2- Abort It

Five Months Later

"You little brat, it's been five months of free food. Your child still doesn't have a father?!"

My heart hammered in my chest as I stood in front of my father, the subconscious wailing of the fetus growing in my stomach ringing in my head.

Who would have thought I had be back at my roots?

It all happened like a dream. A surreal turn of events that defied my law of reasoning. I was only granted a day to fool myself into thinking everything was fine, blissfully ignorant of the impending doom that lurked just beyond the horizon.

The sum of money promised by my abductor, Nikolai, which ought to be credited into my bank account immediately after it was confirmed I was pregnant five months ago was blown away by the air.

Who was I kidding? The calamity was so big I saw my own ruins right before my eyes the instant it was announced the young billionaire heir had an accident on his business trip. The world itself jested me of what a big joker I was.

Nikolai eventually healed but he recognized no one other than his family members. He was soon diagnosed with transient Amnesia– a situation he also recognises familiar people.

However, I was an exception. I only knew him a day before the accident, so in one word, I was doomed.

No one told me before I returned back to my father's house. Where I discovered I was pregnant. What more way to bring shame to an already crumbled family?

"I'm sorry, father. I won't be a burden anymore, I promise." I pleaded. I even contemplated going on my knees but he already turned his back at me.

My stepmother stepped out of the room and all hell broke loose.

"What's going on here?" She asked, and I suddenly started to regret coming unprepared to meet my father.

I was scared to keep sleeping on the bare floor by the door entryway after I'd been summoned, for the fear I might be stepped on, or worse, kidnapped even though it was only dawn.

Ever since my vacant room was taken over by Gwen, my stepsister, I had to make do with the doorway. As long as I make sure to wake up before anyone else does, and no passerby sees me locked outside of my own father's house, I'm good to go.

"How dare you wake my wife up from slumber?" A sleepy yawn from Evelyn and my father swiftly approached me, a resounding slap resonating the atmosphere almost immediately.

I felt a wave of icy despair wash over me as my father's slap left a mark on my face. He was so consumed by fury he forgot I was the child he brought into the world with his deceased wife.

"I'm sorry." Before he could raise his hand to batter up my face again, I hurriedly apologized.

I heard Evelyn's snarl while on the other hand, I waited. It took just my father's departure for my expression to turn cold.

"Throw that ridiculous piece of child in your stomach somewhere and go do the dishes." She lashed before I could even take a breathe.

She knew what she was doing, and she knew she had won.

I rolled my eyes and said, "How about Gwen?"

"My daughter is on her period." She deliberately met my gaze with a predatory smirk.

I turned around to leave but her cold hand grabbed my wrist. I flipped back around to look at her incredulously before snapping my hand out of her grip.

Ages ago, I had no ounce whatsoever to stand in the same room with her. Yet, here I am, meeting her gaze so defiantly I seem to have forgotten she always has an impromptu grave dug for me in case of an emergency… or a situation in which she goes overboard and murder me on a platter of nothing.

"Wait, least I forget. Gwen is no slave to do the house chores. What flushed your memory away and made you forget your identity? Who smells the slave here if not you?" She reminded, and disgustedly scrunched up her nose, pretending to throw up.

Anxious, I took steps backward, thinking of the perfect comeback.

"You? Perhaps." I snorted in disdain. I never wanted to snap at her but she's starting to get on my nerves. I know it can't just be the pregnancy taking a toil this much on me.

Of course, I once wondered why she was so bothered about me. She needs the validation I wouldn't give her… she wants all the attention on her but with me here creating a mess, she knows how impossible that is.

To everyone, I might look like a sulking, shameless, spoiled brat but it was the last thing I wanted to be. Now I somehow wished my life was not so worthless.

"Serina." She called and I looked back at her.

"On a second note, I wasn't the one who spread your legs. I accept you have no shame and not everyone can be an epitome of holiness like my daughter but I won't condone your rudeness. Well, at least not under my husband's roof." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer, her voice dripping with unapologetic hatred.

I found myself tongue tied. The tears I had held back for a long time flowed down my face that instant.

Evelyn was tall and slender, with long russet hair and thick eyelashes. And talking about her body— her body is an exquisite testament to femininity. She's a masterpiece sculpted into delicate accorded proportions that I can't be more envious of.

