CHAPTER 4

Atarah Klyte

I bent slightly forward, adjusting the mask that covered my face.

God, please... let him not recognize me.

The thought alone made my chest tighten. If he saw me like this, if he somehow realized who I was... my life could spiral out of control.

I swallowed hard before forcing myself to speak. "I'm leaving now," I said, picking up the tray of used supplies I had just finished with. I dipped my head slightly in a polite nod.

"Wait..."A sudden, light touch on my shoulder froze me mid-step.

"Yes, Doc?" I tried to keep my voice steady, but it faltered anyway. Self, why are you always so clumsy? I cursed inwardly. Any second now, I could be caught in my own nervousness.

"New?" His voice was cold, low, and deep—an intoxicating timbre that made my heart skip and my knees feel weak. Why did men always have to sound this good when they spoke? Ugh. Damn it.

"N-no, Doc.."

"I see." His hand slid off my shoulder, and I immediately stepped away, almost tripping as my pulse raced like a runaway drum. That had been dangerously close.

As I hurried away from that room, my eyes fell on Nurse Jaycee—the one who would be reliver of the next shift.

Relief flooded me. Thank God. Finally, I can leave... finally, I can escape.

I checked my wristwatch. 6:15 PM. Good, Jaycee was early today. Truly, I had never been so grateful for someone being punctual.

"Hey, Jaycee! You're early!" I greeted her with forced cheerfulness.

"Yeah, just making up for all the times I've been late. Are you taking that to the lab?" she asked, nodding toward the tray I was carrying.

"Yes, thank you," I replied, bowing my head slightly.

"I got it. You go ahead and leave. You look exhausted," she said, smiling warmly as she shook her head.

I couldn't help the grin that tugged at my lips.

Thank you, Lord. You saved me!

"No problem!" she said, taking the tray from me and walking ahead.

I let out a long, shaky breath. Finally, I could go home, finally rest in a place where I didn't have to think about him.

I made my way to the staff room, collected my belongings, and then headed to the nurse station to log out.

On the way, I bumped into Kristan just stepping out of the elevator.

"Oh, Baby Ath! Heading home already?" His playful tone and grin made my pulse stutter. Of course... he's my best friend. Why would I panic around him? No malice!

"Yes. And you? When is your out?" I asked casually.

"Later, around 7:30. Just finished surgery," he said, flexing his hands that were stiff from hours of work.

"Congratulations, Doc! Another success! You better treat me," I teased, lightly tapping his arm.

"Thanks, Baby. When can you come by?" He had called me "Baby" before—always playful, never with any hidden meaning.

"Tomorrow. I have to leave now, anyway. I have a fitting. See you then," I said, kissing him on the cheek before leaving.

I logged out at the station and rushed to the parking lot, eager to get in my car and drive to the boutique for my dress fitting.

Minutes into my drive, my phone rang.

Kee.

I plugged in my earphones, answering the call.

"Hello?"

[Ath? How's your first day back at work? Did you see him?]

My stomach twisted. Of course Kee was talking about Rare—the man whose face I still couldn't erase from my mind. She'd been teasing me about fate, destiny, and how Rare could supposedly be my "forever."

Forever. Ha. Yeah, right. I don't buy that crap.

"I thought I'd go the whole day without seeing him," I confessed.

"I managed to avoid him most of the time... but right before I was leaving, he was there. So close. He even spoke to me. I had my mask on, but Kee... I was shaking!"

[What did he say?]

"He asked if I was new here. I said no." I groaned, remembering the scene over and over in my head.

[Oh no... he probably recognized you. Heard your voice, maybe. Well if I were him, I wont forget your moans! Hahaha.]

"Ugh! I can't. Stop teasing me! Fate is cruel!" hissed, frustrated. Why did destiny enjoy tormenting me like this?

[It's possible, Ath! Honestly, I wouldn't forget a woman desperate to get pregnant either.]

I paused, realizing Kee had a point. I had been surrounded by people desperate to trap me before.

