Chapter 6
Kate eyes were too heavy to open as she struggled to keep them open. Her head was throbbing like ten people were dancing on it and it ached so bad. There should have been a warning for her that the aftermath of taking alcohol was this painful. She was told about this during the college night party but she didn't expect this much headache. Her nose kept on picking every kind of smell making her nauseous and feeling like throwing up. She finally won the struggle against her own eyes and opened them, forcing herself to sit up on the bed. Everywhere was still blurry but the musty smell and the feel of the bed cover immediately told her where she was as the memories came rushing back. Right, she had been so devastated about finding out that Liam was having a relationship with Grace that she got so drunk and texted Seth. Suddenly remembering Seth, she turned to her side, expecting him to be laying next to her but she was surprised to see herself spawned on the bed, visibly naked with the bed cover barely covering her but that wasn't what bothered her. It was the fact that he wasn't next to her on the bed, as usual. Suddenly the shame and embarrassment which she usually feels whenever she comes to visit Seth came back and she stood up, grabbing her underwear and clothes on the floor. The door creaked and Seth walked in , she stopped and looked at him. He didn't say anything, just took a look around the room and at what she was doing before quietly walking to the edge of the bed, still watching her as she wore her clothes. She didn't say anything although she wanted to but what was there for her to say? Thank you for the sex? Thank you for helping me get over My broken heart for now, let's do this next time? Of course not, it'll only make him mad. Besides he's already used to her leaving immediately after she wakes up or as soon as they have sex so there was really no need for her to say something. But there was something about the way he watched her today that made her feel differently about everything else. He was watching her with that caring eyes or was it because she was drunk that's what makes her see things? Anyways the way he watched her made her feel like he cared about her but that didn't stop the musty smell or the room from irritating her. Dressed up and ready to go, she felt it'll be awkward if she leaves without saying anything and turned to him. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, he cleared his throat loudly and spoke, "Leaving as usual, right?" She nodded, unable to say anything, not with the way he was looking at her. "Right. Well, till you need a quick fuck again or whatever," he said and without giving her a chance to respond, got into the bed and covered himself with the sheets. She walked out of the room feeling slightly guilty about it all but as the air outside cleansed the dirty air that she took in from the room, she immediately felt relieved. The idea of going back home was not what she looked forward to but she had no other choice than to go home because she needed something to change into. She flagged a taxi and got in immediately , thinking deeply as what she walked into the dorm, avoiding bumping into anyone. The door to her room was bare inches away from her and she felt relieved that she won't have to see Grace and relieve the event that happened yesterday. Just as she was about to push the door open, it was as if the universe was mocking her for being happy because grace got out of her own room leaving her no chance to escape. "Kate!" She called and moved closer to hug her, immediately shifting back as soon as she sniffed her. "Oh my goodness, what happened? You smell so horrible And lord, you look horrible! What happened? Where did you go?" Kate didn't say anything but simply stared at her, the anger and hurt she felt last night coming back. "Well, you can go freshen up but don't forget that we have an outing today, remember?" She remembered it very well but the thought of being in the same place with her for now was not what she wanted. "Oh yeah, I remember but I don't think I'll make it. I'm not feeling well. I need to rest.. I'm sick," She lied. Grace nodded her head and smiled. "Oh.. it's alright. Get all the rest you need. I'll check up on you before leaving." Kate forced a smile on her face as she watched her walk away. She finally opened her door and freshen up with a cold shower and was about to lay on the bed to relax when she heard Grace voice. Annoyed that she wasn't being careful enough even after she had complained of being sick, she stood up with the aim of confronting her when she overheard the conversation. "Yeah, she's sick and sleeping so we can have all the fun we want. I mean I do feel bad that she's sick but at the same time I'm glad she won't be able to make it." Angry, she immediately walked to her closet and brought out her sexiest dress, changed into it and walked down the stairs quickly before Grace comes out of the room. They planned to do the outing at a coxy restaurant located at the side of college so she hurried there, trying to make it before they arrive. She sat down at their favourite spot and waited, a smile creeping up her face as she thought of how they'll react if they see her there. Just then the bell jingled and she watched as Grace and Liam walked in, looking around and then walked directly to their spot nuzzled close to each other that they didn't notice her at first. "Guys.." She drawled. Grace turned to stare at her in shock. "Kate! Wh..what are you doing here? I thought you were sick?!"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 49 The 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, m
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 43 Midnight 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