As I placed my hand on my chest, I could feel my heart pounding, a mix of emotions swirling within me. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, questioning if this was all just a dream or if it was truly happening. The excitement within me grew uncontrollable as the realization struck that I might be pregnant. However, before I could share the news with Andrew, I needed to confirm it.
Filled with anticipation, I hurried to the door of my hotel room and came face to face with Chester, who was just about to knock. A warm smile graced his face as he greeted me, "Good morning. I bought you some medicine. I was really worried about you."
I mustered a smile, grateful for his kindness. "What's the matter? You look pale," he observed, still concerned about my well-being.
As I glanced down and realized I was still in my pajamas, "Can I ask you for a favor?" I pleaded, hoping he would agree.
Chester had always been a source of support for me. Even after our bittersweet breakup during that short summer, he continued to be kind and understanding. Throughout our final year of high school, he treated me with the same care and friendship as if nothing had changed, for which I was incredibly grateful. He never made things awkward or uncomfortable for me, allowing me to move forward and focus on my studies until graduation.
"Anything for you, Drew," Chester responded with a warm smile, his words filled with sincerity and genuine care.
"Cancel all my appointments," Andrew commanded his secretary, his tone firm and determined. As he put on his suit, ready to leave the office, he expected his request to be fulfilled.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Collins," his secretary, Vivienne Kensington, responded apologetically, "but you have an important meeting with an investor today. They are leaving the country tomorrow, and we cannot reschedule the appointment."
Irritation welled up within Andrew, causing him to clench his fist in frustration. "Am I the only one working in this company?" he yelled at his secretary, his irritation evident. "What am I paying all of you for?"
"I apologize, Mr. Collins," his secretary replied, trying to remain composed. "The investor specifically requested to deal only with the CEO of the company."
Andrew sneered coldly, his frustration turning into bitterness. "What's the point of owning this company if I can't even leave when I want to?"
He leaned back in his chair and swiveled it, gazing out of the window at the view. Frustration lingered in his mind as he muttered to himself, "Damn, what is that woman doing now?"
Vivienne raised her eyebrows, unsure if he was directing the question to her or simply sharing his thoughts.
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Collins?" she asked, attempting to ease his burden.
He turned his attention back to her and asked, "Do we have any business in Waveport City?"
"Yes, we have acquired land in Waveport City, and a resort hotel is currently under construction," she informed him.
"Find someone I can trust. Instruct them to gather information about this woman," he commanded, determination in his voice.
He placed Andrea's business card on his desk, and his secretary promptly picked it up.
She nodded, understanding the importance of his request. "I will provide you with an update as soon as I can, Mr. Collins," she assured him.
Two lines.
My heart skipped a beat as I stared at the positive result on the pregnancy test kit. I couldn't believe it—I was pregnant. The realization washed over me, filling me with a mix of emotions. I smiled, thinking about how Andrew, the man I had pursued for years, had become my husband and would now be the father of my child. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy.
"Congratulations," Chester said softly, his voice filled with sincerity, as we both looked at the pregnancy test kit on the table.
I could feel his genuine happiness for me.
"Andrew is lucky to have you," he added, his gaze shifting away.
Suddenly, a pang of doubt pierced my heart. Was I really lucky? Yes, I was finally pregnant, but what would happen next? As we had agreed, Andrew and I would proceed with a divorce once the pregnancy was confirmed.
"Chester, please promise me that you won't tell Andrew," I pleaded, squeezing his hands, my voice filled with urgency.
Confusion flickered in his eyes as he processed my request.
"Promise me you won't tell anyone about this, please?" I continued, desperately seeking his assurance.
Without hesitation, he nodded and replied, "I promise."
Kelly arrived at Andrew's house and was taken aback to see him eating with Alyssa in the dining room. Her brows furrowed with a mix of surprise and curiosity.
Seating herself in the chair across from Alyssa, with Andrew at the center, Aunt Rosemary set a dinner plate in front of Kelly, complete with cutlery. Kelly picked up a shrimp, peeled it, and instinctively placed it on Andrew's plate.
Alyssa paused, her voice filled with concern. "Brother is allergic to shrimp."
Embarrassment washed over Kelly as she realized her mistake. She looked at Andrew, who met her gaze with a mixture of surprise and understanding.
Alyssa continued speaking without looking up from her plate, her focus on finishing her meal. "My sister told me. I know almost everything about Andrew."
"Andrea stopped eating seafood once she found out about his allergy," Alyssa confessed, a hint of sadness in her voice as she spoke of her sister.
"Huh?" Kelly laughed, her tone teasing. "You're full of nonsense!" she taunted playfully.
Andrew paused for a brief moment, his eyes widening with surprise. He hadn't realized the extent of Andrea's dedication to him, and it touched him deeply.
"I'm done. I'll go first, brother," Alyssa said to Andrew, standing up and expressing her gratitude to Aunt Rosemary for the dinner.
Kelly looked at Andrew with eyes filled with jealousy. "Why did you allow her to live in this house?" she questioned, her voice tinged with frustration.
Andrew gently held Kelly's hands, trying to reassure her. "It's just temporary."
Kelly protested, her voice filled with concern. "Can't you see? She's wearing shorts every day! She's trying to seduce you!"
Andrew felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. He had been busy with work, and now he found himself having to navigate Kelly's insecurities and concerns.
"Mr. Collins," Vivienne placed a folder on top of his desk. "Here is the information that you asked for."
He opened the folder and saw the report from Waveport City. It contained a CCTV screenshot showing Andrea allowing Chester into her hotel room.
His fists clenched as anger surged through him. "Leave me," he commanded, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and disappointment.
He should be happy. After all, Chester had found someone he cherished. But why did it have to be his own wife, Andrea? He didn't want things to become awkward with his best friend. He knew he should be happy for Chester, but conflicting emotions swirled within him.
Chester drowned himself in alcohol, his troubles evident in his expression. "I know that look," the bartender smiled at him. Chester looked at the bartender with curiosity and asked, "What do you mean?"
The middle-aged bartender, with the wisdom that comes from years of listening to drunk customers, seemed to possess a deep understanding. "It's a woman's problem," he simply answered. He continued cleaning the glasses on the counter, saying, "Tell me your story."
Chester raised his glass of brandy and took a sip, his mind drifting back to a memory from the past. "It was love at first sight," he began, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
His heart skipped a beat as he laid eyes on Andrea. The school year had just begun, and he found it amusing that she shared the same nickname as his best friend, Andrew. As Mika introduced Andrea to their classmates, Chester found himself unable to tear his eyes away from her.
"Maybe it's her smile, shining brightly as the sun. Or perhaps it's her eyes, reminiscent of sunlit forests. They shimmer and sparkle, as if sunlight filters through a dense forest, creating an enchanting sight," Chester expressed, his voice filled with admiration and wonder.
The bartender chuckled, acknowledging the sentiments of youth. "It's good to be young," he remarked.
"Or maybe it could be her name," Chester continued. "When I was a kid, I was always bullied. But there was a fearless girl who fought for me and protected me. I asked for her name, and she said it was Drew."
The bartender smiled as he placed the glass on the counter, leaning in with anticipation.
"Years later, I found my best friend Andrew sharing the same nickname. It could be fate or coincidence, but I always found protection from someone named Drew," he continued.
"Is this little girl that you met before the same woman who was your first love?" the bartender asked, connecting the dots.
Chester smiled bitterly, his expression tinged with uncertainty. "Who knows?" he replied.
Andrew finally made up his mind. He dialed the telephone, and his secretary picked it up, ready to receive his instructions. "Book me the earliest flight," he commanded, his voice filled with determination.