[Ath... if you want a child, it's not just about you. Your child deserves a complete family. A father. Someone who will protect them.]

I raised an eyebrow and ran a hand through my hair.

"No! I can protect my child myself. I can hire guards!" I snapped. I didn't want any man, certainly not him, complicating things.

I was acting like I was already pregnant! Oh God, I hate him... maybe his sperm was too weak! Even now, there's still no sign of a positive result.

[A father, Ath. A true king for your princess or prince.]

"Kee, I don't love him. I don't want him. What if he already has a girlfriend? Or worse... a wife? I don't want him stressed just because I have feelings for him. This is the right decision, for everyone."

[Oh girl you didn't think that before you ask him desperately to give you his sperm huh?]

I rolled my eyes, imagining Kee lecturing me with his eyebrows raised.

[Well, I'm just saying  some what ifs here! Don't be offended, okay? I also think And what if he's single? Or willing to take responsibility? What if he loves you?]

"Huh. Whatever. I'm at the botique now. Babush! Love you!" I ended the call, parking my car.

—-

TODAY waa Ate Akisha's birthday. I stepped out of my car and entered the hotel venue. I wasn't thrilled about being here, but I had no choice.

The clock read 8:20 PM. The party had started half an hour ago, and here I was... fashionably late, I guess.

I wore a matte black backless dress, showing just enough cleavage to make a subtle statement. I felt... bold, confident, untouchable.

A staff greeted me immediately. "This way, ma'am," she said, guiding me toward a grand door.

I held my head high as I entered, immediately drawing attention without a word.

Eyes followed me. Parents, sister, and even Charl—all staring. I smiled sweetly at them, though it was all for show.

I walked straight to the table where Mikee and her boyfriend Prince were seated, avoiding unnecessary interaction with my family. I wasn't in the mood to be social... not tonight.

"Oh, finally! You came, good girl!" Mikee teased.

"No choice," I shrugged. My phone had been blowing up with texts and calls all afternoon. I was already irritated.

"So... did they announce that Akisha is pregnant?" I asked casually.

Mikee blinked. "Wait, she's pregnant?"

"Yes. That was the announcement," I said lazily, spoiling the suspense.

"Still, Ath... shouldn't you hug her since it's her birthday?" Mikee asked, frowning.

"Nah. She's fake, and I'm hot. I can't risk it today," I said with a smirk, waving it off.

Then, Charl took the mic when the host called him. “we Ladies and gentlemen! Let's hear the big news! My wife, Akisha, is seven weeks pregnant!"

Wow, they really wait me for that announcement huh? For what? To watch me being bitter? How sweet.

Applause erupted, and I glanced at Mikee, who nudged me playfully. "You're up next, Ath?" she whispered, teasing.

I shook my head, hiding a small, private laugh. Soon, it would be my turn to join the ranks... but not tonight.

I began eating, trying to ignore the excitement around me. But suddenly, a foul smell hit my nostrils, making my stomach twist violently.

"Eck!" I gasped, pressing a hand to my mouth. Eyes turned toward me, but I ignored them, desperate for the restroom.

A waiter pointed the way, and I almost ran—until someone bumped with me.

I bent forward instinctively... and my body betrayed me. I vomited, right there, in front of him.

"What the—Are you okay, miss?"

My head shot up. The voice. That deep, infuriating, familiar voice.

No. No, no, no!

It was him. Rare.

I ducked, searching desperately for an escape, and the moment I found it, I shoved past him and ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

"Hey, Miss!"

I dashed toward the girls’ restroom, and the moment I spotted it, I rushed inside and locked the door behind me, gasping for breath.

Why is he here? Was he invited? What the hell? Why would my sister invite her first love—or her ex—for that matter?

Just… what? Why here? Why now? Why does fate insist on throwing our paths together at the worst possible moments?

What am I supposed to do!? Maybe he followed me… maybe he’s waiting outside… Damn it. And I didn’t even bring my phone!

