"Natasha told me about the baby." George says as I pour him a cup of coffee.
I clear my throat before talking to avoid sounding awkward, "She did?"
"It's true, right? The baby is mine."
"I think so."
A warm smile spreads on his face, "When are you wrapping this case up? We need to make things official," he chuckles shyly, "You know how my mom is obsessed with having everything perfect."
I regard the look on his face. The excitement dancing in his eyes melts my heart. If only things will be truly perfect with just words.
I try not to think about it all. Reminding myself that my career has somehow managed to destroy what could be a perfect life with George will only kill me on the inside. So I did what's best for that moment—escaping reality.
Taking George's hand in mine, I link it till they fit perfectly. Then I place my head on his broad shoulders and inhale the familiar scent of his maleness.
This is the life I could have.
Later in the day, I drive to the hospital for my doctor's appointment with the hope of trying to make everything right in my life. I would start with keeping the baby. It will not be easy juggling the pregnancy with an undercover job. But it will be worth it. Especially if the baby turns out to be George's.
"I assume you will be keeping the fetus?" The doctor asks while rounding up with the routine check up.
I nod. Tears starts swelling up in my eyes. I let them slide down my face, as I try to convince myself that I am making the right decision.
"Samantha?"
I stop on my heels and turn to see Vanessa standing by the stairs, a beautiful smile beaming on her face. I cast her a warily look.
"Is there a problem?"
"I've been waiting for you to come home. I need to show you something."
She meets me up the stairs and casually gives me her phone,"Check out that picture. Cute, right?"
My eyes widen at the image staring back at me. I look up to her.
"What do you think Micheal will say when he sees it?"
When? Not if, but when.
Trying to play it cool, I ask, "Are you trying to blackmail me?"
"Yes." She says it as a matter of fact, not flinching.
"What do you want?" I ask in a resigned tone.
Moments later, I storm into the bedroom with a boiling rage. Not knowing how else to deal with this emotion without destroying anything, I begin pacing about the room.
But with each step I take, the rage worsens.
I slump into the bed and begin crying. Every time I think I've succeeded in sneaking out of the tunnel, life somehow finds a way to push me into a darker hole.
Where does Vanessa expect me to get a million dollars from?
She had asked for the money without batting an eyelid. It's either that or she shows Micheal the picture tonight.
When I had demanded a third option. She flashes me a crooked smile before suggesting that I divorce Micheal.
Apparently, she had been in love with Micheal. She had started working for him for the sole reason of captivating him. But her plans had gone all wrong when Micheal set his eyes on me and took interest.
While I scroll through the website to find the perfect expensive bracelet to ask Micheal to buy for me, my thoughts drift towards mom and her family currently having the time of their lives in Ibiza.
The lone silver piece studded with diamonds catches my eye. On seeing the price, I smile and add it to the cart. I add two more expensive rings and a necklace. When the price gets to the exact amount Vanessa is asking for, I order for it and send the price list to Micheal.
The thought of my mom remains in my head. I can't help but to wonder if Micheal had sponsored their vacation simply because he is still smitten by me. Or if there is an underlying ulterior motive behind it all. I try calling her just to quench my curiosity.
My mom picks on the second ring, "Hi sweetie!" she beams in an exciting voice.
"Mom, why didn't you tell me of the vacation offer?"
Her giggle crackles in the background, "Why would I tell you of something you already know of. Or you didn't?"
"O-of course I do. I just expected you to confirm it with me before accepting a gift from my husband."
I try to ignore how strange the word 'husband' feels on my lips.
She surprises me by saying, "The same way you didn't tell me about your wedding."
I swallow my defeat. She is right. I had no right to pester her about it when I had also done the same thing to her just last week.
But if only she knows that this is just an undercover job. She might be too disappointed about it.
"Y'all are doing good, right?"
"We're having the time of our lives sweetie. Don't worry about us."
"Okay mom. Have fun!"
I stare out of the window, loving how the golden ball of the sun splashes it's orange colour on the sky as it sets. The serenity the night promises is unfamiliar with me since a raging war is going on inside my head.
My phone beeps with a text. On seeing the content, it worsens my current chaotic mood.
Whatever Natasha is coming over to talk about doesn't sound like it would be something good. But I take in a deep breath and try to relax my raging spirit.
"You selfish bitch!" Natasha spits out immediately I open the front door for her.
I try not to roll my eyes. Her constant antagonism is getting boring and annoying. "What is it this time?"
"You think the world revolves around you, huh?"
"I have no clue, but maybe."
My sarcasm didn't soften things. I watch her face reddens with rage, "Leave George alone!"
"You should be taking that advice. You're the imposter in our relationship." I retort.
"Don't say I didn't warn you. You'll defs not like my next action."
I fold my hands across my chest and tilt my head to the side, hoping the action will tell her that she is bluffing.
But she matches my energy with a wicked grin, "You wouldn't want your dear husband to hear that recording. Would you?"
I freeze.
"Gotcha!"