PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

I suddenly got scared to enter Krystal’s room. Anna said, “The boss is already here.” She asked me why I wasn’t at my desk yet. I did inform that I’d be coming in a bit late and apologized profusely; blaming the heavy traffic during my commute to work and the chatty breakfast I had, which also made Cedric, who was driving, take forever to get here even though there was no traffic jam.

He said I shouldn’t be grumpy in the morning. But what can I do? That guy is so annoying! Infuriating, really! Seriously. If Cedric didn’t keep smiling so sweetly, I’m sure I would have scolded him already. Lately, he’s been so good at irritating and annoying me. Strangely, I can’t bring myself to be rude or give him sarcastic looks anymore.

According to Naomi, I’m affected by Cedric’s charm. Geez, I sometimes get confused with the terms Naomi often uses. It’s weird but it makes me smile to myself. I’ll think about that later; for now, I better focus on reaching Krystal’s room door soon. I take a deep breath and pray that Krystal won’t be angry or give me a disapproving look.

“Ma’am,” I call softly. I hear Krystal’s clear voice, giving me permission to enter. I gently push the door while closing my eyes for a moment. I feel it’s better to apologize right away before she says anything, rather than letting the atmosphere get more awkward.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry. I…” Gosh, I’m scared! As our eyes meet, Krystal stares at me with a sharp gaze, I think. “Once again, I’m sorry, Ma’am, for my attire-”

“Oh, come on. It’s just about the clothes. No big deal, Anya. Just relax.”

I sigh with relief, but not entirely. “And for being late today,” I continue.

Krystal gives a small smile. “Sit down, Anya.”

This time, I return the smile, but it’s quite awkward. Krystal is beautiful, I know that. Her smile is like a devil ready to devour her opponent who stands in her way. Terrifying. I’m well aware of that. But now? That smile is so sweet and sincere.

Suddenly, I remember, such a beautiful smile belongs to a gentle and caring middle-aged woman, Mrs. Iriana. It looks so similar, imprinted on those maroon lips.

“I’m sorry for not coming home last night. I had some business to attend to.”

I’m confused about how to respond.

“My Mom didn’t ask about me?”

More than just confusion! Her language is no longer formal, and it seems like Krystal is genuinely paying attention to me. I’m reminded of all the changes since she found out I’m pregnant. Plus, it turns out I’m pregnant with Cedric’s child. Oh my God! I don’t know what to say.

“No, Ma’am.”

“Ugh! Don’t call me ‘Ma’am.’ We’ll be family soon. When it’s just the two of us like this, just call me Krystal.”

“But…”

Krystal raises her hand, indicating that she doesn’t want to be contradicted. All I can do is nod helplessly. My soon-to-be sister-in-law smiles with satisfaction.

“Cedric said you two are getting married next month?”

“Yes, Ma’am… I mean, Krystal.” Seriously, this is the biggest awkwardness I’ve ever experienced. In the past, during the first interview for the job transfer they offered me, I was indeed nervous and awkward. Because sitting in front of me was a different Krystal. Her gaze was sharp, firm, and she wanted answers that truly represented who I was. Am I suitable and capable of keeping up with her high level of mobility?

Now? It’s a completely different kind of awkwardness.

“We’ll go out for lunch later.”

I furrow my brow.Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

“I want you to try on some dresses. To match the theme of your wedding. By the way, what theme do you want, Anya? I can’t wait to get involved.”

Huh?

“Anya, stop daydreaming. This needs to be thought through, you know. In a little while, the wedding organizer will help you with all the arrangements. You just need to choose what you want, where it’ll be held, and what the reception will be like. Let them handle it. It’s just a month away, and we need to move quickly.”

The nerves in my brain suddenly snap.

“My mom and I will help you, of course. Or if Naomi and Doni want to help, I’d be delighted. Cedric said they’re like family to you, right? They’ll be thrilled to be involved in your big day.”

“Um… but I want a simple party.”

“Yes. Simple, but not too simple, Anya. At least a private party. 200 invitations should be enough. I don’t want too many people attending. It’ll be restricted, especially since you’re pregnant. I don’t want Cedric to scold me for making you tired.”

I haven’t fully processed everything Krystal said when Anna knocks on the door and asks for permission to enter. After Krystal grants permission, someone whom I assume is the wedding organizer she mentioned earlier comes in as well.

“Oh my God! Cedric really knows how to pick a wife. She’s so beautiful.”

