Chapter 5
1100 Words
Evelin Brown
Chris was by my side throughout my pregnancy. He cared about me, made sure I was eating properly, and we spent hours talking on the couch, laughing as if nothing else mattered. He always asked about the ultrasounds, as if somehow the baby was his too.
And I, at times, found myself imagining... What if it was?
But before that thought could gain strength, I quickly dismissed it. I was just craving attention. That was it, just that. Chris was the only one who saw me at my worst, when I broke down upon discovering I was pregnant. Maybe that's what made me feel such a strong connection.
But he left. Some time ago.
He said he needed to handle some family business and left the club. He never really explained. Chris was always strange when it came to his personal life. If I asked about his home, he would avoid the topic. If the subject of family came up, he would change the subject, just like that rich friend's apartment. It left me confused, but he would always find a way to engage me and make me forget any questions.
And now, I found myself missing him—missing the conversations, the laughter... and especially the nights when he would tell stories to my baby, who seemed to recognize him and moved every time we were close, like now, dancing in my belly, perhaps sensing it's Chris sending a message.
I open the message and read:
Chris Adams: "Hello, how are you feeling today?"
Evelin: "I'm fine, and you?" I asked, smiling involuntarily.
Chris Adams: "I'm fine too, and the baby?"
Evelin: "Can you believe it started moving as soon as your message came?" I replied, laughing and sent an emoji.
"Hmmm... what's with that goofy grin, Evelin?" Veronica raised an eyebrow, analyzing me with a suggestive look.
"Chris... he's asking how I am," I replied casually, but the truth was that his simple care warmed my heart in a way I didn't want to admit.
"Oh, that's good! How is Chris?" Eduarda perked up. "I miss him so much!"
"He's fine... but he still hasn't said when he's coming back."
She nodded, and after replying to Chris, we returned to our moment of relaxation.
We were scattered around the room, some with pillows on their laps, others holding glasses of juice; after all, no one would dare drink wine in front of two pregnant women. Veronica was animatedly talking about her business, while Yala, always the strategist, gave valuable advice.
It was then that Katherine picked up the remote control.
"Guys, I'm going to put on some music for us to listen to," She announced, and we agreed.
She turned on the TV and started looking for a music channel, but accidentally ended up on a news site.
"Oh, wait a minute..." she frowned, looking intrigued.
"What is it?" Eduarda asked, distracted, grabbing a snack from the table.
Katherine didn't respond immediately. Her eyes widened slightly, and a shiver ran down my spine.
Then, she whispered my name.
"Evelin..."
Her tone made me freeze up inside. My heart leapt in my chest, and my breath caught in my throat.
"What is it?" my voice came out hesitant.
She didn't reply, but my eyes fixed on the news on the TV.
“News in the world of celebrities! Professor William Pembroke, who taught at the prestigious University of Seattle, has just formalized his union with socialite Cassandra Lancaster in a luxurious ceremony. Cassandra, known for her influence in Seattle's high society circles, had been in a discreet relationship with William for a few years, and now the two have formalized their union in an event of extreme glamour and sophistication. William, besides being a professor, is the nephew of one of the most influential directors in the Seattle educational system and a respected figure in the city's academic circles. The couple is coming to New York in the coming months for exclusive events and partnerships with renowned institutions.”
The world spun.
My vision blurred.
The air caught in my lungs, as if something invisible was squeezing my throat, preventing me from breathing.
William... married?
William... in a relationship for years?... In the city where his family lived?... Or were the trips he made sometimes saying he was going to see his parents, actually to be with her?
Each question hammered in my mind like a cruel echo, repeating mercilessly. I didn't know. I had no idea. He never mentioned anything, nor let slip any sign. No suspicious look, no hesitation, nothing.
But now it was there, exposed for the whole world to see, for me to see.
I felt my chest tighten unbearably, as if someone were crushing my heart with their hands. My stomach churned, and a dense knot rose in my throat, choking any attempt to think.
He lied to me... He deceived me... That's why he never allowed anyone to see him when he came to pick me up at the club or the orphanage...
And now he was there, beside that radiant, happy woman, while I was here... carrying a child of his that he didn't even want to acknowledge.
The pain came strong, a sharp stab that pierced my belly without warning.
I clutched my belly, gasping.
"Evelin?" Megan approached quickly, her expression filled with concern. "Calm down, friend. Just breathe."
"He... he was involved... He lied to me." my voice came out choked, almost a whisper.
"I'm going to kill that jerk!" Yala growled, clenching her fists.
"Take it easy, Eve, think about the baby." Kate pleaded, her eyes full of distress.
But before I could respond, another, much stronger pang hit me, and a groan of pain escaped my throat, leaving everyone worried.
I tried to breathe, tried to calm down, but something was wrong, very wrong.
A wave of heat washed over me, followed by a sharp shiver down my spine. My legs trembled, and then I felt it.
Something warm started to trickle down my legs.
Megan's eyes widened.
"Evelin..." her voice barely above a whisper. "Your water just broke..."
My water broke.
Panic set in.
The baby was coming.
The voices around me faded, becoming muffled, like I was underwater. My heart pounded against my chest, my breath uneven.
I wasn't ready, not now.
Not after discovering that the father of my child was living a fairy tale with another woman.
But there was no choice.
The pain hit again, intense, sharp, and relentless.
And at that moment, I realized.
It was time.
Continued...
- Writer
