Dorathy
Babe? He's unbelievable! I muttered under my breath, burning with anger, but managed to smile when I noticed my mother's gaze on me.
"H-hi b—" I tried to speak, but my mother interrupted.
"You don't need to be shy," she said with a smile that nearly made me bite my tongue in disbelief.
"Come here," he said, extending a hand with a warm smile. I walked toward him, trying my best to put on a convincing act so my mother wouldn't suspect anything. When I sat beside him, he wrapped his arm around me and pressed a light kiss to my forehead.
For a brief moment, I felt allured. His scent surrounded me, pulling me into a calm I hadn't felt in so long. I almost wanted to stay in his arms forever but I shook off the feeling and gave him a sharp glare.
He just kept smiling. I started to wonder if he was using some kind of spell on me.
"Dorathy…" my mother began, her tone suddenly serious. "You didn't tell me you had a boyfriend. I understand wanting to keep it private, but you should have at least introduced him to me."
Her disappointed gaze pierced through me. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He wasn't my boyfriend. I'd never kept secrets from my mother, and now I knew she felt deeply hurt. But how could I tell her the truth? That what happened between us was something shameful to a woman like her, someone who never joked with morals?
"We're deeply sorry, Mum," he said in my place, and I turned to him in disbelief. He had the nerve to call her Mum?
"Yes, Mother… I-I was wrong. I'll make it up to you," I added. And then, a terrifying thought crossed my mind would she ask me to marry him now that I was carrying his child?
"It's okay, Dorathy. I understand," she said gently. "I just hope you'll both be happy. He told me he wants to marry you. Do you love him enough to stay by his side for the rest of your life?"
I froze.
I glanced at him again. His face was undeniably handsome, even perfect by my aesthetic standards. But I reminded myself men can look perfect on the outside and still be devils underneath.
This was a trap. If I said no, my mother's opinion of me would change. She'd wonder why I was pregnant by a man I wouldn't marry. She'd be ashamed of me. She wouldn't want me to be a single mother.
"Yes… I love him," I said, nearly biting my tongue. The air grew heavy around me. I couldn't believe the words that had just come out of my mouth. I had never loved anyone, let alone this infuriating stranger sitting beside me.
My eyes began to sting. If I didn't leave, I'd burst into tears and what would I say if my mother asked why I was crying?
I buried my face in my hands, taking deep breaths.
"Are you okay?" came his calm voice.
I didn't answer. A plan formed in my head.
I quickly pulled away from his embrace and rushed off, pretending I was about to vomit.
In the bathroom, I turned on the tap, splashed cold water on my face, and finally let my tears fall freely.
Why has my life become like this? From a free woman hunted by a mafia group to a pregnant woman forced into marriage?
I laughed bitterly at the madness of it all.
A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.
"Are you okay?" my mother asked gently.
I acted like I was retching. "Yes, Mother. I'll be fine," I replied, washing my face and opening the door.
She stood there, her worried gaze fixed on me, and I felt guilty.
She guestured for me to bend which I did and she hugged me, and I fought hard not to cry again.
"Mum, I'm okay," I whispered.
She nodded and let me go.
"I'll go have some words with him," I said, and thankfully, she didn't follow.
******
Back in the living room, he stood as I entered, his face filled with concern.
"Are you okay?" he asked, reaching for my hand.
I snatched my hand away.
"Why are you pretending to care, huh? What's wrong with you?" I whispered, making sure my mother couldn't hear.
He exhaled slowly. "I care about you… Please let me take responsibility."
His words almost got to me. Almost.
"This child isn't yours," I whispered coldly. "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I've slept with dozens of guys after you."
He didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled softly.
"You're not the type to do that."
His confidence made me laugh in disbelief.
"You don't know me. Just because I gave you my first time doesn't mean I can't go out and sleep with other men."
"You looked really cute just now," he said.
I clenched my fist, barely resisting the urge to punch him.
"Watch your words. I won't be swayed by your sweet talk," I snapped. "You can leave now."
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked away.
******
I returned to my room and flung myself onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow.
My life is completely messed up. Me? Marry him? Seriously?
I laughed bitterly.
Still lost in thought, I drifted into sleep. When I woke up, it was already dark outside. I took a shower and headed out of my room, ready to prepare dinner only to find my mother already doing it.
"Mother… why didn't you call me to help?" I asked, walking over and placing a light kiss on her cheek.
She smiled and looked at me.
"Is it so wrong for a mother to cook dinner for her daughter? Besides, you're not alone anymore. I want to make something delicious for my grandchild too."
Her warm smile melted my heart.
My child wasn't even born yet, and my mother already loved them.
"Mother…" I whispered, unable to hold back my tears. I hugged her and cried.
"Thank you," I said, stepping back.
Looking at her her condition, her wheelchair I felt a deep ache inside. I still wished for the days when she could walk freely.
"Mother… if I ever have enough money, I'll pay for your surgery," I promised.
She smiled sadly.
"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You don't need to stress yourself. Just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby, okay?"
"No, Mother… I have to take care of you too. I'll find a way to take you to the best doctor one who can help you walk again."
She nodded, not wanting to argue with me.
After dinner, I made sure she took her medications and massaged her legs before putting her to bed. Then I returned to my room.
*****
I picked up my phone to text my boss and explain why I hadn't shown up at work but just then, a message from a strange number popped up:
[Let's meet tomorrow.]
A trap? I wondered. My thoughts immediately went to the mafia group still hunting me. How did they get my number?
I muttered in fear under my breath. They've found me...
I quickly typed a reply:
[Who the hell are you?]
Almost instantly, the reply came:
[Your husband to be.]
My face twisted in anger as I stared at the screen.