The Billionaire's Bundle of Joy

Chapter 10

RIZ

“WHY are you being mean to me?” I knew he was going to find out who my father is; I just didn’t think he would do it this quickly. I couldn’t read his face. It was hard to tell if he was serious or just trying to intimidate me to get me to do what he wanted.

“They don’t call me that for nothing. Let’s use the elevator, and I’ll take you to Batangas.”

“Who told you I’m going there?” As far as I knew, we hadn’t made any agreements, and I was free to go.

He crossed his arms and stared at me. “We both know you don’t have a job. And if you have any money with you now, it’s not enough until you give birth. How will you pay for checkups? It’s expensive. You have no place to stay, and let’s be real about this: no one is going to hire a pregnant woman who will take maternity leave in a few months. I’m not generalizing, but you know what I mean. It’s rare to find a job that will accept you.”

He was right about everything he said. How he can read people this fast is a gift. It’s probably why he always wins at bidding; he knows how to read clients and competitors.

“I was only trying to annoy you earlier. I have no plans on sleeping with you either.” His eyes never left my face. Should I be insulted or pleased? I don’t know what to feel anymore. “Could we just be adults about this and wait until the baby is born? Then you are free to do whatever you want. You can even leave the baby with me if you want to chase your dreams.”

That hit home. Is he serious? Why in the world would I leave my child? Even if he is the father, my conscience wouldn’t allow me to give our child to him like a kitten. I wouldn’t want my child to be treated like that.

“I will never leave my child, even with you.” I said those words softly but firmly.

“Okay. That’s fine, don’t get mad. I’m just trying to help.”

“Who wouldn’t be mad at you? You’re trying to dominate me. I don’t work for you. You can’t just—” I was at a loss for words. I saw one of his eyebrows raise as if he was waiting for me to continue. “You can’t just tell me what to do and disregard my feelings.”

He cleared his throat. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

I couldn’t respond. I can’t believe I was able to tell him that. Straightforward and without brakes. If only I had been this strong in front of my father’s wife, maybe she wouldn’t have walked all over me back then.

I silently led the way to the elevator and heard him following me. He used his card, and once we were inside the lift, I couldn’t help but ask again. I saw him pressing the button for the basement where the parking lot was.

“Don’t you have work?”

“I had a meeting.” He was very brief in his answers, but at least he was responding to my questions and not ignoring me.

Had? He hasn’t even left the penthouse yet. How could it be over when he was still here? Did his soul attend the meeting? Tsk.

“There was no need for you to miss your meeting if you had just let me leave.”

“The child’s safety always comes first. Besides, I had someone else take my place for the meeting. It’s not a big deal.”

I felt embarrassed for him because I was not only disrupting his life but also his work. All I wanted was to tell him that we were having a baby and to ask if I could introduce him to my dad. Fate just played a cruel joke, and out of all the men in the world, he was the one I met that night.

“You don’t have to take me to Batangas. You have other things to do today; I’m fine. In fact, I could just take the bus if you give me the address.”

“No. You are not taking the bus.”

Sometimes, I want to kick myself. He’s fine to talk to, but it’s always just a few syllables. Is he careful about mentioning things that might annoy me? Because as of this moment, I’m still annoyed, and I don’t know why. I don’t understand what’s happening to me.

“You’re taking me to Batangas?”

“Hmm.” One syllable.

“Could you tell me what the plan is for today so I can prepare for my day? I need a few supplies and—”

“Then we will buy them. I already called Dra. Enriquez. In case you’re wondering, she’s an OB. Quite old but well-respected in her profession. If you don’t like her, we can always go to another doctor that you’re comfortable with. We will see her after lunch. Her clinic is in Batangas. As for supplies, just give Manang a list, and she will shop for you.”

This must be how it feels to be lying on a bed of money. There’s always someone doing things for them. If they could, they would probably even have someone else breathe for them.

“I can buy them myself, and you don’t need to order someone else,” I insisted.

“There’s no doubt you can. You’re not crippled. But you need some rest too, and also… your cheek is still swollen. Did your father do that?” He cleared his throat. “Or was it your stepmother?”

I didn’t answer. It’s better that he doesn’t know. He might get dragged into problems at home, and things could get even messier. My father hates him to the core, and I still don’t know how to introduce him. I can’t hide his identity forever.