CHAPTER 15

"Hello Lizzy"?

Ethan's voice floated through the phone like a gentle breeze, soothing the ache in my chest. His words were a balm to my wounded heart.

"Hey, Ethan. What's up?" I tried to sound casual, hiding my emotions.

"How are you doing? And how's our baby?" His voice sparked with excitement, the kind that made everything feel like it would be alright.

His concern warmed me, a comfort I didn't realize I needed. "We're both fine," I sniffled, with my hand instinctively resting on my flat tummy, a subconscious act I developed whenever the baby was asked after.

"Well, I called to let you know I found a gynecologist..."

My heart sank. The word "gynecologist" filled me with panic. I remember telling him I would get one myself, why bother? I couldn't let him continue.

"Ethan, I don't think that will be necessary. The baby and I are fine," I interrupted quickly, trying to end the conversation before it went further. A gynecologist would see through my lie instantly, and that was something I didn't need at all.

The silence on the other end was deafening. I could almost hear Ethan's thoughts racing. Was he suspicious about the pregnancy or what? I clutched the phone, wishing he would stop If i insisted.

"Lizzy, I know this must be hard for you, the process and all. I want to be part of my baby's growth. Most importantly, I don't want you handling it all alone," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.

The sincerity in his voice was like a knife to my heart. Here he was, genuinely caring, unaware of the lies I fed him.

"Moreover, I have booked a session with the gynecologist. You've been working too hard, even in this condition. You and the baby need a proper check-up," he concluded firmly.

I knew his decision was final, and I had to come up with something to avoid the session. "Ethan, a lot is going on right now, I don't think visiting a gynecologist is so important." I began. "I got disowned by the Douglas household today." I choked out the words.

There was a heavy pause on the other end, making my nerves creep with worry.

"I don't know what to say. I knew your family was tough, but this... this is unbelievable. Where are you now?"

"I'm at Matilda's. I didn't know where else to go," I replied, my voice breaking.

"Do you need me to come over? Are you sure you're fine?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. You don't have to worry," I reassured him, hoping to ease his concern.

"You're not alone, Lizzy," he paused, letting his words sink in. "We'll figure it out together. I promise."

As I hung up the phone, tears welled up in my eyes. I felt like a coward hiding behind a facade. My life was falling apart, but the fear of losing Ethan was even greater. I couldn't bear the thought of him knowing the truth and hating me for it.

I turned back to Matilda, who had been listening quietly to my conversation with Ethan. She wrapped her arms around me, offering silent comfort.

"See? At least you have two people who care about you, Lizzy. Ethan and I," she reassured me.

I looked up at her and saw genuine care in her eyes, something my family never gave me.

"Matilda, about the pregnancy," I began. I needed to confide in someone. I could no longer bear the burden of lies weighing on my chest.

"What about it?" Her eyes searched mine for the truth as she adjusted her sitting position.

"I'm not pregnant, Matilda. Everything is a lie." I shut my eyes as I spoke, uncertain of how she would react.

I opened my eyes slowly, only to meet my best friend's widened eyes as she absorbed my confession. Her shock was evident, but there was no judgment in her gaze, only concern.

"Lizzy... why would you lie about something like that?" she asked softly, her voice still struggling for balance.

Tears welled up in my eyes again, and I looked down, unable to face her. "I didn't mean for it to go this far. It started as a small lie, a way to keep Ethan close. I suddenly heard about his transfer and couldn't let that happen you know, but I didn't expect it to be this serious, to escalate this far." I sighed because I knew I was being honest this time.

Matilda sat in silence for a moment, her thumb gently stroking the back of my hand. "You know you can't keep this up, right? Eventually, the truth will come out."

I nodded in defeat. "I know Matilda, but I can't stop it now, I have lost everything to keep up with this lie. Matilda, I'm scared of losing him."

Matilda sighed, her eyes were filled with empathy. "Lizzy, the longer you wait, the worse it will be. Ethan cares about you. He deserves to know the truth."

I nodded, knowing she was right but feeling a deep pit of dread in my stomach. "I'll tell him. I just... I need a little more time."

"Okay," she said, pulling me into a hug. "But don't wait too long. I will support whatever decision you end up making." She enveloped me in a tighter hug as she spoke.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Matilda released me and went to answer it. I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. When the door opened, Ethan stood there, with a concerned look.

"Hey, Lizzy," he said, stepping inside. His eyes softened as they met mine, and he immediately pulled me into a warm embrace. "I'm sorry but, I had to come."

Feeling his arms around me, I almost broke down again. "Thank you for coming," I managed to say, my voice shaky.

Ethan pulled back slightly, looking into my eyes. "I'm here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together."

Matilda gave us a small smile before excusing herself, and leaving us alone in the living room. Ethan guided me to the couch, sitting close, his hand never leaving mine.

"I'm so sorry about what happened with your family," he said, his thumb brushing away a stray tear on my cheek. "I can't believe they would do that to you."

"Yeah, me too," I merely uttered.

Ethan's eyes searched mine, trying to understand the turmoil inside me. His hand tightened around mine, grounding me. I felt the weight of the lie pressing down, threatening to crush me. I had to tell him, but the words stuck in my throat, heavy and painful.

"Ethan, there's something I need to tell you," I began, my voice trembling. "I..."

The door swung open again, with Matilda rushing back in as if she had seen a scary ghost."Lizzy, it's your grandmother. She's here."

My heart dropped in my stomach. Grandma? Here? Now? Why? What was she doing here? And by this time? Various thoughts crept into my head as I couldn't process anything anymore. I pulled my hair slightly in silence, an act I've been fond of since childhood when I was nervous or scared. I could feel Ethan's grip tighten protectively around me, silently reassuring me he was here just like he promised.

I raised my head to look at Maltida, expecting what she had just said to be a sour prank.

"She's downstairs, demanding to see you," Matilda continued, her voice was laced with urgency.

I watched as Ethan took the initiative to stand up, his expression turning serious. "I'll handle this. You stay here," he said firmly, before heading to the door.

I watched him go, my heart dispositioned in my chest. The truth would have to wait. For now, I had to face the storm currently standing by the door and that was my grandmother.