Chapter 5

I've been working all day.

The cleaner hadn't shown up in three days, and Anna had been around, so the house was a mess.

I had to clean.

It was just me in the house. Anna had gone to see her mom, and Essa had left yesterday.

I had cleaned all the rooms upstairs and was heading downstairs to the kitchen when I saw someone in the living room.

I was startled and slipped.

Thank God for the handrail. I would have ended up with a broken waist.

“Are you okay? You should be more careful,” Anthony said.

“I was careful. It's just that you startled me.”

He stared at me, and I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to apologize, but his ego wouldn't let him.

Anthony was back from work earlier than usual.

I didn't know why. I wanted to ask, but then I remembered. He's the CEO, so he can go and come back whenever he wants.

I headed straight to the kitchen. I had to clean quickly because I had a dinner date by seven.

I had accepted to go on a dinner date with Jason.

Anthony followed me almost immediately.

“Why are you the one cleaning?”

“The cleaner hasn't shown up for some days, so I had to do it myself.”

“She’s fired. Find someone else.”

“Just like that? What if she's sick?”

“Suit yourself. Hire someone else, or keep stressing yourself while you wait for her. Just please make sure my house remains tidy.”

He left after grabbing a bottle of water.

But for real, I had to find out her reasons. Whatever it was, this wasn't my job description.

Later, I was done with everything, and it was time to get ready for the date.

I freshened up and got dressed.

I loved my outfit so much. It was a short, sleeveless red dress. Simple but classy.

I just hoped Anthony wouldn't see me going out and start asking questions. It was worse today because Anna wouldn't be there to help me out.

Fortunately for me, when I came downstairs, he wasn't there. His car wasn't outside either, so I guessed he wasn't home anymore.

I opened the door to head out and, alas...

My mom.

What the hell was she doing here? How did she even know where I stayed?

“Hi, Mom,” I said hesitantly.

“Hi to you too, Emma. What are you doing here?”

I scoffed.

“I should be asking you that.”

“Emma, where is your child, and how did you get here?”

“With all due respect, Ma, that's none of your business. It's not like you care. And keep your voice down.”

I walked past her before she could say anything else.

Thank God nobody was home, or else I would have had to explain why I had a woman disturbing the peace of the house and asking about my child.

I drove myself to the restaurant.

Jason was already waiting for me.

“Hi, I'm sorry I'm a bit late.”

“It's fine. You look amazing,” he said with a smile.

“Thank you. You're looking good as well.”

We ordered some food and started eating.

We had conversations—funny ones, serious ones, and even awkward ones.

For a while, I actually forgot about everything else.

“You should come to my studio sometime.”

“Are you inviting me to your studio?”

“Fine. I'd love for you to come to my studio,” he replied.

“I'll think about it.”

Jason was nice and calm too, and kinda fine too, but not as good-looking as Anthony.

Why was I even comparing them?

It was obvious Jason didn't want to be just friends, but I had to wait until he spilled his intentions first.

Dinner ended nicely, and I enjoyed it.

On my way home, the car started jerking.

“No way.”

I didn't have the slightest idea how to fix anything in a car, and this car just had to break down right now.

I stood beside the car, contemplating what to do, when a car pulled over.

It looked like Anthony's.

He wound down his window.

“So, your date couldn't make sure you got home safely?”

How did he know about the dinner?

I hadn't said anything.

“Come in. Let's go home. I'll call the driver to take care of the car.”

I entered the car and sat beside him.

“Next time, go on dates with intentional men,” he said, throwing me a glance.

I took a deep breath.

We got home to a man standing in front of the door.

“How can I help you?” Anthony asked.

“Um, I didn't mean to disturb you. I'm looking for Essa.”

Anthony frowned and signaled for him to continue talking.

“She's my girlfriend. Well, she was, actually, because she broke up with me a week ago.”

Anthony and I looked at each other.

“She's pregnant with my baby, and she broke up with me immediately after I found out. She said she can't raise a baby with me. I'm here because I asked some people to trace her, and they found out she comes here often,” the man explained.

“So, if I'm getting you right, Essa is carrying your baby, and you've been looking for her?” Anthony asked.

“Yes. I need to know where she is. I can't let her get rid of the child, so please…”

Anthony was dumbfounded.

He didn't say anything else to the man. He just went inside.

“Essa does come here, but she doesn't live here. You can give me your contact, and I'll call you the next time she comes,” I offered.

I took the man's contact, and he

left.

So, in simple terms, Essa is playing two men at the same time, and now she's pregnant for one and trying to pin it on the other.

Damn.

This is messy.