Chapter Four

Vivian's POV

I got out of the hospital doors and was surprised to see Jane, the personal assistant to the company's CEO standing in front of a white Mercedes Benz. It seemed like she was waiting for me, so I walked towards her.

"Hi Miss Jane." I greeted.

"How are you feeling?" She asked.

"The doctor says I'll be okay with enough rest." I smiled. Everyone in the office was now aware of my pregnant state as I had collapsed more than once while working. "What are you doing here?" I asked curiously.

"Get in the car, let's go. The CEO would like to see you." Jane simply said.

At the mention of the CEO, my eyes bulged wide open.

"Uhm… Is..is there any….am I in any sort of trouble?" I stammered.

"Everything is fine, let's go." Jane smiled and got into the car.

I got in the back with her and we were soon on the road. She asked me to relax, but deep down I knew I was in trouble! All my time in the company and I didn't get to meet the boss, and just when I get pregnant he asks to see me? Definitely a sack letter was looming. So many of these thoughts just kept going on and on in my head that I didn't even realise we'd arrived at our destination.

"We're here." Jane tapped me, bringing me out of my thoughts.

It was a big mansion, a house fit for a king. I was hesitant and reluctant when I got down and followed Jane into the house. I still had no idea what I was doing here.

We got to the door and after a knock, the door flung open to reveal a woman I assumed to be in her fifties.

"Lovely afternoon to you ma'am." Jane greeted.

"Hi ladies, how are you doing today?" The woman replied and then faced me. "You must be Vivian, right?"

"Yes ma'am, I am." I curtsied.

Before I knew it, she grabbed me in a huge hug. "Welcome my dear, welcome."

Surprise could be read all over my face as I didn't know how to react.

"Come on in." She ushered and held me by the hand.

The interior view was equally as beautiful as the outside. We got in and sat down and that was when I saw him. My boss.

He strolled majestically down and I couldn't help but adore his perfectly shaped body. It wasn't until he was in front of me before I gazed up to meet his face, that was when the resemblance I had earlier noticed on the old woman's face suddenly dawned on me.

"Wait, what?!" I yelled. "You?" I pointed a finger at him. He was just staring calmly all the while.

"Be calm, my dear, and just listen." The woman held my hand.

I started putting two and two together and everything started getting clearer to me. That night at the cruise vacation, the stranger I had drunkenly laid with was the CEO of Alpha Zee company, my boss! What the fuck!

Jeez, what have I gotten myself into.

*****

Lucas' POV

I heard their voices at the door and knew that they'd arrived. Walking down the stairs, I couldn't help but stare at her, seated there looking so beautiful. I know I'd threatened her never to appear before me again, but that was before I found out that she works in my company, and certainly before I got hooked into the whole pregnancy dilemma.

Immediately our faces locked, I could read the bewilderment in her eyes. She jumped to her feet yelling. My mum managed to calm her down, but I didn't really see the need for that. I was still her boss, no matter the situation, and she had no right to stand before me in any rude manner.

We all sat down and Jane promptly excused herself and went outside.

"My dear, I am very sure that by now you must have  understood what is going on," my mother started, addressing Vivian, "but let me briefly explain better. Your boss here is my son and I was made to understand that you both had a meeting of some sort and now you are carrying his child. Please, confirm this."

I took a quick look at Vivian, eyeing her as she nodded in affirmation. I saw that my mum was about to continue talking, so I quickly spoke up.

"Can we just get down to the main reason we're here now?"I said and looked directly at Vivian now. "Miss Vivian, I would like to offer you a contract as regards the pregnancy you are carrying. Here's the deal, since you claim that I am responsible for that baby you're carrying, you would have to get..."

"I don't understand," Vivian was quick to cut me short. "I do not claim anything. The unfortunate one night stand we had led to this, and…."

I interrupted her too, "Listen, I did not bring you here to exchange words again. For all I know, all this is some sort of blackmail you've cooked up. And you should know that I do not really care, I am simply doing this because of my mum." With that, I brought out a file of papers I had initially prepared.

"Here's the contract, it states that you have to move under my roof for the duration of your pregnancy, and then you leave immediately after giving birth. Of course, I get to claim ownership of the child after then. In return, all your financial needs would be taken care of." I summarized.

The surprise on her face was enough to make me gloat, she wasn't expecting any of this.

"What kind of deal is this? I feel like I'm being treated like some sort of material, that can be used and ordered around at will. Sorry, I cannot be bought! I would not be a party to this!" She retorted strongly.

It looked like this was going to be a battle for supremacy, but then my mum who had been watching all along finally spoke.

"Children, silence!" She ordered, and then with a calmer voice she faced Vivian. "My girl, how have you been faring? How is the baby? Hope you're not stressing yourself too much?"

Vivian seemed appalled by the show of affection and her expression softened as she understood that at least one of us was there out of genuine concern for the baby's wellbeing.

"He's doing well", she replied.

"Good. Then we can discuss what is best for the baby", the woman continued.

"I can take care of the baby on my own, I do not like the idea of my child being treated like some goods." Vivian interjected.

My mother smiled, obviously she had been expecting such a reply. She was a mother too and she knew all what motherhood entails, but she wanted the best for her grandchild and that was why she was doing all these.

"Vivian, I understand how you feel. But consider the fact that two heads are better than one. Together, we can give this child all he deserves. You would not have to worry about any financial expenses, all you need to do is make sure yourself and the baby are well. Plus, I would not like the idea of my grandchild lacking anything. See, you can just accept this contract now for the duration of your pregnancy, and then after that we can all come to a reasonable conclusion that'll favour us all." Mother explained.

I noticed Vivian felt the emotions the old woman was trying to pass, and for a split second she almost accepted her terms. But then she gazed at me and the memories of that night came flooding back again; I know this because I also felt that mutual connection, the memories flooding my head too.

There was silence for a few minutes, everybody just looking at each other probably taking in the whole scene.

Then Vivian finally spoke up. "Thank you very much, ma. I appreciate the thought of bringing me here and discussing reasonably for the welfare of the baby in my womb. But, I still would like to maintain my stance; I am okay and have everything I need. I can take care of the baby by myself and do not need any help from Lucas or anybody." She said and stood up. "If that would be all, ma, may I kindly take my leave?"

Now, I was starting to become impatient. Even though I didn't care about the lady or her pregnancy, I cared about my mum and seeing how passionately invested she was in this topic, I sought to do everything within my power to make her happy.

I had mapped out my plan perfectly and there was still one last wild card to play.

"How about your career as a fashion designer? I could make it a reality." I let out.

Vivian's facial expression was all I needed to know I'd struck a nerve. I felt happy inwardly to know that I was getting the desired effect.

"How did you….?"Vivian asked, surprised as to how I must have known about her career desire.

"Hello young lady, are you forgetting the fact that I am your boss?"I eyed her. "Well, Jane told me all about the career workshop organised earlier this year for all staff, and how you kept going on and on about your dream of becoming a renowned fashion designer." I smirked.

My mum quickly chipped in, "My girl, if you agree to the terms of the contract, I will make sure you lack nothing. All your financial needs for yourself and the baby will be met and you will have the ability to finally pursue your dream career. Think about it." She convinced.

Vivian's eye twitched at the thought of this, starting her own fashion designing business in large scale and all her financial needs met. But then she still stood her ground reaffirming that she wouldn't give up her child just because of her own personal needs.

"Think about it." My mother's words came again.