Chapter 19Kate stopped herself from yelling at her mother and screaming that can't she be in control of her own life.Shs should have known that something like this was coming up as her mother mentioned Liam.Who does her mother think she is? Does she think that her daughter is a commodity that she can be advertising from one friend to the other."Mom, I can't. I can't meet with anyone.""Why not? You also need to be sure of your future. Just because Liam is now paying you attention doesn't mean that you shouldn't meet up with other guys. I'm your mother and I really want to see you successful.""I know, mom, I know. But I really want to focus on my studies, at least for now.""What studies? The ones you attend or the ones you don't attend? What about your dance practices? Do you even do that anymore? I'm trying to think of the right place for you but you keep getting on my nerves."Kate felt so frustrated and grabbed the corner of her sheets to stop herself from getting mad at her m
Chapter 20As the taxi slowed down to the address Kate gave him, she felt the usual thrill mixed with slight fear come over her. This was how she usually feels whenever she visits Seth.The taxi stopped and the driver stared at her from the rear view mirror, a look of concern written all over his face."Huh.. is this the right place? If it's not, I can take you back so you can get the right address."Kate glanced up at him and her face drew into a small smile that felt forced as she stared at him."It's the right address." She managed to utter.The driver stared at her for some time before nodding his head silently and clearing his throat."Well, I'll be here for about thirty seconds so if you change your mind, you can still see me."She laughed and paid him before getting out of the car.Her hand was the only clue that she was nervous as she tried so hard to hide what she was feeling.Despite her disguise and everything, even the driver could tell that she wasn't meant to be in a pla
Chapter 21The alarm sound woke Kate up and she stared blankly at the wall for some minutes, trying to clear her head and fight the sleep away.Finally, she stood up and strode grudgingly towards the bathroom, her eyes caught sight of the calendar beside the bathroom door and suddenly her mood was instantly changed.It was the final day of her period which means that she gets to do whatever she wants to do and even have fun as much as she wants to without getting scared that she might stain or not.She hurried into the bathroom and took a quick shower, her mind already going to the dance studio and how much fun she was going to have, especially if she sees Seth.Her shower took less than fifteen minutes and she walked out of the bathroom, humming to the theme music of the movie she saw the night before.As she applied her face cream on her face, she thought about how she managed to come back home from Seth's place the other day.A part of her felt disappointed that it wasn't today tha
Chapter 22"What?" One of them asked.Kate immediately kept a blank face and shook her head."Oh, it's nothing. Just.. got a little something stuck in my throat," she said and coughed softly.They nodded their heads and ignored her , turning back to continue their conversation.As she continued practicing, Kate thought about what the girls said about Seth and smiled again.He gave her a smile but didn't give them the smiles he gave her. She thought back to when he smiled at her in his bedroom.His eye wrinkles deepened when he smiles, his soft gaze in his eyes as he stares at her and the way he talks to her, everything just made her feel butterflies in her stomach and she let out a soft sigh wishing he was here with her in the practice room.His shirt was Still with her and she has no plans of giving it back to him because she knows she loves it.The memory of how he gave her the shirt came into her head and she smiled again. The girls in her practice room think he's cold and not cool
Chapter 23Her leg spread across his chest as she rolled around on the bed, slowly crawling up and down his feet, teasing him."Take your leg off," Lucas said slowly as she touched his hand with a flirty smile."What? It's not bad, right? I'm trying to ease your mind," Grace grumbled silently."Just get off," he said as he shifted away from her on the bed.Grace stood up and frowned at him, standing stark naked as she walked past him."You are cool," she said as she walked to the other side of the bed, grabbing her shirt."What?" Lucas asked, staring at her as if he didn't hear what she had just said."I said you're cool, surprisingly. How can you act so okay with not being the only child? I wouldn't be able to handle it. Someone like Kate being my sister?"He laughed and shook his head."Nahh, I don't mind. She is just someone I see as my kid sister. How is she by the way? Is she living well?"Grace frowned at him with her hands on her hip and sat on the bed next to him."What's this
Kate pulled out of the hug and smiled at Grace. It was obvious that they both felt the urge to throw up out of disgust but they still forced a smile on their faces.“Are you going to come for our usual outing? You know I really want to be with you,” Grace said and Kate almost laughed.She wasn't interested in her being there, if anything she was sure that grace just wanted to be with Liam.“Yeah sure. I'll come with you.”Grace smiled and turned to walk into her room, her mind still reeling from the conversation she overheard Kate talking about with someone on the line.Shs couldn't help but wonder if actually Lucas was right about Kate having a boyfriend and a part of her wanted to know who it was , if it was Liam.She quickly bathed and was dressingup just as soon as a knock sounded on her door.“Are you done?” Kate called and she immediately opened the door.“Yeah. Come in, I just have to powder up my face and we're good to go.”She walked towards her mirror and started patting her
