What Baby

The flight felt like it would never end. Every second in that plane felt like walking on eggshells. I sat there, pretending to be calm, but my hands wouldn’t stop trembling. Jason was only a few seats ahead, and every time I caught a glimpse of his face, I felt my stomach twist.

Edrick and Jason had spent most of the flight talking about business. I barely understood a thing they said. Words like “investments,” “shares,” and “projects” floated in the air between them. I just sat quietly beside Edrick, looking out the window and watching the clouds drift by.

I should pretend this “honeymoon” is an all expense paid trip. I should be happy. But how could I relax when the man I used to love was sitting right there, and the man I married by mistake was the one beside me?

My heart didn’t stop racing even once throughout the entire flight.

When the pilot finally announced we were landing, I almost sighed in relief. I could finally get off that plane, away from the suffocating tension and the memories that wouldn’t stop haunting me.

The city was bright and loud. Cameras flashed the moment we stepped out. Edrick’s presence drew attention like always. He didn’t even seem to notice. He just walked ahead, calm and cold, while Jason followed behind, carrying some of our luggage.

I followed silently, trying to keep up with Edrick’s long strides. When we reached the hotel, I stared at the tall glass building that touched the sky. The lights reflected everywhere, and the lobby looked like something out of a movie. But all I could think was, this wasn’t the island.

Inside our suite, I finally spoke. “I thought we were supposed to go straight to the island,” I said quietly, afraid my voice might annoy him.

He didn’t even look up at first. He was removing his tie, setting his watch down neatly on the dresser. “Plans changed,” he said finally. “I have some business to take care of here for two days. After that, we’ll leave for the island.”

“Oh,” I said softly. “Business.”

It shouldn’t have surprised me. He was a man who thought in deals and contracts, not sunsets and beaches. Still, something inside me sank.

That evening, as I dressed for the dinner he mentioned, my heart was restless again. He had said it was a business dinner, something about a gala, and that I had to be there with him as his wife. Aria had packed a shimmering dress. It fit perfectly, but it was too sparkly for me. I would have gone with something more silently elegant, but then, this isn't my life, my choices don't count.

In the car, Edrick was quiet. The city lights reflected through the tinted windows, and I could feel his gaze on me every now and then. It made me nervous, the kind of nervous that starts in your chest and spreads to your hands.

When we arrived at the ballroom, the noise and luxury nearly overwhelmed me. Everyone looked perfect, confident, powerful. Edrick placed a hand on my lower back, guiding me inside. Cameras flashed. I pasted on a smile, pretending to belong there.

Then I saw him.

Jason.

He stood near the bar, talking to a group of men. My throat went dry.

I gripped Edrick’s arm tighter. “Does he have to be here?” I whispered under my breath.

Edrick looked at me, slightly frowning. “Jason? Of course. He handles my business travel and logistics.” He studied me for a second, like he was trying to understand something, but then looked away. “Why?”

I quickly shook my head. “Nothing. Just asking.”

We took our seats, and the dinner began. People talked, laughed, and toasted to new partnerships. Edrick’s name carried power. Everyone wanted to speak with him, shake his hand, flatter him. I sat quietly by his side, nodding when needed, smiling when someone looked at me.

Every now and then, he leaned toward me, whispering something that made the others laugh. To them, we probably looked like a perfect couple, newly married, deeply in love. But inside, I was a mess.

The waiter poured wine into everyone’s glass. The red color looked tempting, warm, calming. I wasn’t planning to drink much. I just wanted something to hold, something to distract my shaking hands.

I lifted the glass and brought it close to my lips.

Before I could take a sip, a strong hand snatched it away. The glass clinked sharply against the table, making me jump.

I looked up.

Edrick’s face had changed. The calm expression he always wore was gone. His eyes were cold and angry. “Are you out of your mind?” he said in a low, sharp voice.

The whole table went quiet.

My heart pounded. “What, what did I do?”

He leaned closer, his voice still low but hard enough to make me freeze. “Wine, Aria? Seriously?”

My brows raised in confusion. What is the big deal about having wine? Then he said,

“You know it’s not good for the baby.”

The baby?

I blinked, completely lost. My hands trembled in my lap. I could feel people’s eyes on us, the quiet whispers starting to spread.

For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. “What… baby?” I whispered.

Edrick stared at me like I’d just said something insane.

And that was when I realized, whatever secret Aria had been hiding, I had just walked right into it.