Mandy's POV
I step outside the room, and there he is—Dreid. Leaning against the wall, hands shoved into his pockets, eyes raking over me from head to toe.
What the hell? Is he checking me out? Or judging me like I'm some kind of spectacle?
My heart hammers against my chest as I approach him. My brain refuses to process the absurdity of it all: I'm pregnant... and he's the father.
I stop in front of him, my palms clammy, my knees weak. He doesn't say a word; he just stares at me, disappointment clouding his eyes. I hate how small I feel right now.
"Dreii..."
I barely get the word out before he cuts me off.
"What do you want?" His voice is cold, edged with bitterness.
I blink, confused. What does he mean by that?
"Money? Scholarship? What? Tell me!" he snaps.
The words slap me harder than any insult. My hands curl into fists. F* this guy, Mandy. Stay calm. Don't let him break you.*
"What are you trying to say?" I keep my voice steady, but it's a struggle.
He scoffs. "You're making this issue just to get my attention, right? Everyone knows you've had a crush on me. I'm just disappointed you had to go this far. Happy now? I'm here. Or do you want me to kiss you in public to satisfy you?"
His sarcasm is like a dagger to my chest. My vision blurs with tears I refuse to shed. The sting of betrayal burns in my veins.
I slap him. Hard.
The sharp crack echoes in the hallway. His eyes widen in shock, a red mark blooming on his cheek.
"You know what, Dreid? I'm disappointed in myself too. And just so we're clear, I don't need you or your money. So do us both a favor and stay out of my way!"
I spin around, raise my middle finger in a sarcastic farewell, and storm back into the classroom. My hands tremble, but I hold my head high.
The moment I step inside, all eyes are on me.
"Mandy, are you okay? You look pale," the teacher asks, concern lacing her voice.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm fine." But inside, I'm a storm of hurt and anger.
No, Mandy. Don't let this consume you. Relax.
Dreid's POV
What the f* is wrong with that girl?* My cheek burns from her slap.
Gelo, my friend, steps forward, arms crossed. "Dude, what did you expect? You asked her about money and scholarships. Of course, you hit her pride."
"It's infuriating!" I snap. "Every time I see her face, I just want to lose it!"
"Relax, man. You need to figure this out," Gelo says, calmer now. "Do you want me to dig up more info on her?"
"Yes, please," I mutter, running a hand through my hair.
Grid, another friend, sighs. "Maybe you should just take responsibility, man."
"Idiot!" I shoot back.
Gelo smirks. "Next time, if you're going to have a one-night stand, maybe stick to high-class girls. Plenty of models are dying for you and please use some damn protection, bro!"
"It's done. What else can I do? My parents already know, and weirdly enough, they didn't even react."
Grid's face turns serious. "What about Shantal?"
The mention of her name sours my mood. My jaw clenches. "I don't know."
I need to talk to Mandy again. This can't end like this.
The Night Before – Mandy's Room
I collapse onto my bed, exhaustion crashing over me. I play a calming playlist from YouTube, trying to soothe my frayed nerves.
If only I could wake up with amnesia.
My phone buzzes. A notification.
I glance at the screen, my breath catching.
Unknown Number:
"Hi, this is Shantal. Let's talk. Tomorrow at 8 AM, DD's Café."
My stomach knots. Shantal. Dreid's fiancée. How can I face her? The shame is suffocating.
I stare at the message, fingers hovering over the reply button. Maybe I can pretend I never saw it. Or say I lost my phone.
But a nagging voice in my head whispers: Mandy, you owe her an explanation. You know how she must feel.
I sigh. Be brave, Mandy. Fix this one step at a time.
I clasp my hands together and whisper a prayer, pouring out my fears and regrets. A strange calm washes over me, lifting the weight from my chest.
"God, please help me through this."
The Next Morning – DD's Café
Mandy's POV
I walk to DD's Café, my heart thundering in my chest. Each step feels heavier than the last. What do I even say? How do I explain myself to Shantal?
Through the window, I see her right away. She's sitting by the corner window, effortlessly poised, her golden-brown hair catching the sunlight. Her green eyes glimmer with quiet confidence. She's the kind of woman who seems to have it all—and I feel like a shadow in her presence.
I swallow hard and push the door open. The soft chime of the bell feels deafening.
"Hi," I manage to say, my voice trembling.
She glances up and smiles faintly. "Oh, it's you. Hi, Mandy. Have a seat."
I slip into the chair across from her. My fingers fidget with the edge of my shirt. The air feels thick with unspoken words.
"I only have twenty minutes," she says, glancing at her watch. "I have a flight to Cebu for a photoshoot later. But I needed to meet you."
Her calm demeanor makes me feel even smaller. My voice wavers as I speak.
"I'm so sorry for everything, Shantal. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I never wanted to ruin your relationship with Dreid."
Her brow arches slightly. A sigh escapes her lips.
"Ruin my relationship?" she repeats, her voice tinged with sadness. "Mandy, you didn't ruin anything. Dreid and I... we're not together anymore."
My eyes widen. "What?"
She nods, her gaze drifting toward the window. "We used to be together. We broke up a year ago."
The world tilts a little. My breath catches in my throat. So, they were together. This whole time, I was just a complication in his already tangled life.
"Why didn't anyone know?" I whisper.
Shantal chuckles softly, but there's no humor in her eyes. "People love their illusions, Mandy. The perfect couple, the childhood sweethearts destined to be together. But reality isn't always that simple."
I look down at my hands, shame and confusion swirling inside me.
"I didn't know," I murmur. "I thought you two were still engaged."
She shakes her head. "We tried to make it work, but... some things aren't meant to be. And now, it's complicated because you're involved."
Her words sting. I feel like an intruder in their story—a mistake that no one asked for.
"Shantal, I really didn't mean for any of this to happen. I didn't plan to..."
She holds up a hand to stop me. "I believe you, Mandy. I don't think you did this on purpose. But the reality is, you and Dreid have to figure this out now."
I nod, blinking back tears. "I don't know how to fix this."
Her eyes soften. "You don't have to fix everything overnight. Just be honest—with yourself, with Dreid. And don't be afraid to face him. He's not as heartless as he pretends to be."
I let out a shaky breath. Her words offer a sliver of hope, but also a weight of responsibility.
Her phone buzzes on the table. She glances at the screen and sighs.
"I have to go," she says, standing up. "It was nice meeting you, Mandy. I hope you find your strength through all this. Take care of yourself—and the baby."
I watch her walk out the door, grace in every step. A hollow feeling settles in my chest. Knowing they were exes doesn't make this any easier. The shadow of their past still looms over me.
Why do I still feel like I don't belong in this story?
To Be Continued...