Chapter 7
1167 Words
RIZ
HE doesn’t remember me, but why is he being nice to me? I’m not dense. I can feel his hesitation towards me, and I can’t blame him since we don’t know each other. What was that one night? I can’t even remember it myself. But here he is, and if he doesn’t believe me, I won’t push it. I’ll try to go back to my mother, but even though her life is better now, I doubt she would take me in.
When he handed me the milk, I forced myself to drink it. I’m not a fan of milk, but he’s right: my baby needs it.
“Tell me exactly what happened today. Whatever you put on your face to hide your marks failed to conceal the swelling.” He got up again and went to the fridge. When he returned, he had an ice pack with him. “This will help.”
I instinctively touched my cheek. A lot of things happened today, and to be honest, I had almost forgotten about my father’s slap. I couldn’t speak right away, but I took the ice pack and pressed it against my cheek. I think my adrenaline has worn off because I can feel the pain now. That was a hard slap.
“Arizona—”
“It’s Riz.” When I hear “Arizona,” it feels like I’m talking to an angry teacher.
“Okay, Riz. Why is your face swollen? Tell me who hit you.”
The way he asked me was filled with restraint. He probably isn’t used to seeing someone like me who has been hit. For some reason, I can feel that he feels protective of me. Maybe it’s because I said I was carrying his child.
“You said we are going to talk about the baby.” I didn’t want to discuss what happened at home.
“You’re carrying a suitcase. Clearly, you left your house for a reason. One of those reasons is that you’re pregnant. Since you came to see me, and you just told me that… I am the father, I think I have the right to ask who hurt the mother of my child.” His frustration was evident. Those eyes may be beautiful, but the coldness in them makes me want to shiver.
“I don’t stay where I am not wanted, so I left my father’s home. As for my swollen cheek, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, so… I bumped into something.”
He frowned, clearly not believing me. “As far as I know, when you bump into something, it’s usually your forehead that hits first. It could also be your crown if you suddenly stand up. But your cheek? I find that hard to believe.”
“Believe it or not, I can’t do anything about it.”
His face hardened. “So you left your home. Where are you going now?”
“It’s too late for me to find an apartment, so I’ll just look for a hotel and spend the night there.”
“And then what?” His frown deepened. I had no answer because I didn’t have a plan yet. I just know that I am keeping my baby no matter what happens. “Do you even have a job? Have you graduated?”
“I’m still looking for a job,” I replied. Even if I wanted to say that I had one, he wouldn’t believe me, so I just told him the truth.
“And let’s say you found a job, how are you going to work and take care of the baby at the same time? Do you have someone to leave the baby with? You can’t just bring the baby to work.”
What he was saying now were scenarios that typically happen on television. A never-ending soap opera of the protagonist’s suffering. But I intend to do better than a show.
“I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. It’s not happening yet. I can save up before I give birth.” I saw how he looked at me intently. As if he was about to say, “Easy for you to say.” “It’s getting late. If you have no more questions, I’ll leave. Taxis might be scarce, and I might have to walk far to get to a hotel.”
“I don’t think it’s wise for you to leave tonight. I have a guest room if you want to spend the night. I have other questions to ask, but I know you are tired. You had a long day, and I don’t want to add to what you’re already thinking.”
I shook my head. “That’s too much. I’ve already bothered you enough.”
“I am not letting you leave tonight unless you tell me that you are going back to your father’s home.”
What makes him think he can keep me here? We are not married, and we are not even dating. He has no right to decide for me. Besides, I can’t go back. If I bring him home and introduce him as the father of my child, everything will just get more chaotic.
“I can leave whenever I want, and you can’t stop me.”
His face darkened as he stared at me. “It’s not safe for you to go out this late. You’re pregnant.”
“We don’t have a relationship.”
“You are right. But you are carrying my child, Riz. If it’s true that the baby is mine and something happens to him or her because of your stubbornness, there will be hell to pay.” He stood up and walked over to my luggage. He dragged it toward a room.
“Why? Are you going to hurt me too?” I couldn’t help but ask him that.
He stopped walking and looked at me intensely. He looked pissed. “I’ve never hit a woman in my life, and I have no plans to start now. Finish your milk and get some rest. There are supplies in the bathroom if you need anything. And don’t even think about leaving. We are going to talk again tomorrow and come to an agreement. See you in the morning.”
When he left me, I closed my eyes for a moment. I don’t know what is worse: being kicked out by Dad or being kept here by Paul? And when I thought about it, it would be a waste of the money I’d pay for a hotel for one night. That would be extra budget when I leave here.
After finishing my milk, I took it to the sink and washed it. Even though we had a maid at Dad and Madam’s house, I still did chores, especially when Dad had business trips. I did all of that without complaint. For his peace of mind, even if it meant hardship for me.
- Writer
