CHAPTER 3 – TILDA IS PREGNANT

KRISTIE

“Mrs. Grant, you can come for your result.” I heard the nurse call the moment I stepped into the clinic.

“What result?” I mumbled. I just arrived and was yet to carry out any test.

I continued in the direction of the nurse, and that was when I noticed her.

Tilda!

She stood and started toward the nurse when our eyes met. I shot her a spiteful glance, and she quickly lowered her gaze. She looked pathetic—clearly nothing without us.

I didn’t care what she thought of me. I had waited years for this, every step carefully planned and executed. A scheme to take everything from her. She was a fool to have fallen for James so blindly.

Growing up, Tilda had it all, while I was just the other child, living off her generosity. But I never wanted to live that way. I rolled my eyes. How could she have ever believed my mother and I sincerely cared for her?

 “I am here now, nurse,” her voice was low.

“Congratulation, Mrs. Grant,” the nurse smiled. “You are three weeks pregnant. You are only experiencing the early signs of pregnancy.”

“Preg–nant,” she mumbled, her confusion apparent.

But she can't be pregnant. Unless she already did the IVF it was practically impossible for her to be carrying a baby. James – he never followed up with the IVF. She could be anything but pregnant.

Frustrated, I turned and left the hall.

I waited outside until she came out of the clinic. “And whose pregnancy are you having, whore?” I attacked her.

She looked at me, her expression bland. Either the news of the pregnancy did not gladden her heart or she was pretending. Tilda will do anything to have James back. She was his puppet.

“I know you have always been fooling around, Tilda, yet you accuse James and me of infidelity. Keep your bastard away from our lives,” I warned.

“You got what you’ve always wanted, Kristie. Please leave me in peace,” she said calmly.

Gnashing my teeth, I met her gaze. “You can't have this child, Tilda. I won't let you ruin everything I’ve worked for.”

Furious, I got into the car and sped off. She hasn’t seen the worst of me yet. I don’t care how she did it—I won’t let her force her bastard on James.

Mom went into shock, and was only able to speak after a minute of hearing the news. “Are you sure you heard correctly, Kristie? That is impossible.”

“I wish it was a lie, mom. I heard it myself, and she didn’t even try to deny it,” I replied, pacing around.

There was silence for few seconds. “So who is responsible? She must have revealed that to you,” mom urged.

“I wish she did. Every information I worked with were all gotten from her, mom. James had no interest in the tests, and at this point I don’t know what to think,” I responded. “Tilda is not one to mess around with men.”

Mom smiled. “Then we must act quickly. News of her pregnancy mustn’t get out.”

A smirk cut across my face. “I will take care of it. I must stop her before it gets too late,” I assured.

*** *** ***

TILDA’S POV

I felt dizzy as I quickened my pace, desperate to escape the footsteps trailing behind me in the dark, empty pathway. The air was thick with silence, save for the sound of my own breathing and the steady steps growing closer.

Panic surged through me. The footsteps quickened. I broke into a run.

Heart pounding, I spotted a bend ahead and dove behind a dumpster, pressing my body against the cold metal. My breath hitched as the footsteps slowed, stopping just inches from my hiding place.

I squeezed my eyes shut, praying for a miracle.

“Scary, princess,” a voice murmured behind me.

A warm hand gripped my shoulder, yanking me to my feet and taking me to the open.

“You want to run?” he taunted, dragging me roughly.

“Please, let me go! What do you want?” I pleaded, but my words only earned a sinister chuckle.

Blow!

Pain exploded through my ribs as I collapsed, gasping.

“You can't pin your pregnancy on Boss, Tilda. Today is your end,” another man sneered.

“Please let me go, and I won't bother anyone,” I cried.

Tears blurred my vision as they kicked me to the ground. Fists and boots landed mercilessly, each strike stealing my breath.

“You should’ve thought twice before getting pregnant. Now, you and that bastard fetus go to hell,” one of them spat.

Darkness crept in. My body screamed in agony. Was this how I was going to die?

Then by a stroke of luck—sirens.

The men cursed. Their grip on me loosened.

I barely registered their retreat before I forced myself to my feet, every limb trembling. I needed to get away before they returned.

“Miss Tilda, what happened to you?” Steven’s alarmed voice broke through my daze as I staggered into the house.

I ignored his concern, heading straight to my room. Gathering a few things, I turned to leave.

“Were you attacked, ma’am? You should have told me before you left!” he fretted, reaching to assess my injuries.

I should have confronted him—why did his boss send those men after me? What really happened the night I followed his boss home, drunk? But instead, I smiled.

“I must leave now, Steven.”

Confusion crossed his face. “Why? I have to inform Boss. He’ll be back in a few days. Please wait till then.”

“You’ve been too kind. Tell your boss I appreciate his kindness.”

Edna appeared from inside. “It’s almost midnight, ma’am. Please wait till morning,” she begged.

I shook my head. “Thanks for the hospitality, Edna.”

Determined and resolute, I walked away ignoring Edna who followed behind me as I left the villa.

I left everything behind—the house, my husband, my old life, the betrayals, Houston Heights.

At Midtown, I made one final stop. My wedding ring—an heirloom from my mother, worth millions—slid off my finger. I pawned it for a few thousand dollars, promising to return for it someday.

With part of the money, I bought a ticket for the last flight to North Carolina where no one would ever find me or my baby.