CHAPTER 10 BATTLE

Sarah's belly swelled with the passage of time, the visible evidence of the life growing within her. Anabel's concern for her friend remained steadfast as they navigated the challenges that lay ahead.

"Good morning, Sarah. How's the baby kicking?" Anabel greeted her friend, genuine care infusing her words. "Well, she's kicking well, dear. Thanks for all you've done," Sarah replied, gratitude evident in her voice. Anabel listened attentively as Sarah shared her plans for the day, a mixture of surprises and important discussions.

"I'm heading to Fedrick's house to surprise him and thank him for his birthday," Sarah explained. "It's been a month since we last saw each other. I've tried calling him, but he's been on an urgent business trip. He's supposed to arrive today. I even have his house address to surprise him." Anabel listened, her curiosity piqued by the events unfolding in Sarah's life.

"From there, I'm having some discussions with Harrison, and then I'll be planning things with the MD," Sarah continued, revealing the multifaceted nature of her day ahead. Anabel's admiration for her friend's strength and determination was apparent. "Wow, Anabel, you're strong and amazing. I envy you," Sarah confessed, acknowledging the resilience that defined her friend's character.

Amid their conversation, Sarah shared her concerns about Harrison, the father of her unborn child. "I've been calling Harrison since I told him I'm pregnant, but he's not picking up," Sarah confided. Anabel's empathy was palpable as she tried to offer reassurance. "It's not his fault, Sarah. Don't blame yourself for this. It's going to be fine."

The discussion turned to Sarah's family, specifically her father's profession as a soldier. Anabel encouraged Sarah to share the truth with her parents, but Sarah's fears of their reaction were evident. "Anabel, you don't understand. My father is a soldier, and he would threaten me. If I reveal this, my situation would be worse," Sarah explained, her distress apparent.

Anabel countered with a suggestion to embrace the truth, despite the challenges it might bring. "Sarah, I believe that when you give birth, they can't hurt you. They'll have to accept it," Anabel insisted, her conviction unwavering. As their conversation continued, Sarah received news of a package of baby clothes sent by her mother, prompting a moment of shared joy.

"Mom sent some packages of baby clothes. The rider will soon arrive," Sarah exclaimed, her excitement evident. Anabel joined in the celebration, sharing in her friend's happiness. "Oh my! I'm so happy," Sarah declared, the weight of her worries momentarily lifted. Their interaction concluded as Anabel prepared to leave, urging Sarah to eat well and care for herself.

As Anabel set out on her journey, her destination was Fedrick's residence. The image of his house and the luxurious estate it was a part of left a lasting impression. At the estate entrance, she greeted the security personnel with a friendly demeanor, displaying her determination to surprise Fedrick.

"Good day," she greeted the security guard. "I'm here to see Mr. Fedrick." The process of gaining entry to the estate was not as seamless as she had hoped, but her persistence paid off. She found herself standing before the last apartment in the complex, the anticipation of surprising Fedrick filling her with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Pressing the doorbell, she awaited a response, only to be met by a heavily pregnant woman upon the door's opening. Anabel's shock and confusion were evident as she greeted the unexpected presence before her. "Good morning, ma," Anabel greeted, her politeness masking her surprise. The woman's response was casual, mistaking Anabel for someone else.

"Good morning. My husband never told me he has a very beautiful secretary," the woman remarked casually, her tone dismissive. "Since I came back from the states..." Anabel's realization of the situation dawned upon her, leaving her heartbroken and speechless.

Anabel's interaction with the woman continued, the facade of surprise and gratitude carefully maintained. As the woman invited her in, Anabel's inner turmoil was masked by a polite exterior. Her emotions were raw, but she navigated the situation with grace, even as her heart ached.

An unexpected encounter awaited Fedrick as he emerged from the kitchen, holding cups of smoothie for his wife. The shock on his face at the sight of Anabel was unmistakable. "Anabel, what are you doing here?" he inquired, his surprise evident. Anabel's tears betrayed her emotions, leaving her unable to respond.

"Baby, are you not going to welcome your PA?" the woman asked, oblivious to the complexity of the situation. "Lady, come, have a seat, dear," she added, inviting Anabel inside. Anabel's composure wavered as she grappled with the reality before her. She accepted the woman's hospitality, though her heart was heavy with pain.

As Fedrick and his wife engaged in conversation, Anabel struggled to keep her emotions in check. Tears streamed down her face, her heartbreak palpable. The truth she had uncovered weighed heavily on her, and the facade of her surprise was shattered by the reality of the situation.

Fedrick's wife casually referred to Anabel as his secretary, a label that stung Anabel's wounded heart. She fought back tears as she endured the interaction, her distress and heartache hidden beneath a mask of politeness. She bid her farewells, departing from the house with a heavy heart.

