CHAPTER 11

We arrived at the cafe a few miles away from the office. The ever-busy environment added to the already lingering tension between Ethan and me. The smell of the brewed coffee graced the environment with its presence, calming my tensed nerve. I sat in front of Ethan this time, without regard for his manly gesture.

Ethan took a seat, and we both stared at the menu, waiting for the other to break the ice. The silence between us, which was unwelcoming, was broken by the young, charming barista, Lui, who approached us with a bright smile.

"Ahhh! It's good to see you again, Miss Douglas. What's your order today?" He asked politely, ready to pen our orders down.

"Hey, Liu. I'll have my usual." "thanks."

"That would be an iced mocha." He confirmed, as he noted my favorite on his tablet.

"And you, Mr.?" Liu asked, turning to face Ethan, who looked so lost in a world of his own.

"Ethan," I called out, notifying him of the presence of the barista, Liu."

"Uhhh?"

"Sir, would you like the same order as your girlfriend?" Liu asked Ethan politely.

"Girlfriend." The word girlfriend made my stomach churn in anxiety, a reminder that I was supposedly carrying a non-existent baby.

I watched Ethan's every reaction—the way his brows twitched at the mention of me being his girl.

"Yes please." He briefly let out, unaware of the order because he was still lost in his thoughts. Of course, I knew Ethan hated Iced Mocha, which I loved so much. Regardless, he had always grabbed a few along for me when dropping by the office.

Liu bowed his head to take a leave and go process our order.

I averted my gaze back at Ethan. His lost, puppied eyes began to speak words that his mouth couldn't.

"Ethan, I know this must have come as a shock to you; I feel the same as well." I decided to break the silence by taking the initiative. "I didn't expect this to happen. I just—"

"I'm sorry, Lizzy." He finally let out a soft cry. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I'm sorry for the other night; I'm sorry for everything."

My body froze at Ethan's sudden apology. This wasn't what I expected. I wanted him to be mad, upset, angry, and yell out. I needed something to justify my actions really badly.

I stared at Ethan; his apology felt heavy with unspoken regrets. The hum of the café and the soft clinking of cups seemed distant now, our little table becoming its own world.

"Ethan," I began, my voice softer than I'd intended. "You don't have to apologize about the other night. It was consensual, remember?. What we need to do now is figure out a way," I convincingly said. I was hoping my words would soothe the guilt of lying I was feeling inside.

I watched as He looked down at his hands, his fingers tapping nervously on the table. "I know, Lizzy. I just... I don't know where to start."

I leaned in, trying to catch his eye. "We need to figure this out. Together." I stressed the last word, making sure it was audible enough for his hearing.

He finally met my gaze, with his deep, piercing eyes searching mine for understanding. "Have you gone for a proper check-up?" He asked, with a concerned look.

I nodded my head in approval as my lips couldn't find the words to cover for my atrocities any longer.

"I want you to keep the baby," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

My heart clenched at his words. "You want me to keep the baby?" I repeated slowly, unsure if I had heard right.

"Yes, Lizzy." "You know what it was like growing up without a father. You know how I coped with not knowing or having a father figure around. I don't want my child to experience this." He bowed his head, hurt by his traumatic past.

"Ethan...." I leaned forward, squeezing his shaky hands slightly.

Just then, Liu returned with our drinks. He placed the iced mochas in front of us with a smile, oblivious to the tension crackling between Ethan and me.

"Enjoy," Liu said before walking away.

Ethan took a hesitant sip of his drink, grimacing slightly. I couldn't help but smile at the familiar reaction. He appeared disgusted, as usual. "You hate iced mocha," I said softly.

He shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "But you love it. And right now, that's what matters."

I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. Maybe there is hope for us yet. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything."

He reached across the table, taking my hand in his. "We'll get through this, Lizzy. I promise."

I nodded, glancing at my phone. It was past break hours. I had a meeting with the board management in a few minutes.

"Ethan, I need to head back to the office right now." I notified him, sliding my coffee cup back to the table.

He nodded responsively, a sign he understood why I had to leave.

I picked up my bag, and my eyes met his for the last time before heading out.

Luckily, I arrived just in time for the meeting. Everyone was already seated, patiently waiting for Dad. I watched as he walked in with Chloe, my stepsister. I wondered when she started attending board meetings; she wasn't a board member yet. She couldn't even get the basics right. Chloe, the drama queen, made sure she was noticed by everyone as she took the seat right next to me. I sighed, unimpressed by her antics.

My eyes searched for Dad's, hoping to see the man I had experienced earlier once more. The meeting felt like a blur, with me zoning in and out.

After the meeting, I retired to my office to complete my pending tasks, but my mind kept drifting back to my brief discussion with Ethan. I let out a soft sigh. I knew he needed time to process his emotions and thoughts, and I was ready not to rush him. I needed the same; I needed to plan my next move. The staged pregnancy was getting me everything I ever wanted, and I began to think it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

I picked up my phone and scrolled through the web in search of a gynecologist around, someone who would be willing to play along with me. I didn't want any loopholes in my lies. Just as I saw a related article, Chloe's voice pierced through my thoughts.

"Hey, sis, you look a bit stressed. Everything alright?" Her tone was dripping with false sweetness.

I forced a smile. "Everything's fine, Chloe. Just busy with work."

"Busy with work or busy trying to cover up your mess?" she sneered.

My smile faltered. "What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on. I heard about your little announcement. Pregnant with Ethan's child, really? You must be desperate to stoop so low."

My blood dried out from shock; there was no way she knew about the lie. Janet must have let her in on it. I should have warned Janet to keep her mouth shut.

"It's none of your business, Chloe. Stay out of it." I yelled at her, furious at her words.

"I wonder what grandma would say about this."

"An illegitimate child with another illegitimate child." "Seems like the Douglas name is about to get dragged in the mud once more." She moved her hands dramatically in the air, letting out a mischievous chuckle.

I was agitated by her words. The thought of my late mother getting dragged into this mess made my blood race with fury, but i knew best not to let her get to me "What do you want from me?" I asked with an icy tone.