[04] Pregnant Claire Seeks Zekiel in Paris

"Mom, Nanay, please take care, okay? A month will pass quickly, and I’ll be back soon, I promise," I said to them as I hugged them tightly.

It was already six in the evening, and my flight was at seven. I needed to leave now, or I might be late.

"Take care too, Claire. We’ll miss you," Mom said, her voice trembling with tears.

"Don’t cry, Nanay, or I’ll cry too. I’ll come back, okay?" I replied, my own voice breaking. I couldn’t stop my tears—they just kept falling.

"Lucing, stop it. Claire’s crying now too. If she doesn’t leave soon, her flight money will go to waste," Mom said, shaking her head.

"Just take care, okay? I’ll call you as soon as I land in Paris. It’ll be morning there, but night here." Since it was nighttime here, it would be morning there. That’s why Bea booked me a night flight—she knew that.

"That’s good. And if anything happens, call us immediately," Mom said, making me nod. Between the two of them, Mom was the most worrisome. She acted like I was never coming back.

"Okay, I really have to go now, or I might get stuck in traffic." They both nodded, and for the last time, they hugged me.

"Take care, Claire," they said in unison, and I nodded in response.

I took a taxi—they wanted to drive me, but I refused. If they did, I might not be able to leave.

This was the first time the three of us would be separated for so long—an entire month. Sorry, Mom, Nanay. I really need to leave the country for now.

As soon as I got into the taxi, I placed a hand on my stomach.

"Everything will be okay, baby. I’m sorry our life is so messy right now. It’s just… complicated."

For the entire ride, I stayed quiet, listening to music through my AirPods. I only brought one suitcase, and my laptop was inside—I couldn’t risk Mom and Nanay seeing it.

When we arrived at the airport, I only had half an hour before my flight. Thankfully, traffic wasn’t too bad. I sat in the waiting area, scrolling through my phone. I had so many pictures of Zekiel saved, and his face was my wallpaper.

I loved staring at him—so much that I’d cry if I couldn’t see him.

I got ready when I heard the boarding announcement. Ten minutes before regular boarding, I went to the gate, and soon, I was inside the plane.

This was my first time riding an airplane, and I hoped I wouldn’t get motion sickness or anything.

A few hours into the flight, almost everyone was asleep. Luckily, I didn’t feel dizzy. I thought about using my laptop since it was allowed, so I reached for it in the overhead compartment.

But as soon as I stood up, I felt nauseous. Without hesitation, I rushed to the airplane bathroom. The flight attendants saw me, and I knew they were concerned.

Weak and dizzy, I slumped onto the floor near the toilet, vomiting nothing but water. This wasn’t motion sickness—it was pregnancy sickness.

When I finished, I flushed and closed the lid. I couldn’t even stand.

"Ma’am, are you okay?"

I heard a knock on the door and struggled to unlock it. It wasn’t easy—I was weak. But I managed, and the flight attendants were shocked when they saw me inside.

"Ma’am, what happened?" one of them asked—probably the head attendant.

"S-sickness… I’m pregnant."

Their faces flashed with surprise, and they immediately helped me back to my seat.

(Did I forget to mention I was in business class? The second most expensive seat on the plane.)

"Ma’am, it’s safer for you to stay seated," they said while adjusting my seatbelt.

"I-I want my laptop, please."

They nodded and retrieved it for me.

"I’ll come back with water. Do you want something to eat?"

I shook my head, and they left.

I took a deep breath, overwhelmed by what had just happened. I didn’t know pregnancy would be this hard.

I opened my laptop and felt my breath steady when Zekiel’s face greeted me. I went to YouTube, thinking there might be interviews of him—and I was right.

As I watched, the attendant returned with water. I drank it, and minutes later, I felt drowsy. The next thing I knew, I was out.

---

"Ma’am, wake up."

I was jolted awake by a gentle voice.

"Ma’am, we’ve landed in Paris."

My eyes flew open, and I saw a smiling flight attendant.

"You slept through the entire flight. I turned off your laptop. We’re here now."

I nodded in thanks and got ready to leave. They assisted me until I disembarked—I was the last one off, feeling like a princess with how they treated me.

"Thank you," I said with a smile once I was safely off the plane.

"You’re always welcome, ma’am. Filipinos help each other out. And take care of that baby."

I smiled wider and hugged her before finally walking out.

As soon as I exited, I saw Bea and Dylan waiting for me.

