Chapter Five

Jasmine's POV

I looked at him, his expression unreadable. Fear gripped me as I worried he might deny any involvement and reject the idea of being part of our lives.

"I know it's sudden and all. I just met you, and I'm not sure how you're going to take this. It's perfectly fine if you don't want to be a part of our lives, but it's just that after that night, I can't stop thinking about how I ended up in bed with you. I'm sorry," I rushed out, the words tumbling from my lips.

Then, I felt his finger on my lips, a touch that ignited a wave of emotions within me, emotions I hadn't expected from a simple touch.

"It's alright," he said, his voice soft and reassuring, accompanied by a loving smile.

I was dazed. "It's alright? Just alright?" I asked again, needing confirmation.

He nodded, his eyes filled with longing as he gazed at me. "I... I believe you're pregnant, Jasmine.”

I felt a mix of relief and uncertainty wash over me. "Believe?" I echoed, seeking clarity in his response.

Gabriel took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine. "I trust your intuition, Jasmine. And if you say you're pregnant, then I believe you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I was stunned. This guy is a mystery. I looked at him warily, unsure if I should trust him. He showed up at my workplace, not looking surprised when our eyes locked. Now he says he believes I am pregnant.

He might have noticed that I had questions on my mind, so he reached across the table and softly took my hand in his. His gaze met mine.

"Jasmine, I want you to know that I am here for you. Whatever you decide regarding your pregnancy, I'm here for you."

"Gabriel, my marriage just ended a few months back, and I know I was reckless in my decision to have a one-night stand, which I am not proud of. I just want to take my time, get my life back, and cope with the baby. I need to figure myself out."

He looked at me, his eyes filled with warmth. "Jasmine, I won't rush you into making decisions about us. All I want is to be in our baby’s life."

Then I remembered that he said there was something he thought I should know. So, I asked him, "What was it you wanted me to know?"

He furrowed his brow as if he didn't remember saying that. I excused myself, but within me, I was happy that I found him. Yet, my doubt remained. There is something about him I couldn't quite place into words.

I went in, took my bag, ready to go home as I was done for the day. Stepping out of the restaurant, I was about to stop a taxi when I heard someone call my name.

"Let me drive you home," he asked, looking at me intently, silently begging I shouldn't say no.

But he was still a stranger to me, despite being the father of my child. I didn't even know him. What if he is a serial killer? What if he has been sent by Maxwell? The thoughts made me cringe, and immediately I said sharply, "No, I can find my way."

He was shocked at my tone, and though he looked at my face, he could tell that I wasn't going to change my decision. I watched him walk back to his car.

He had a Porsche. How rich is this guy? He looks too young to have acquired such wealth. This made me even more cautious.

Luckily, a taxi came through, and I opened the door and sat, thoughts swirling in my head. Soon, I got home, grateful. I thanked the taxi driver and walked into the apartment I shared with Ava.

I shared my encounter with Gabriel with Ava, sensing her genuine happiness for me.

As I recounted the evening's events to Ava, including Gabriel's unexpected appearance and our conversation about the pregnancy, she listened intently.

"He seems genuine," Ava remarked, her brow furrowed in thought.

"I know, but there's still so much I don't know about him. It's hard to trust someone so quickly, especially considering everything that's happened," I replied, my mind still racing with doubts.

Ava nodded sympathetically. "Take your time, Jasmine. Trust is something that's earned, not given freely. And if Gabriel truly cares about you and wants to be involved in your life, he'll understand that."

****

As my pregnancy progressed and I spent more time with Gabriel, I learned more about him. He exuded elegance and commanded attention with his undeniable wealth. His luxurious lifestyle was evident in his extravagant residence, cars, and access to exclusive establishments. His presence left a lasting impression on those he encountered, and it seemed he used it to his advantage with Ava.

Ava has been acting distant and off lately. She's been less responsive to messages, canceling plans at the last minute without apologies, and our conversations lacked the usual familiarity.

As we sat on the couch, I couldn't help but ask, "Ava, what's up with you lately? Are you okay?"

"I'm alright, just stressed out at work, but I promise to sort things out," she replied with a shrug.

I sensed she wasn't being entirely honest about what was bothering her. "But you know you can trust me if there's anything."

"Sure." 

My stomach had started showing, and I went about my life, shuttling between my house and my workplace.

Frequenting the park became a routine to help clear my head. It was soothing to see children playing on swings, families having picnics on the grass, and couples enjoying each other's company.

While strolling in the park, I gently rubbed my hand on my growing belly as I talked on the phone with Gabriel. He had promised to meet me there.

Suddenly, I noticed a familiar figure in the distance. My heart skipped a beat as I recognized the profile of Maxwell, my ex-husband.

As he drew nearer, his eyes locked onto my protruding belly. It was clear that he had put two and two together, with the possibility that the child I was carrying could be his.

"Jasmine!" he called out, his voice filled with accusation. I turned to face him, my emotions held tightly in check. "Maxwell," I replied, my tone cool and collected.

"You... you're pregnant?" he gazed at my stomach as he stuttered.

"Yes, I am," I nodded.

Maxwell's face twisted with anger. "How dare you! You're still my wife! That child should be mine!"

I was taken aback by his words. It was clear that he hadn't fully accepted our divorce.

"Maxwell, we are divorced. The child I am carrying is not yours. It's time for you to accept that and move on."

"You can't just brush me aside like this! I won't let you take my child away!" he said, storming closer to me, his face burning with fury.

As Maxwell advanced towards me, his words laced with anger and desperation, I took a step back, frustration bubbling within me. Despite our divorce, his possessive behavior was unsettling.

"Maxwell, please calm down," I urged, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising tension.

But Maxwell seemed beyond reason, his eyes ablaze with fury. "You can't keep me away from my child!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the park.

I glanced around nervously, aware of the curious gazes of passersby, but I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated.

"Maxwell, this is not the time or place for this discussion," I said firmly, hoping to defuse the situation before it escalated further.

Gabriel, who had been observing the tense exchange from a distance, stepped forward.

"Maxwell," Gabriel said calmly, "Jasmine and I are together now. You should accept the fact and move on."

I was relieved to have Gabriel there, right on time. Maxwell's face twisted with irritation. He glared at me one final time before storming off.

The encounter with Maxwell left me shaken, my heart pounding heavily.

I took a seat with Gabriel beside me, holding my gaze. The lines of worry were evident on his face. I knew that moving forward, I needed to ensure our safety. Maxwell could pose a threat to our well-being; the thought sent a shiver down my spine.