The Contract with my CEO Baby Daddy

Episode 5

Rena.

The following days were marked by tears, panic, and lots of deep reflection because of my pregnancy. I cried in Stephanie's arms till no more tears came out from my eyes, while my bestie just ordered food, comforted me and let me process everything in my own pace. After we had eaten, I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, my thoughts reeling.

Was I really to bring a child into the chaotic mess that was my life? I barely had enough for myself; how would I take care of someone else? For one fleeting moment, the thought of termination crossed my mind, but every time I considered it, a heavy ache settled in my chest. On the third day, I decided to go to the hospital for confirmation since I needed something concrete to guide my decision.

The visit to the hospital had been overwhelming: the antiseptic white walls, the hum of machinery, the brisk efficiency of the staff. When the nurse called me in for the ultrasound, my hands shook as I lay down on the examination table.

"This might feel a little cold," the technician said, spreading gel onto my stomach.

I nodded; my throat was too tight. Then the screen flickered to life. There appeared a little bean-shaped dot that pulsed softly on and on.

"There's your baby," the technician said with a warm smile.

My eyes remained stuck on the screen as my breath caught. That little flutter of life… it was my baby. My heart welled up, and for the first time in weeks, a sense of calm washed over me. I made my decision right there and then: I would keep the baby.

Days fled fast then in one activity-filled blur. I sent out dozens of job applications, determined that this time it would be all right, finding some secure income. No longer can I afford to remain passive. I knew my child deserved better.

Two days later, a call came from my phone.

"Hello, is this Rena Edmund?"

"Yes," I said cautiously.

"This is Laura from Callovale Ways. We've received your application and would like to invite you for an interview on Thursday at 9 a.m."

I almost dropped the phone. Callovale Ways? The prestigious corporate powerhouse was way over anything I had expected. "Oh, wow, yes, thank you! I'll be there."

The small spark of hope carried me till Thursday, then I reached for my finest corporate clothes; a crisp white shirt and a black pencil skirt, tied my hair back into a sleek ponytail, and moved out of the apartment, clutching my bag with fingers crossed.

When I arrived at Callovale Ways, I froze. The towering skyscraper gleamed under the morning sun, its sleek glass facade intimidating. Inside, the lobby was even more stunning with polished marble floors, modern art installations, and impeccably dressed professionals bustling about.

I approached the reception desk, trying not to let my nerves show. “Hi, I’m here for the 9 a.m. interview.”

The receptionist smiled and nodded towards the 14th floor. I thanked her and entered the elevator. It felt like my heart was going to jump out any minute.

On the 14th floor, the waiting room was full, having almost 15 other candidates, all dressed smart and full of confidence, while I felt out of place. I quickly took a seat then turned to the woman next to me and offered a friendly smile. “Hi, I’m Rena.”

The woman gave me one of the dirtiest looks ever before moving to another seat without a word.

Well, okay then, I thought, my cheeks burning. I decided to focus on my phone, texting Stephanie:

>Here at the interview. Wish me luck.

Stephanie’s reply was instant:

>You’re gonna kill it, Ree! Show them what you’re made of, b***h!

One by one, candidates were called in. I watched them leave, few with triumphant smiles, but most looking defeated. The woman who had snubbed me earlier emerged with tears in her eyes, throwing a glare in my direction before storming off.

Okayy…

“Ms. Rena Edmund?”

My head jerked up at the mention of my name. A woman stood at the door, holding a clipboard and looking around expectantly.

"Ah, yes!" I stammered. I stood, my legs a little like jelly, and followed the woman out of the waiting area, down a sleek, long hall.

She stopped at one of the doors and nodded to it. "Good luck."

I swallowed hard and nodded my thanks, palms all sweaty. I took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped inside.

---

The room was spacious and minimalist in nature, having a long table where four interviewers sat. The cameras in each corner seemed to face me with their lenses.

"Good morning," I said, attempting to sound normal.

"Good morning," one replied. "Please have a seat."

I did as instructed, my hands clasped tightly in my lap.

"Can you confirm your name for us?" a second interviewer asked, checking a file that was in front of him.

"Rena Edmund," I said.

The man nodded. "Your resume is quite…sparse , but impressive nonetheless, Ms. Edmund. Tell us, what drew you to Callovale Ways?

I took a deep breath and launched into my prepared response, telling them how much I admired the company's progressive thinking and that I wanted to make a real contribution. Halfway through, one of the interviewers interrupted me, tapping the pod in his ear lightly.

"Yes, sir," the man said, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion. He leaned toward the others and whispered something.

The sudden shift in energy made my nerves skyrocket. "Is something wrong?" I asked hesitantly.

The interviewer straightened, offering a tight smile. "Not at all, Ms. Edmund. The CEO has requested to sit in on your interview."

My heart plummeted. The CEO? What for? Oh God, it was over.

Before I could grasp what that meant, the door behind me opened. The air in the room shifted as everyone rose to their feet, bowing slightly. I scrambled up, my head kept low as heavy footsteps approached.

"Carry on," a deep voice said, rich and commanding.

My breath caught. That voice.

As I raised my head, my eyes found their mark: midnight black hair, a chiseled jaw dusted with stubble, familiar piercing gray eyes that seemed to cut through my very soul. The soft gasp was barely heard; but his eyes merely narrowed slightly, sharpening in their gaze. A flicker of recognition crossed his features, though he said nothing.

It was him. The man from the party.

And…the father of my baby.