Chapter 11

I slowly opened my eyes, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Good, you're awake," Cassian said, his voice deep and reassuring.

My brows furrowed as I searched for the source of the voice, and our eyes met.

"You're pregnant," he stated, his expression serious.

I quickly averted my gaze, feeling a wave of shame. "I'm so sorry."

"You don't have to apologize. I know your ex-boyfriend is the father of the child you're carrying."

"The truth— "

"Please, just rest for now. Try not to think about anything stressful, it can affect the baby. That's what the doctor told me. I also bought some vitamins for you." Cassian interrupted, cutting me off.

"Aren't you angry with me?" I asked, my voice laced with fear.

"Why would I be angry?" he replied, his tone steady.

"Because I'm pregnant."

"Come on, Eli. We're going to get a divorce after two years anyway, so what's the problem? I'll be the father of your child since we're married. We'll pretend I'm the father of the baby you're carrying."

I was shocked. I never expected him to say that. I thought he'd be disgusted with me.

"A-Are you sure about that?" I asked Cassian, my voice trembling with disbelief.

"What else can I do? It's already there, isn't it?" he said, a hint of resignation in his voice.

I couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh. "Thank you," I whispered, my voice laced with gratitude.

We didn't stay at the hospital long and soon found ourselves back at his house. As soon as we entered, Cassian called Celestina, the butler, and instructed her to take good care of me.

"Yes, sir," Celestina replied.

"Good," Cassian grunted, dismissing her.

I was surprised when Cassian suddenly scooped me into his arms, his strong arms effortlessly lifting me. His touch felt familiar, reminding me of the man I had first given my most treasured virtue to.

"Why are you doing this?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion.

"I don't know. Maybe I just feel sorry for you. Do you know that I've only ever done this for you? I've been called a hot-tempered man. They don't know that they're just so judgmental of someone like me," he said, a hint of bitterness in his voice.

"I admit that's how I knew you too, but as time went on, I started to get to know you better," I replied, a flicker of understanding dawning in my eyes.

"It's good that we're getting to know each other. Honestly, you remind me of someone I know," Cassian said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

"Hmm, who is that?" I asked, intrigued.

"Never mind. Let's go home now," he replied, his tone changing slightly.

I didn't press him further and slowly rose from the hospital bed. Cassian and Dad Alfonso believed the child growing inside me belonged to my ex-boyfriend, but the truth was, it was the child of the man I had first given myself to.

I touched my belly, feeling no regret for that decision.

"You've been spacing out on me several times. I'm wondering what's on your mind?" Cassian said, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm thinking about how I'm going to raise my child," I admitted, my voice is soft.

"Didn't I tell you that I can be the father of your child?" he asked, his tone firm.

"But we can't lie forever, Cassian," I countered, my worry growing.

"Then what's your plan?" he inquired, his eyes searching for mine.

I couldn't find the words and just let out a heavy sigh.

"Relax. Focus on how you can give your child everything. You can also introduce the real father, if you want," he said, offering a solution that felt both hopeful and daunting.

How could I tell Cassian that my ex-boyfriend wasn't actually the father of my little angel?

Cassian helped me out of the hospital and into his car, his presence of reassuring comfort.

"T-Thank you," I stammered, feeling a little overwhelmed.

"The doctor said your pregnancy is delicate, and you need to take extra care," he said, his voice laced with concern.

"Alright," I replied, my voice barely whispering.

I slid into the front seat and fastened my seatbelt. A few seconds later, Cassian started the car and headed towards home, the familiar route calming my nerves.

I was eager to tell Mom everything, to confess my mistakes and the crazy things I had done last month. But fear gnawed at me. I wasn't sure how she would react.

"Thinking about how to tell your mom?" Cassian asked, his voice soft but perceptive.

I glanced at him, the weight of my secret heavy in my chest. "Yeah, I don't even know where to begin."

"You need to tell her. It'll ease the burden on your heart, especially after everything you've been through," he said, his voice firm but gentle.

"What do you think her reaction will be?" I asked, anxiety churning in my stomach.

"It's normal for her to be shocked and maybe even angry at your ex-boyfriend. He dumped you and then immediately found someone else? If I knew him, I'd probably punch his lights out," he said, a hint of anger in his voice.

I hesitated, unsure whether to tell Cassian the truth. I was afraid of how he might perceive me, worried he would see me as weak and desperate.

I let out a heavy sigh, turning my gaze to the passing scenery. A few minutes later, we arrived at the mansion.

"Wait," Cassian said, stopping the car.

I turned to him, my brow furrowed. "Why?"

"Let me help you," he said, reaching for the door.

I couldn't believe this was happening. I thought he would push me away, but he was here, willing to stand by me, to accept the child growing inside me, to be a father.

Sometimes, the darkest thoughts are the ones that surprise you the most. I silently thanked God for the unexpected way he had brought us together, keeping my child and me from being alone.

I knew I needed to contact the man I had been with last month, to tell him about my situation. But would he even believe me? Would he accept the fact that he was the father of the child I was carrying?