"Claire!!!" Bea sprinted toward me, making me laugh. Did she miss me that much?

"Woah! Easy, Bea. Remember, I’m pregnant," I whispered, making her panic and adjust her hug.

"Hehe, I just missed you! And I can’t believe the next time we meet, you’ll have a baby!"

I rolled my eyes and glared at her—her husband was right there.

"Hey, Claire! You look even more beautiful! And you, my wife—why are you so hyper? If you slip, I swear—"

Bea just flashed a peace sign at her husband, and I smiled.

Would Zekiel be like that too if—wait, why am I even thinking that?!

"I’m good, Dylan. How about you? Any baby yet?" I teased.

"We’re expecting one soon. For now, we’re enjoying married life before the little one arrives."

I nodded, and they led me to their car to take me to the hotel. Dylan owned the place, so getting me a room was easy.

They stayed with me for a while.

"So, how was the flight, preggy?" Bea asked. Dylan was in the kitchen, cooking.

"The worst. I got dizzy and vomited. Thank God the flight attendants were kind. And would you believe I slept through the whole flight?!"

She burst out laughing. "That’s normal! What did you expect? Pregnancy isn’t a chill ride. Good luck, girl! I can’t wait for the baby to come out!"

I winced at her words.

We ate, and they let me rest. Truthfully, I didn’t plan on doing anything in Paris except sleep. That was it. I couldn’t risk Mom and Nanay noticing my morning sickness.

---

A FEW DAYS LATER

I hadn’t left my room at all. You wouldn’t believe it—I’d covered the walls with Zekiel’s pictures! I couldn’t help it. Seeing him everywhere made me happy.

"Claire, I have something to tell—what the—" Bea walked in and froze at the sight.

"Your pregnancy cravings are insane," she said, laughing.

I sat on the bed. "What can I do? He’s what I’m craving."

She shook her head and sat beside me. "I wouldn’t be surprised if the baby looks exactly like Kiel."

I shrugged. "Even better. Zekiel’s handsome."

She stared at me in disbelief. "Girl, your beauty is wasted! You have sharp features, gray eyes, perfect nose and lips! I almost can’t believe you’re Tita’s daughter—just kidding! But your genes are strong, though you don’t look like her. Maybe you take after your dad?"

I fell silent at that. It had been a while since I’d heard anything about my father. I knew nothing about him, and I was fine with that.

"I’m sorry," I said quickly.

"Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything. And I’ve accepted that my dad’s gone, so don’t worry."

She smiled, but the truth was—of course, as his child, I missed him too. I wished I could’ve at least seen him once.

"Anyway, what did you want to tell me? And don’t let your husband in here—we’ll kill each other."

She laughed. "After you threatened him last night, he won’t dare. Anyway… I’m two weeks pregnant!"

My eyes widened, and I grinned. I snatched the paper she was holding—it was an ultrasound. Just a heartbeat so far, but proof of her baby!

"Wow! I’m so happy for you, Bea! We’re both pregnant now!"

She laughed. "You just had your honeymoon before us!"

I frowned, and she immediately stopped.

She knew I was hard to please while pregnant—I got moody and demanding. Dylan had complained the other day about how difficult I was. Should I strangle him?

"Oh no, sorry, Claire. Fine. What do you want?" she sighed.

"Adobo with ketchup!" I grinned. "And you’re cooking it!"

Her jaw dropped. I’d made her cook it before, but I kept rejecting it until it was perfect.

"Ugh! Fine, whatever. Just sit there and wait!"

She stormed off, grumbling. Poor Bea—pregnant and still cooking for me. But what could I do? I wanted it.

I turned on the TV, and my eyes locked onto a palace on the screen.

"Wow, what a beautiful palace. But what’s this? 'Missing Princess and Queen’?"

(Disclaimer: This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and events are products of the author’s imagination and are not intended to represent real individuals, particularly the respected royalty of Spain.)

"The search is still ongoing. It’s been fifteen years since Princess Claire Fuentes and Queen Amanda disappeared. The King of Spain, King Stefan, refuses to give up on finding his daughter and queen."

I remembered that some countries still had monarchies. We were used to democracy in the Philippines, so I wasn’t too familiar.

Wherever they are, I hope they’re safe. I know how it feels to have an incomplete family.

The smell of adobo hit me, so I turned off the TV and left the room.

"Wow! Smells good! Looks like you’re finally learning how to cook, Bea!"

"Hmph! Be grateful—this is for my godchild!"