"Darling, what's wrong with her? Do you both have a grudge?" Fedrick's wife inquired, concerned by the emotional encounter. Fedrick's response was dismissive, attributing Anabel's behavior to her discomfort at seeing him dressed casually. "Maybe she's embarrassed to see me wearing only a singlet," he speculated.

Their conversation shifted as they enjoyed the smoothies Fedrick had prepared. The topic of Anabel remained a mystery, her emotional departure from their lives marking an unexpected turn of events.

Meanwhile, Anabel's emotions were in turmoil as she left Fedrick's house. Her anger and frustration were evident as she drove with a purposeful determination. She navigated her way to the office, her demeanor hardened by the events of the day.

Upon her arrival at the office, Anabel's demeanor did not go unnoticed. Allyssa, a coworker, was taken aback by her attitude and appearance. Anabel's actions sparked curiosity and concern among her colleagues.

Anabel retreated to her office, seeking a moment of solitude to process her emotions. The knock on her door disrupted her thoughts, and she granted entry to Harrison, the father of Sarah's unborn child. Anabel concealed her inner turmoil as she greeted him, feigning composure.

"Sit," she instructed, her tone professional. As Harrison took a seat, Anabel assessed him with a guarded gaze, her emotions carefully concealed. The conversation that followed was both tense and calculated, as Anabel navigated the delicate terrain of confronting Harrison about his responsibilities.

"Well, Anabel, I love my home, and I don't want to destroy it," Harrison began, revealing his concerns about the impact of Sarah's pregnancy on his marriage. Anabel's patience wore thin as Harrison suggested that Sarah should abort the child to preserve his marriage.

"Harrison, you are a shameless and mad man," Anabel's words were sharp and unfiltered, her anger evident. "You are a fool. It's not your fault when you know you love your family. Why did you engage in intercourse with another woman? Were you blind or what?"

Harrison's response revealed his desire to avoid any disruption to his marriage, even at the expense of Sarah and their unborn child. Anabel's disappointment and frustration were palpable as she countered his arguments.

"Anabel, I know it's a mistake, and it is bound to happen," Harrison attempted to justify his actions. Anabel's incredulity was apparent as she confronted his lack of accountability. Their exchange escalated, culminating in Harrison's shocking accusation.

"Harrison, you're joking," Anabel's disbelief was evident as she processed his claim. Harrison's words hung heavily in the air, leaving Anabel stunned and angered by his audacity. "Anabel, I won't allow two of you to spoil my lovely marriage for me," Harrison declared, his priorities clear.

Harrison's accusations continued, tarnishing both Anabel and Sarah's reputations. His suggestion of a DNA test to prove his claims further deepened the rift between them. Anabel's emotions swirled as she grappled with the shocking turn of events.

"Whatever you call me, you bitch," Harrison's insult cut deep, leaving Anabel seething with anger. The confrontation reached its peak as Anabel's frustration boiled over. "You useless man," she retorted, her voice laced with fury. The exchange concluded with a tense challenge between them.

As the encounter came to a close, Anabel's emotions were in turmoil. She struggled to process the depth of Harrison's callousness and his willingness to deny his responsibilities. Her heartbreak was evident as she sat alone in her office, her anger and sorrow mingling in her thoughts.

Anabel's day was marred by the emotional confrontation with Harrison. The weight of the revelations and the intensity of their exchange left her drained. She left the office earlier than usual, her thoughts consumed by the events that had transpired.

Upon her return home, Anabel's demeanor caught the attention of Jamal, her roommate. His attempts to engage her were met with silence, her mind consumed by the turmoil of the day. Her entrance into her apartment marked the end of a day that had taken an unexpected turn.

Sarah's presence in the apartment offered a brief respite from Anabel's emotional turmoil. However, Anabel's facade of composure crumbled as she opened up about the events that had transpired. "Sarah, today has been like a secret revealed," Anabel shared, her voice heavy with emotion.

Anabel's frustration and heartbreak spilled forth as she recounted her visit to Fedrick's house. The reality of his marriage and his wife's perception of Anabel left her devastated. Sarah's empathy and understanding offered a source of solace amid the chaos.

Sarah's response was a mixture of sympathy and regret, her heart going out to her friend. "Anabel, I'm sorry," she expressed, acknowledging the depth of her friend's pain. Anabel's determination to confront the challenges that lay ahead remained unwavering.

"Sarah, listen. I'm not telling you to become sad. I'm telling you that there's a battle to fight, and we'll fight it together," Anabel asserted, her voice resolute. As the two friends embraced, their bond symbolized their shared commitment to face the trials ahead as a united front.