Chapter 25The lecturer was talking, Kate could tell that he was talking only from the movement of his lips but she couldn't hear what be was saying because she was not there. She felt lost.The gathering last night was surprisingly fun, especially with Lucas around and that was the most surprising thing. He didn't make her feel uncomfortable, he tried his best to interact with her without being annoying as usual and that confused her.She couldn't help but wonder maybe he was actually pretending to hate her all this while or maybe he just felt so free last night and was in a good mood.But all these excuses didn't change the fact that Lucas was different around her yesterday and the feeling that he might not hate her after all. She thought back to the time when he saved her from the anger of her mother and father when he told them that he saw her fall off the staircase, Even though he didn't and the mark on her neck was obviously a love bite. Back then, she had though that maybe he
Chapter 26The ride back from Seth's place was bliss for Kate. She could feel like she was floating in the air and that all her worries were lighter. There was just something about him that made all her problems ease up.He has a way of making her feel much better especially after her mother and the so-called friends that she has , hurts her. There was just something about him, he doesn't have to even do anything and she's already feeling better.She smiled as she remembered the way he was acting around her and the fact that the girls called him a grim guy, someone who doesn't smile when he smiles all the time with her.But there was something that bothered her. When she was at his place, she saw a new laptop on the floor and asked him where he got it. The laptop looked expensive and can afford to get him out of that slum he was living in so she was surprised that he'll get a laptop that expensive when he can barely afford to pay rent for a clean apartment.But his response made it ev
FinaleOne year had passed since that pivotal afternoon in Kate’s apartment, when she had sat on the couch, wrestling with the weight of her future. Now, as she walked across the bustling college campus, her steps were lighter, her heart fuller. The past year had been a whirlwind of change, growth, and unexpected joys. She had given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Emma, who had become the center of her world. Balancing motherhood, school, and her relationship with Seth had been challenging, but Kate had found a rhythm that worked for her. She was proud of how far she had come.The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves, and Kate tightened her scarf around her neck as she made her way to the parking lot. Her classes for the day were over, and she was eager to get home to Emma. But first, she had a familiar face to meet. Seth had texted her earlier, letting her know he would be picking her up after class. It had become a routine of sorts—him driving her home, their conversa
Chapter 49The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Kate’s apartment, casting a warm glow over the living room. She sat on the couch, her phone pressed to her ear, listening to her mother’s excited chatter about wedding plans. Her mother’s voice was animated, filled with the kind of enthusiasm that only a parent could muster when discussing their child’s future. But Kate’s mind was elsewhere, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty and a growing sense of unease.“Mom, I’m not ready to get married,” Kate finally interjected, her voice firm but gentle. She twisted a strand of hair around her finger, a nervous habit she had carried since childhood. “I still have so much to figure out. College, my career, this baby… I just don’t think now is the right time.”There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Kate could almost picture her mother’s face—her brows furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line of disappointment. But when her mother spoke again, her tone was softer, mor
Chapter 48Kate lay in bed, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of Seth’s bedroom. The sheets were warm, the room quiet except for the steady rhythm of Seth’s breathing beside her. She turned her head slightly, watching him as he slept, his face relaxed and peaceful. The events of the previous day replayed in her mind like a vivid dream, each moment etched with emotion and significance. Her thoughts drifted to the meeting with Seth’s father, Edward. It had been a whirlwind of introductions, apologies, and unexpected warmth. Edward had greeted her with a kindness that immediately put her at ease, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “I’ve been trying to get Seth to bring you home for months,” Edward had said, his voice tinged with amusement. “But he’s been like a goofy kid, always talking about you but never actually introducing you. I was starting to think you were a figment of his imagination.” Kate had laughed at that, the sound light and genuine.
