The Billionaire's Bundle of Joy

Chapter 8

RIZ

I WOKE UP late this morning. At first, I felt embarrassed that the owner of the house woke up before me. But then I thought, it’s natural for him to wake up early since he has work, while I don’t have any detailed plans yet.

‘Positive thoughts only.’ That’s what I told myself when I woke up earlier. I grabbed a rubber band and tied my hair up in a simple bun. It was past eight when I looked at the wall clock, so Paul must have already gone to the office… or Justin, whatever his name is. I met him as Paul, but that can change if Justin is what the people around him are calling him.

When I headed to the bathroom, I grabbed the robe and put it on, then washed my face and brushed my teeth. I felt a wave of nausea, and just as I flushed the toilet, I heard a knock on the door.

“Ma’am Riz, Sir is calling you to eat. He said it’s not good for a pregnant woman to skip meals,” Manang said from behind the door.

Something warmed my heart. It’s not every day someone worries about my well-being. My father would from time to time, but as I got older, that became less frequent. As for my mother, she doesn’t check on me. She only sends me a message when her other children need something. When Charizza or Nikola has a project, she asks me for extra money, which drains my savings. I don’t mind because they are my siblings, even if I haven’t been with them. But it ends there. Once my mother gets what she needs, I don’t hear from her again. Not even a simple “How are you?”

“Okay, Manang. I’ll be out soon.”

“Alright, ma’am. I’ll go ahead.”

She was gone by the time I exited the bathroom. I quickly fixed the bed; if there were wrinkles, I would tidy it up later before I left. Paul was busy scrolling on his phone when I approached the dining table. When he noticed me, he immediately put his phone back in the pocket of his suit.

“Oh, good! You’re here.” He looked dashing, as if a fly landing on his hair would slip off because of how neatly it was styled. He doesn’t have facial hair. As a businessman, I often see people like him with clean faces. “I was waiting for you to wake up so we could eat together and talk.”

I pulled out a chair and sat down. This man’s presence filled the entire room. He was used to commanding people, as if whatever he said was law. I still couldn’t remember why our lives ended up in a one-night stand that led to forgetting. My ideal man is someone who knows how to smile and make me laugh, is caring, and of course, loves me. Even if he’s not rich, as long as he understands responsibility and won’t leave me, that’s a big plus.

“You shouldn’t have waited for me. You’re late for the office.”

I noticed the slight raise of his eyebrow. But instead of talking to me, he called Manang and gave her instructions. A minute later, Manang returned with a cup of warm milk. I wanted coffee, but I’d probably just throw it up.

“I can see you don’t like milk, but the baby needs it. Did you want tea instead?” he asked me. He took a sip of his coffee while still looking at me.

The aroma of the coffee only made me crave it more. “I actually want coffee, not tea or milk.”

“It’s not good for the baby.” The way he said it had a finality to it. I was already getting annoyed with him, even though it was still early.

“I don’t need a full cup, just a little.” I haven’t read any baby books yet. A bookstore is the first place I’ll go later when I find a place to stay.

He didn’t say anything, but I was surprised when he placed his cup of coffee in front of me.

“What’s this?” Is he asking me to wash his coffee cup? It still had a quarter left in it.

“Coffee. You said you wanted coffee. You also said just a little. You can finish my coffee.”

I didn’t know if he was joking or intentionally trying to annoy me. The coffee was black, and I like mine with milk and sugar.

“I don’t drink black coffee.”

“That’s the only coffee you’re going to have in this house,” he insisted.

He thinks he’s so smart. I turned to Manang. “Manang, do you have sugar?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Please give me a teaspoon. Thank you.”

Manang returned with a small container of sugar and placed it on the table. I used the warm milk he prepared for me to mix with Paul’s dark coffee and added sugar. I stirred it, and when I was satisfied, I started drinking it.

Delicious. I felt alive.

Paul looked amused when I glanced at him. “What?”

He shook his head, and whatever he was about to say, he didn’t continue. We ate in silence. Or is it more accurate to say I was the only one eating? His half of the toast was barely touched, and he gave up while I had already consumed two toasted breads, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

“Don’t forget to finish the rest of your milk.” He called Manang and had her heat up the milk. When she came back, I had no choice but to drink it. I had my coffee, but my baby needs milk. “When was the last time you saw your doctor?”

“Not too long ago. Why?”

“You need to go for another checkup to monitor the baby. Have you looked for a place yet?” I shook my head. “I have another house about an hour or so away from here. You can stay there if you want.”

“Where?”

“In Batangas. I have a married couple looking after it. They will be there to assist you, and if you need anything, let them know.” The way he spoke, his plans were fully formed.

I shook my head. “I don’t have the money to rent a whole house. I’m just looking for a room.”

“Then would you rather stay here in the other room?” My brow furrowed. “With me?” That caught me off guard. I think it’s dangerous if we share the same house. In Batangas, even though it’s far from Manila, I wouldn’t have him around. I think I would be safer there. Maybe I could also find a decent job. I need to save up for my baby’s arrival.

“O-Okay, I’m fine with Batangas. I’ll just look for a cheaper place to stay there.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. No one uses that house. Why would you rent a new place if you can live there for free?” he asked, frowning at me.

“There’s no such thing as free in this world. Everything has a cost. And I don’t know what you want in return because I can’t pay you back.” That’s true. Everything people do always has something in return. There’s no genuine help anymore these days. And if they can’t benefit from the person they’re helping, people won’t help at all.

“Arizona, I have everything I need. What makes you think I want anything from you?”

Shit. He has a point. But I still have my pride, so…

“We spent the night together. How do I know my body is not the price for all your help?” I asked him defiantly.

“And let’s just say I do, would you sleep with me again?”