be okay, I kept thinking.
We arrived at the hospital, and the doctors rushed her in.
"Who are you to the patient?" one of them asked.
"A... friend," I replied.
He nodded. "We’ll need you to fill out some forms. Sit tight."
My friends left as they had something important to take care of.
I waited.
Ten minutes felt like hours.
Finally, the doctor came out.
"She’s going to be fine," he said. "But there’s something you should know."
I tensed. "What is it?"
"Miss Olivia is two weeks pregnant. She collapsed due to exhaustion and stress. She needs rest."
Two weeks.
We slept together three weeks ago.
My chest tightened. It could be mine.
No. It had to be mine.
---
Olivia’s POV
The moment I opened my eyes, I smelled it.
Disinfectant. Bleach. Hospital.
Ugh. I hated hospitals.
I tried to sit up, but my head pounded. My arm had an IV drip.
What happened?
Then I remembered. The bar. That rude customer. The insult. The spinning room.
Did I faint? That’s embarrassing.
I tried to pull out the drip. Blood trickled from the spot.
"Where do you think you’re going?" a voice said.
I looked up.
It was him.
The rude guy from the bar. Sitting at the edge of my bed, looking oddly calm.
I narrowed my eyes. "Why are you here?"
"You fainted. I brought you here."
"I didn’t ask for your help."
He sighed. "You’re welcome."
I sat up, ready to argue more, but then he said something that made my heart freeze.
"You’re pregnant."
I stared at him. "What?"
"Two weeks. The doctor said so."
I blinked fast, trying to process.
No. That’s not possible.
I took pills after that night.
No way.
Unless...
Unless the pills didn’t work.
Or something canceled them out.
My stomach turned.
I wasn’t ready for this.
I didn’t even know his name.
And now I might be carrying his child.
- Writer