"This is for me!"

"Whatever. Just sit down and wait."

A few minutes later, it was ready. We ate together while chatting. She suggested I go out, even just for a bit, but I was afraid my nausea would strike. It had been getting worse.

She left it up to me, so—as usual—I won. Haha.

All I needed was rest. Just rest.

---

TWO WEEKS LATER

I was about to return to the Philippines. Unlike before, my vomiting had lessened, though it still happened at least once a day.

I was in my room, watching TV with popcorn, when the screen suddenly switched to a live news report.

"We are now live at the airport for the arrival of the world-famous CEO, Mr. Zekiel Gray."

"KYAHHH!!!"

I shot up from the bed, screaming. Zekiel! He’s here in Paris!

"Oh my God! Oh my God!"

My heart was racing, my hands cold. I was nervous—but excited. So excited!

I watched as Zekiel stepped off the plane, wearing sunglasses. My breath hitched as he descended the stairs. Reporters swarmed him—and I was one of them (figuratively).

"KYAHHH!! Zekiel! Zekiel’s here!!!"

"The famous CEO will be staying for three days to finalize a business partnership for his new company here in Paris."

I froze when they showed the construction site of his new company. I knew where he’d be! I could go see him! Oh my God!

"KYAHHH!! He’s here! He’s here!!!"

I jumped on the bed, overwhelmed with joy.

"Claire—why are you jumping?! You’re pregnant!"

Bea burst in, and only then did it sink in. I immediately stopped and held my stomach.

'I know you’re excited too, baby, but I’m more excited! Kyahhh!'

"Seriously! Why were you jumping?!"

"Zekiel! He’s here in Paris!" I pointed at the TV, where he was getting into a car.

"OMG!!!"

I flinched when Bea screamed.

"Claire, are you insane?! He’s here—he’s probably staying at Dylan’s hotel! They’re friends!"

My excitement turned to panic. What if we run into each other? I wanted to see him… but what if he recognized me? What if he took our baby?

I held my stomach and looked at Bea.

"Bea, help me! Don’t let Zekiel see me! I don’t want him taking my baby!"

"Get down from there. Come here."

I sat beside her on the bed.

"I won’t let him see you, and I won’t let him take your baby. Don’t worry."

I smiled and hugged her.

"But Bea… I want to see him. I want to see him without him noticing me."

She pulled away, horrified.

"Are you out of your mind?!"

"Pretty please?"

"You’re giving me a headache! Since when did pregnancy make you so childish? We’ve switched roles!"

I laughed. Before pregnancy, I was the mature one. Now, Bea was the responsible "older sister" between us.

But I really wanted to see Zekiel. I’d find a way—with or without her help.

---

NOW

I was in my room, dressed in a black turtleneck and black leggings, layered with a brown vest and a men’s cardigan. I wore flat shoes and sunglasses to hide my face.

I was sneaking out. Bea had left earlier after hearing about Zekiel’s arrival—she was probably talking to Dylan. But I couldn’t wait any longer.

I slowly opened my door, checking both sides for anyone. Seeing no one, I slipped out.

My heart pounded as I tiptoed down the hall. Our rooms were on the same floor, so Bea could easily visit.

I hurried to the elevator and pressed the button, impatient. It was taking too long! I kept glancing back, afraid Bea would catch me.

Ding.

The doors opened, and I smiled.

"Claire!"

I turned—Bea was standing there, eyes wide.

"Let me be happy, Bea! I just want to see hi—KYAHHH!"

As I rushed into the elevator, I didn’t notice someone was already inside. I bumped into what felt like a wall and nearly fell—but strong arms caught me.

My heart raced in fear—I almost fell!

"Claire!" Bea shouted.

I braced for impact, but an arm wrapped around my waist, stopping me.

"Be careful, Ms. If I didn’t catch you, your butt would’ve met the cold floor."

I froze. That voice—I’d recognize it anywhere.

My pulse skyrocketed. I opened my eyes to confirm—and there he was.

"Z-Zekiel..."

"I prefer Kiel, Ms. That’s reserved for close friends and family. Call me Mr. Gray."

He helped me stand.

"Next time, don’t play hide-and-seek in the hallway. This isn’t a playground."

With that, he walked away. I stared after him, stunned.

Bea stood frozen, mouth agape.

Zekiel’s five bodyguards followed him—had they all just seen that? So embarrassing!

The elevator doors closed as I stood there, dazed.