Liam
Concealed behind my enraged expressions was a joy that so desperately wanted to break free. Amelie was finally pregnant which meant that my victory was already secured. It didn't matter if she gave birth before the end of the year, as long as she was pregnant with my child it would be counted as having a successor.
Although happy with my recent accomplishment, I decided not to celebrate too soon. A lot of things could still happen between now and the next eight months. I understood that negative thoughts could jinx the outcome of everything, but it was necessary that I account for every factor, its effects and possible advantages.
First off, keeping this information away from the public was the most important of all. In the business industry there was no such thing as friendship. Everybody in this part of reality is trapped in a constant contest with the other. If my success was going to affect their businesses in negative ways, they would definitely cook up countermeasures to rope me out of the limelight. And these people didn't care about what means they take. As long as the job is done, they are satisfied.
And secondly, there was the problem of Casmir. He was probably the biggest threat to me right now. If news about Amelie's pregnancy got out to him, there was no predicting what that bastard would do.
Fishing out my phone from the depths of my pocket, I called for Anna to give her the recent updates. While I was gone, I needed tight security around Amelie, but not so much that it would be obvious. Anna was probably the only person I could trust with any information right now.
It took a few minutes, but she finally arrived. Although a part of me wanted to keep this whole pregnancy affair private, it couldn't be helped. I needed Amelie guarded at all cost, and I needed it to be by someone I know. They weren't friends, and Amelie didn't particularly like Anna, however this was probably best for both of them. This way Amelie could get to know Anna better, and I could have some piece of mind.
"From today, you'll be Amelie's personal guard." I informed. Anna's vivid expression fell on hearing my words. I raised a brow at her reaction before questioning her, "Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing's wrong...." She answered sharply. She turned her eyes away from mine and focused them on the floor. "....might I ask why?"
"Amelie is pregnant." I answered, while still unsure if I should have given that answer out so freely. "I need someone I can trust around her when I'm not around."
"That's great news, has she finally agreed to get remar—"
"Not yet," I interjected. "But soon." I said with confidence. Lowering my gaze from her turned face, I took a glance at my wrist watch and made a mental note of the time. I had an appointment tonight, and I didn't intend to be late.
"That's great news, it won't be long before you reclaim your right and put Casmir in his place." Her words were true, yet it felt as though she said it with sarcasm. If I didn't know better, based on her reaction I would have concluded that Anna was once again developing some sort of attachment to me. But that couldn't be the case, she was currently seeing someone, she hadn't told me but I could tell.
"One more thing Anna, don't tell anyone about Amelie's pregnancy, you know why don't you?"
"I understand, there's nothing to worry about." She reassured me before I finally dismissed her.
"You tell her everything don't you?"
"Most of it." I replied before turning to meet Amelie's approaching figure. Chances were that she has been spying on us the whole time.
"Do you ever stop and consider that she might betray you someday, I mean she's your ex isn't she?"
"If this is about my past relationship with Anna just stop it." I cautioned. I wasn't in the mood for another argument, and I'm sure pregnant women shouldn't be arguing so often too.
"It's not about her, honestly I don't really care about what you had with her in the past, I only care about my future and that of this child." Amelie clarified, her eyes filled with an intensity I didn't believe she had in her.
"What does this mean? You've decided to keep the baby?"
"Maybe, let's wait and see what fate has in store for us."
"Amel—" I paused, took a deep breath before staring her dead in the eyes. "I know you hate me, but for the sake of my mental health and your morality, do not harm our baby please."
"I never imagined that a day would come when you'll beg for my mercy, life is truly full of surprises."
"Take it as you will, but please do not do anything to that baby." I repeated, this time with an even milder tone. She was enjoying this and it was clear on her face, but it didn't matter. I already considered this factor before it played out, even if it means begging someone below me for help I would do it, as long as I win in the end it really doesn't matter.
"I've heard you, and I'll consider keeping the baby. But you have to promise that you'll never put me or my child in harm's way, ever!"
What she was asking for was near impossible. As long as they were involved with me, chances of them getting dragged into my mess is always very wide. She knew that in the business world there was no such thing as being absolutely safe, and that was probably why she wanted to make sure I gave her my words.
"Amelie, you knows that's not po—"
"Do you agree or not?" She interrupted, her face stoic and devoid of any concern for my explanation.
"Yes, I promise." I answered and she let out a soft sigh.
"Then fine, I'll keep this child and help you with your case."
"Does this mean.."
"Yes, it means I'm getting remarried to you."