Chapter 47Kate sat in the waiting room of the clinic, her fingers nervously tapping against the armrest of the chair. The test was just a formality, she already knew. The subtle changes in her body, the fatigue, the nausea, it all pointed to one thing. But she needed to see it for herself, to have that confirmation in her hands. When the nurse finally called her name, Kate followed her into the examination room, her heart pounding. The doctor was kind, her smile reassuring as she handed Kate the results. “Congratulations,” the doctor said warmly. “You’re pregnant.” Kate stared at the paper, her vision blurring with tears. It was real. She was going to be a mother. Later, as she sat in her car, Kate took a deep breath and dialed her mother’s number. The phone rang twice before her mom picked it up. “Kate?” her mother’s voice was hesitant, almost apologetic. “Mom,” Kate began, her voice trembling. “I… I need to talk to you.” There was a pause, and then her mother said sof
Chapter 46The theater was alive with energy, the air thick with anticipation as the finalists took their places backstage. Kate stood in the wings, her heart pounding in her chest. The stage lights glowed brightly, casting long shadows across the polished floor. She could hear the murmurs of the audience, the rustle of programs, and the occasional burst of applause. This was it. The moment she had worked for, sacrificed for, and dreamed of. Her fingers trembled as she adjusted the straps of her costume, the delicate fabric shimmering under the dim backstage lights. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and let the music of her routine play in her mind. This wasn’t just about winning anymore. This was about proving to herself that she could rise above the expectations, the pressure, and the noise. “You’ve got this,” a voice whispered beside her. Kate turned to see one of the stagehands, a young woman with a kind smile, giving her an encouraging nod. Kate nodded back, her
Seth had taken her to a quiet, upscale restaurant on the outskirts of the city. The ambiance was warm, the lighting dim but cozy, with a soft hum of classical music playing in the background. Their table was near a window, giving them a view of the city lights shimmering in the distance. Kate played with her napkin, trying to suppress the nervous energy bubbling inside her. Public dates weren’t their thing. At least, not until now. Seth, ever composed, reached for his glass of wine, taking a slow sip before meeting her gaze. “You’re quiet,” he noted. Kate glanced at him, picking at her food. “I was just wondering…” She hesitated before finally asking, “Why now? Why are we suddenly out in the open like this?” Seth leaned back in his chair, exhaling. “Because I don’t want to hide anymore.” Kate raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t mind hiding before.” “I did.” His voice was soft but firm. “I just didn’t realize how much until recently.” Kate set down her fork, tilting her head s
Chapter 44 The studio was nearly empty, the faint sound of classical music playing from the speakers as Kate stretched her legs, trying to ease the tension in her muscles. Across from her, another dancer, Mira, a girl she had only spoken to a handful of times, was tying her hair into a bun, watching Kate through the mirror. “You know, I heard some talk,” Mira said casually, adjusting her tights and acting like she wasn't interested.Kate arched a brow. “What kind of talk?” Mira shrugged, stretching her arms above her head. “That your drama is getting too much. They might replace you.” Kate froze for a moment before forcing herself to continue stretching. “Oh? Who’s ‘they’?” Mira smirked. “The instructors. The higher-ups. Whatever.” She paused, then added, “Are you sure Grace isn’t the one spreading it? She’s been bitter ever since you got chosen without even trying.” Kate inhaled sharply. It made sense. Grace had always been competitive, and losing to someone she saw as un
Chapter 43Midnight crept in, but Kate was nowhere near sleep. The glow of her phone screen was the only light in the dark room, illuminating the anxious lines on her face. She had been restless for hours, unable to shake the nagging feeling that something was off. Finally, she gave in to the impulse and opened her social media. Her phone kept buzzing, notifications piling up from the post. She rolled over, scrolling mindlessly, until her blood turned cold. She had gone viral. Not in a good way. People weren’t just talking about the competition anymore. They were talking about Seth. About her. The moment the screen loaded, her stomach twisted and She suddenly realized that what she wanted, her popularity had turned into something else.Her post about the Grand Opera selection had exploded overnight, but it wasn’t just about the competition anymore. It was Seth. Someone had taken his picture and started a storm of speculation. Strangers were analyzing every detail, trying
Chapter 42Kate sat at her desk, her textbooks open but unread, the screen of her laptop glowing with an unfinished essay. A half-empty cup of coffee sat beside her, long gone cold. She was supposed to be preparing for her exams, finishing assignments, and staying on track for college. But her mind refused to cooperate. She chewed on the end of her pencil, staring at the blank document in front of her. College felt distant now, overshadowed by a heavier, more immediate worry. Her missing period.What if she was pregnant? What if people find out what happened to her and Seth?The thought made her stomach twist. She hadn't taken a test yet—hadn’t dared to. The possibility alone was enough to send her spiraling. And what would Seth do if it turned out to be true? Her phone vibrated beside her. Mom boldly written on the caller ID.Kate's jaw clenched. She ignored it. She didn't have the energy to hear her mother's nagging or worse still, hear another sob story about her engageme