Chapter 8: Pregnant

~ One month later ~ 

“Miss Moore, I suggest you take a break now; it's a few minutes past midnight. You didn't go home yesterday either. At this point I'm worried; you lied to your dad about staying in a hotel when you have been working.” Patrick scolded.

"Okay, fine,” Annastasia said, finally giving up, unable to take more of Patrick's scolding. She thought she had her dad off her back, but Patrick was worse than her dad.

Turning around, Anastasia saw Simona fast asleep on her desk, and she sighed. She has been immersed in completing her draft sample; she ignored her employees' feelings. She walked over to Simona and patted her on the shoulder.

“Madam!” Simona said, standing up abruptly. Anastasia smiled and said, "Pack up; I will drop you off."

“Thank you for your kindness, madam, but I will get a cab.” Simona said, and Anastasia raised an eyebrow at her. 

“Okay, I will get my bag.” Anastasia smiled and bent over to get her bag but was hit with a sudden dizziness. She tried to support herself by grabbing her desk but went down.

The only thing she heard was Patrick's panicked voice before she was consumed by darkness.

~ Hospital ~

Anastasia woke up to beeping sounds. She opened her eyes and realized she was in the hospital. She sat up, disconnecting the IV drip attached to her hand. However, just as she was about to stand, the door opened, and Diana walked in holding a paper bag.

“You're awake,” Diana exclaimed happily, setting the paper bag on the stand. She approached her and asked. “Where are you going?”

“I want to use the washroom; what happened to me?” Anastasia asked only to be eye-rolled at. “Oh, you found out I was working and didn't take care of myself,” Anastasia added, and Diana sighed.

“Okay, I hope it won’t be repeated. Before you decide to starve yourself to the extent of fainting again, think of the little one growing inside you.” Diana chastised, and Anastasia nodded and replied,

“Okay, okay, I won’t starve myself again, Mom,” Anastasia said sarcastically as she walked towards the bathroom. Diana, who was looking at Anastasia to see her reaction to the news she just gave her, smiled widely when Anastasia referred to her as Mom.

'Will she accept her as her mom if she finds out her secret?' She thought.

“What did you just say?” Diana snapped out of her thoughts as Anastasia's curious voice sounded.

“I asked you not to starve yourself again; why?” Diana said, looking at Annastasia, who was now searching her face.

“No, not that. Diana, you said I should think of the little one growing inside me; please tell me I heard you right,” Annastasia implored, her eyes gleaming with hope.

“Yes, you did... you didn't hear wrong.” Diana admitted and smiled. “Congratulations, dear; the doctor confirmed you’re five weeks pregnant.” Anastasia stood there frozen.

‘She is pregnant; she's going to become a mom,’ she thought as her hands moved to her stomach and she began caressing it and muttered.

“My baby,"

“Yes, dear,” Diana nodded, smiling heartily.

~

Anastasia had just exited the washroom when the doctor walked in. 

“Miss Moore,” he greeted Anastasia, who nodded and responded. 

“Dr. Matthew, how have you been?” Dr. Matthew smiled, holding Anastasia's gaze affectionately, and replied. 

“I’m doing well; congratulations,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“Thank you,” Anastasia replied awkwardly. 

Dr. Matthew was Anastasia's first love, her senior in college, and a family friend. Their parents used to say they were an ideal couple.

However, when Matthew went abroad for his studies after college, Anastasia met Adrian, a transfer student, and fell for him. Three years ago, when Matthew returned, she encountered him again, and after some uncomfortable moments, she confessed to Matthew that she was in love with someone else.

Matthew had told her he would wait for her. But here she was in his hospital, pregnant. She hopes knowing that she is pregnant will help him move on.

“I came to see if you were awake so you could have your first ultrasound, but you coming out of the washroom means I'm late. Take this,” Dr. Matthew said, handing Anastasia a bottle of water he was carrying and adding, “Drink all of it. You can also take a walk; come back when you feel the need to use the washroom." 

“Oh, alright, thank you,” Anastasia said, taking the water from Dr. Matthew.

~~~

Adams Corp.

Adrian was seated at the head chair in the conference room as the HR explained the necklace design on the screen when Michael approached his side and whispered something into his ear.

He stood up and exited the conference room without sparing anyone a glance.

“Sorry for the inconvenience, but the meeting has been postponed.” At Michael's words, everyone heaved a sigh of relief, getting up and leaving, forgetting about Michael's presence. 

Anastasia was standing in front of a huge baby painting outside the antenatal ward, caressing her stomach and saying,

"My baby, Mummy promises to be..." but her words were interrupted by

"What did you just say?" Adrian's baritone voice asked from behind her, and Anastasia stiffened.