It's not her who's undeserving of my poor father but my father who never deserves her. So when she tells me it's her husband's roof, it is. Before she even tells me to get out of her sight, I likewise should.

I didn't hurry to load dishes into the kitchen sink. The pain too much to bear, I ran out of the house, as tears streamed down my face.

I didn't think of the life growing in my womb before getting into the rain.

If by chance I manage to board a cab, it's over for Nikolai.

This wasn't the plan.

I accept he's dealing with a memory loss, but he never lectured I was to be discarded this way. Nor did his mother.

I know Mrs. Romano doesn't exactly own the blame since I chose to run off on my own, but I felt miserable!

He claimed not to know me, and emphasized I shouldn't bother his life and leave for where I came from. It's the end now though, whether he likes it or not, he has to cater for me and our child that's in my stomach.

Once I reveal my pregnant state to both him and his mother, at least either of them would have enough human feeling to take me in.

We signed the contract, so in case Nikolai thinks I would just watch him backtrack from the agreement without doing nothing, he must be out of his mind.

I have the contract copies, and yes, I'm on my way to refresh his memory.

Drenched mercilessly by the rain, I found myself internally glad no cab passed by as I trekked my way further. It made me wonder how I had planned to pay the cab driver in the first place when I don't even have a penny on me.

Talk about being poor to the bone.

I reached the mansion and I was easily let in. Five months ago was no secrets for any one of them, as supposed, my face shall remain fresh in their memory.

Fortunately, it's Saturday. Meaning he's home and I logically gained a free entry. After walking several hallways, the guard who led me to his study room departed and all by myself, I was left at the door.

If only Mrs. Romano was at home. I could have gone to her instead and she had be the one to sort things. With Nikolai– I'm not so sure. I thought I was ready for this confrontation, until currently, whereby the only thing keeping me from bolting right out happens to be the future regret.

"Applaud my return." Afraid he wouldn't let me in if I decide to knock and he demands my name, I walked in, purring.

Head held high, I approached his table with confidence, each steps enticing with shoulders squared, exuding an air of self-assurance.

"Young lady, didn't I dismiss you once?" He asked, his gaze never left his desktop.

I managed to brush my thoughts away as I stood in front of the desk and looked down at him.

"You did. However, a situation arose in which we better tend to." I told him and when he didn't say anything, my anger boiled. What made me more pissed was how he doesn't look like he was in deep thought for an answer. He reclined unbotheredly in his chair, seemingly waiting for me to get lost.

Considering how I was given no choice, I said without turning a hair, "I'm pregnant. For you."

"I don't remember sleeping with you. In fact, you're not my type." He finally raised his gaze to look at me, and when our eyes collided, he scoffed and threw his head back, laughing mockingly.

"I'm also not myself type so I won't argue with you on that. But wait… you were diagnosed with amnesia so isn't it normal you don't remember sleeping with me?" I asked confusedly.

Nikolai was an unapologetic asshole, distinguishable, but indescribable at the same time. And he seemed like the kind of guy to get away with shit like that.

He shrugged nonchalantly, slouching tightly, spreading his legs as he made himself comfortable on his chair. "Maybe. Maybe not."

I could only stare at him, still finding it difficult to believe.

He was the one who forced me to the altar back then, and laid with me upon the news of my incredible fertility. How was I supposed to bring myself to belief this was the same man am now chasing after with the same pregnancy he had so much wanted?

"I guess that's my take to sleep here. I'm not leaving until you agree to cater for both me and our child." I barely sighed as I crashed onto the floor. I discretely pinched my cheeks to be sure this wasn't an illusion.

Whereas, he nodded his head and continued his work like nothing happened.

"I said I'm pregnant, Nikolai!" I screamed, frustrated. I don't care if he heard me the first time.

He rose to his feet and I stared at him keenly, a bit skeptical.

As he walked towards me, I hastily gulped down the lump that formed in my throat as many thoughts ran through my head. 'Was he about to set things straight? He's going to accept the child as his, won't he? Above all, why the pretense when he knew he was still going to submit to the situation after all?'

I couldn't help but ask myself as I felt a pang of fear and uncertainty in my heart.

Nikolai crouched in front of me, his eyes dilating and his jaw clenching, he bellowed harshly.

"Abort it."