His Weakness

Chapter 2

We both turned and looked at each other, the weight of the doctor's words heavy in the air between us. I could see the surprise in his eyes, the flicker of emotion that crossed his face before he composed himself. "Wow," he said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and uncertainty. "I don't know what to say." I studied his expression, searching for any sign of joy or excitement at the news of our impending parenthood. But all I found was a mask of ambivalence, a wall he had erected to hide his true feelings. As we left the hospital, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of my stomach. I knew deep down that he didn't love me as I love him, that our relationship was more a matter of convenience than true affection. And now, with the news of my pregnancy, the reality of our situation was starkly clear. He drove us home in silence. I wanted to speak to break the silence but I found myself at a loss for what to say. The weight of the situation hung heavily on my shoulders, the fear of raising a child alone threatening to overwhelm me. Finally, I spoke out. "What are we going to do?" I asked. "I don't know Veronica," he responded as he turned and looked at me as if I didn't matter. His reaction towards me was a big turn-off. As I entered the house, I could feel the tension in the air, the weight of the news I carried heavy on my shoulders when we met Mrs Darlington in the sitting room with her gaze fixed on the television screen. "Where did you go?" She asked innocently and curious demanding an explanation. I thought of telling her the truth but I was scared "I, I," I stuttered, searching for the right words when he cut in "I told her to follow me somewhere." "Ok," she responded with her gaze focused on me. "Get me a glass of water," she asked. I turned back and headed for the kitchen to get the glass of water when I caught him gawking at my ass. I was confused about what he actually wanted with me. He didn't seem interested in me considering our discussion in the car so it occurred to me that maybe if I dress sexier around the house, he would see what he's missing and maybe want me in the process. But as time passed he got busier with his girlfriend, Tracy, neglecting and caring less about my feelings and it went on for days. I was surprised when he came to my room one afternoon, Startled by his sudden presence, I sat up, my heart racing with anticipation as he delivered his unexpected request. "Dress up. I'd like you to meet one of my friends before my mum gets prepared for her travel" he said, his tone calm yet tinged with an underlying tension. And just like that, he vanished from the room, leaving me to grapple with a whirlwind of emotions. I thought of what it could mean for a moment but with an atom of hope and faith, I jumped off the bed immediately and prepared for the unexpected outing. I thought my tricks were working, I thought he had accepted me, a glimmer of hope igniting within me, I didn't even know what to wear for this was the first time he'd ever be this nice to me. I got into his car and he put some music on making me imagine how lovely it feels with a wealthy guy "This is the second time you've entered my car, huh?" He said with a smile on his face. "Yes sir" I responded with a smile and a nod. "What do you think of the car?" "It's nice," I said softly staring at him For the first time in my life, I enjoyed his company. I didn't know he was this sweet I said to myself. We highlighted from his car and he directed me towards the entrance door when his friend came out. "Hey Jaden," he said happily "Ethan, my man" They both shook hands and hugged. Have they both laughed, I know I've never seen this guy before in our house. I stood there lost when he introduced his friend. "Hey v, this is Ethan, my man" "Hello" With a smile on my face, I responded "Hi" They both held themselves when we went inside. Ethan is a nice-looking looking beardless guy of over 1.6 metres tall wearing glasses that make him look more like a nerd. I almost felt comfortable as I sat on a three-sitter couch beside Ethan with a cup of champagne and he sat on a one-sitter across us with his legs crossed and a cup of champagne in his hand. I sat down there watching as they both catch up. Without a sense of humour, he changed his gaze on me and spill it out "I want you to get rid of that thing," he said firmly and commanding, his facial expression changed immediately. I understood what he meant but I thought he was just joking at first so all I did was smile. "I'll give you $10 million right now" Then, I knew he was serious. I wanted to talk when he cut in. "No one has to know about this Veronica" he said with his focus on me "Ethan is a doctor, you'll be okay" Hearing these words from him made me look cheap and I didn't know when tears started streaming down my face as I asked him "What do you take me for? I do not like you for the money or the fame," I said as softly as I could. "I can't do that Mr Jaden." He stood up and became dominant and aggressive all of a sudden. I was shocked and trembled as he spoke of how ugly and unpleasant I was. His words broke my heart as I sat there. "Wait Jaden" Ethan cuts in. "This money could change your life, Veronica, I want you to think this through.” I stood up with my hands folded together. "I'm sorry, I can't do it Mr Ethan." (He stepped out and went out straight to his car, started his engine and wanted to start moving with the hope of leaving me there to find my way home when Ethan hurried to meet him to change his mind. "C'mon bro, you can't leave her out here all alone," Ethan said with compassion I hurried into his car and he sped off. I lost every atom of strength within me as I was in the car with him, lost in my thoughts. I never knew he could say those words to me as we left his friend's place and headed home. Getting home, his mother was already set for her travels, a look of excitement on her face as she gathered her things.) I hurried to my room, wanting to avoid any confrontation, but I could hear Jaden's voice as he broke the news to his mother. My heart raced in my chest as I tried to brace myself for what was to come. "Veronica is pregnant with my child," Jaden's voice carried me through the walls, filled with humility and uncertainty. I could almost hear his mother's surprised laughter, the disbelief in her voice as she asked if it was a joke. But the seriousness in Jaden's tone must have convinced her otherwise, for her next words struck fear into my heart. "Veronica!" Her voice rang out through the house, commanding my presence in the room where they stood. I entered the sitting room slowly, my head bowed in shame and fear. Jaden's mother looked at me with a mix of disbelief and anger as she asked me to confirm what Jaden had just revealed. I nodded silently, the weight of her disapproval hanging heavy in the air between us. "This can't be, my son cannot impregnate a maid, that's unheard of,” she said, her voice filled with anger and disbelief as she quickly made a call to cancel her plans for the day. "We cannot accept this thing Veronica, you will abort it if you still want to keep living in this house," she said angrily. I felt my heart sink at her words, the shock and horror of her demand stealing the breath from my lungs. Never in my wildest dreams had I imagined that the woman whom my mother served till death would now be commanding me to end the life growing inside of me. Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to find the words to respond. All I could muster was a soft, broken plea. "I can't abort this pregnancy." "What?" She asked Before I could blink, She moved closer to me and slapped me immediately. I lay on the cold floor, stunned by the sudden act of violence. The pain of her handprint stung on my cheek as I looked up at her with wide eyes. Her face was twisted in disbelief and anger. "How dare you!" She spat, her voice filled with venom. "How could you be so selfish?" Tears continued to stream down my cheeks as I tried to collect myself. "I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible. Her eyes bore into mine, filled with a mixture of disappointment and rage. "Sorry isn't going to change anything," she seethed. "You know what you need to do." I watched as she brought out a chequebook and started writing. The coldness in her eyes sent shivers down my spine. The realization dawned on me that my love for Jaden, my desire to make him happy, had now placed me in a position of unimaginable hardship and heartbreak. "I cannot accept this," she repeated, her voice firm and unwavering. "You will not bring shame upon this family." Tears stream down my face as I watch Jaden from where he stands as Mrs Darlington throws me a cheque. I still love him. I said to myself. I knew I couldn't go on with the abortion so I ran.