I splashed water on my face. My makeup was simple, and waterproof, thankfully, so it hadn’t budged yet.

Fate, what are you playing at? The more I try to avoid him, the more it seems you’re determined to make our paths cross.

I stood frozen in front of the mirror for over twenty minutes before a knock at the door broke my trance.

"Hey, Ath?" came a familiar voice from outside.

"Mikee!" I called back.

"Open the door, Ath."

"Is there anyone else in there?" I asked, nervous.

"No, why?" I opened the door immediately and pulled me inside.

"Are you okay?" Mikee asked, worry clear in her eyes.

"No! Not okay! Rare is here… I ran straight into him, and in front of him, I threw up."

"What?! Seriously? What did he say?"

"Luckily, I had my head down. I ran away as fast as I could, but he called my name. I didn’t dare come out… if he saw me, all my effort running would’ve been wasted."

"Good thing I found you here. You’ve been gone a while… your mom was looking for you."

"I’m not going back… what if Rare is there?"

"But how is he even here? Did your sister invite him? You told me She’s his ex, right?"

"Yeah… maybe… what do we do?"

"Here’s the plan. You head outside now. I’ll go back to the party to grab your phone and bag. Deal?"

"Okay. I’ll go to the parking lot and wait by the car."

"Alright. Let’s go." Mikee opened the restroom door and glanced around to make sure no one was nearby.

"Alright, clear." Sje went out first, and I followed closely. We hurried along, only to bump into our house’s housekeeper, Manang Olivia.

"Ma’am Atarah, your mom and dad are looking for you," she said politely but nervously.

"Ah… please tell them You didn’t see me, and I’ve already left," I said.

"Ma’am, your dad’s in a bad mood. I’ll get in trouble if I don’t take you to him."

"I’ve got this, Manang," I said, determined.

"Please… I really don’t want to lose this job," she sighed, biting her lip.

"Alright, go ahead. I’ll follow. Promise," I said, surrendering.

"Really? Thank you, Ma’am. They’re waiting for you." She nodded, then walked away. Mikee and I exchanged a look.

"So… you’re going back?" She asked.

"Just for a moment. Let’s go," I said, and we hurried back toward the party.

I scanned the room. Thankfully, Rare was nowhere in sight, and a wave of relief washed over me.

We went straight to our table where my phone and bag were. Finally, I could prepare to leave.

"Ath, are you okay? By the way, your sister’s been looking for you," Prince greeted.

"I’m fine. Really. Thanks," I said, brushing him off.

"Ye—" He was cut off by a sudden call.

"Atarah!" I turned. It was my sister, Akisha. I winced, forcing a polite smile. It was her birthday, after all.

"Wait, I’ll just come see you," I said, fixing my makeup as I walked toward her.

"What?"

"I thought you already left," she said, her tone sharp. I shot her a cold look.

"Just getting ready to leave," I replied curtly.

"Wow…already? Have you eaten?"

"So… She’s Atarah?" A voice behind me made me freeze.

No… it can’t be. It’s not him… it can’t be.

"Ah… yes. She’s my sister," Akisha said with a smile, and I swallowed hard, unable to meet her eyes.

"Hey, Atarah, nice to meet you…" I felt my breath catch.

"Ath? Are you okay?" Akisha asked, concerned.

I nodded slowly, my heart pounding as I turned to look behind me.

Shit.

Rare was standing there, smiling, staring straight at me—as if to say, ‘Hey… remember me?’

"Hey, Ath," He said. I quickly looked away, focusing on my sister.

"Ah… yes. Nice to meet you too, Rare," I said, extending my hand, pretending I didn’t know him.

My stomach dropped as our hands touched. What the hell!?

"Do you know him, Ath?" Akisha asked, curious.

Sh-t. I’d been caught. Why did I even say his name? Where’s my plan to act indifferent? I’d blown it.

"Of course… she knows me. Very… very well," Rare said with a grin, tilting his jaw slightly.

I wanted to sink into the floor. I was completely powerless now. What was I going to do?