“He better!” Krystal says proudly. “Let me introduce you, this is Ros. The wedding organizer in charge of your event, Anya. We went to the same school.”

I give up. I’ll just go with the flow. I don’t know how to respond to everything suddenly happening in my life. So I just smile in response to the friendly handshake. Occasionally, Ros jokes about me being lucky to have a future sister-in-law like Krystal. But it’s not like that at all!

“You finally have competition at home, Krystal.”

They laugh, I don’t. I just awkwardly grimace because those words are too exaggerated. Yes, Krystal and I are worlds apart. One hundred and eighty degrees different.

“I’ve always prayed for someone compatible with me at home. Someone to have fun with. And… God granted my wish. She’s my assistant at the office, Ros. I’ve told you about her, right? She’s incredibly qualified. Now, meet… Anya. My future sister-in-law.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s too much,” I say softly. It’s not that I want to interrupt or anything, but seriously, it’s too much. Krystal doesn’t need to say all that about me just because I’ll soon be part of her family.

Once again, Krystal smiles. “No, it’s not. It’s the truth. I’ve always been impressed with your work, you know.”

Ros, who’s sitting next to me, chuckles. “Krystal rarely praises people. She’s known to be stingy with compliments. So, you must be special, Anya.”

“Oh, why are we making small talk like this? We’re running out of time.” I see Ros taking out her tote bag. “So… Anya, what kind of concept do you want? Let’s discuss it now so we can prepare right away.”

***

Oh… this is too good and luxurious! I can’t even blink while looking at myself in front of the mirror! How could I not? I look like a sudden Cinderella. The dress is only knee-length, but let me tell you, all the ornaments on this outfit are so luxurious.

And not to mention, the back is open, displaying my back quite vividly, even though it’s partially covered with sheer fabric, it’s still amazing. Oh, and don’t forget the front, with its low cut that perfectly accentuates my neckline. The design of the dress also cleverly hides my slightly bulging belly. You can hardly tell that I’m pregnant.

Seriously.

“You look stunning, Anya, just like I imagined.”

I give a shy smile in response to Krystal’s compliment. My boss looks even more stunning herself.

“Ma’am, uh… I mean, Krystal,” I’m still not used to this, seriously! “The size fits perfectly. When did you order it?”

She smiles mysteriously. “The important thing is that it looks beautiful on you.”

I’m starting to not understand Krystal’s train of thought now.

“Oh, by the way, consider this a wedding gift from me. Cedric is my beloved little brother, Anya. I was a bit disappointed when I found out he lost control like that.”

I gulp nervously.

“Throughout knowing Cedric, I rarely saw him lose control in life. His visions and missions were always clear. As the firstborn, I felt a responsibility to stabilize what was built with great effort. Meanwhile, Cedric served as an advisor besides being with Papa. He worked behind the scenes, Anya. I was the one on the front lines, while Cedric and Papa provided direction.”

Krystal gently pulls me to sit on the plush sofa provided by the boutique. Our dresses are ready, just a few more decorations to be added. Also, they might have to loosen the size a bit for me in case I gain more weight next month. Well, it’s not a “maybe,” my weight is bound to increase.

“It’s just that Cedric really doesn’t want to take control. He wants to be free. Playing music and managing his café business. I’m not sure how many branches he has, though. He told you about this, right?”

I just nod. Cedric hasn’t gone into much detail about his activities, especially when it comes to the café business. He simply mentioned that he runs it as his own business. While he worked as OB at his brother’s office because Krystal needed extra help, especially during the embezzlement case. He had to monitor things directly and gather solid evidence while Krystal continued to run multiple projects.

“I was so afraid that the woman he got pregnant was just using Cedric. Well, I know I sound like a possessive older sister, but when I found out that you were the one involved, I felt like slapping Cedric as hard as I could.”

When Krystal said ‘involved,’ I cringed. If only she knew that I was the one who initiated it, I wouldn’t know how to face Krystal Blaxton.

“Seriously, Anya. It was so unexpected. When I interrogated him with Papa, he just grinned. It was so annoying, right!”

I can imagine how irritating Cedric must have been at that moment.

“I hope you two will be happy. Even though I’m sure getting Cedric’s heart must have been quite a feat.”

“Did Cedric talk about it?” I’m quite curious about this part. Maybe I can shut the annoying guy up with some valuable information. But it seems like Krystal is a truly loyal sibling. She just smiles and playfully pinches my arm.

“The important thing is that you know Cedric really cares about you.”

I pout.