THREE
"You are pregnant for me?" He asked in shock and Jane nodded firmly.
She pressed her lips into a thin line, waiting for his reaction to the news.
Then, in an instant, his shocked expression gave way to happiness, and a huge smile broke up on his face.
"Well, congratulations to us, babygirl!" He exclaimed.
Jane blinked, momentarily stunned.
"You are… happy?" She asked in disbelief as her eyes started searching his face for any hint of sarcasm or hidden anger.
Mikel laughed softly, his smile growing bigger.
"of course! Jane, how could I be anything else? I have been looking for a child for ten years. Ten good years and everything has been futile endeavor." He said firmly and leaned in, placing a hand gently on her shoulder.
"And now, here you are, carrying my child. Of course this news is a good one and I am very happy." He added.
Jane heaved a sigh of relief then frowned her face
"But... Your wife?" She asked, her eyes holding a hint of uncertainty.
Mikel waved his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry about her. I will take care of everything." His tone was calm, assured. Then, he stepped closer and took her hands gently.
"What matters now is you—and this baby. You just relax. Enjoy my wealth, Jane. You deserve it. As the mother of my unborn child, you deserve everything." He told her lovingly.
A slow smile spread across Jane's face. The uncertainty melted away, replaced by satisfaction.
She lowered her gaze for a moment, her mind swirling with thoughts.
"Of course, I know what is in it for me. And that is why I planned this." She said inwardly and smiled in satisfaction.
Then, she looked up again, her eyes gleaming with something Mikel didn't catch.
"You know you are not going back home tonight, right?" Her voice was soft, almost playful.
"Of course." Mikel didn't dare to argue like before and Jane smiled satisfyingly.
"Come here... Come and tell me everything you need. Let's start with how much you need to live a baby girl's life this night." He said as he led her gently to the sofa and sat beside her.
"This night? Isn't it late already?" Jane asked but chuckled excitedly.
~~~~~~~~~
The following day, it was afternoon when Mikel got back home.
He stepped inside the quiet living room, his eyes searching the surrounding.
In there, Alexis lay on a sofa, her phone clutched loosely in one hand. She was in the same clothes she had worn the previous day—her hair slightly disheveled, dark circles under her eyes.
Mikel paused, observing her for a moment.
"She looks… tired. Worn out..." His eyesbrows furrowed, but he shook off the thought.
As if sensing his presence, Alexis stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw him, surprise and relief washed over her face.
"Mikel! You are home!" She exclaimed, sitting up quickly.
Before he could respond, she jumped up and threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
He stood stiffly, her warmth pressing against him, but all he felt was a sudden rush of discomfort.
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him.
"I was so worried. Why didn't you..." She was saying, her voice soft and filled with concern.
He stepped back, cutting her off with a glance.
"Why haven't you changed your clothes?" His voice was sharp and cold.
Alexis blinked, caught off guard.
"I… I was waiting for you." She muttered, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Since last night?" He snapped.
She nodded quickly, her words coming out in a rush.
"Yes. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. I didn't even leave the living room. I was so worried about you, Mikel." Her eyes searched his face.
"I sent you so many messages, but you didn't reply. I thought something bad has…" She trailed off, biting her lip.
However, Mikel's expression didn't soften. Instead, his face scrunched up in disgust as he stared at her.
"You haven't even brushed your teeth, have you?" He asked, through gritted teeth.
"I..." Alexis opened her mouth, then closed it again, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Go brush your teeth before you talk to me." Mikel said bluntly.
For a moment, everywhere was silent.
Alexis looked up at him, hurt flashing across her face. But instead of reacting with anger or offense, she lowered her head apologetically.
"okay, I'm sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I was just… I needed to know you were okay." She muttered. And that seemed to get to Mikel a bit.
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
"It was just a small fire, Alexis. Nothing serious. I handled it." His tone was flat and dismissive.
Alexis's eyes brightened with relief.
"Oh, thank God! I was so scared. You could have called, though… Just to let me know. I would have been at peace." She said.
Mikel's jaw tightened, then he looked away.
"Well, I had other things to take care... That was why I couldn't reply your messages or call you back." He said simply.
"You do know how these things use to be, don't you?" He added, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"Y... yes, I do. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you. I was just worried." She whispered.
"And I get it. You have repeated that many times and I know you are worried. Thank you for being that worried. Now, I need to rest." He announced and without waiting for a response, he turned and walked toward the bedroom.
Alexis watched him go, her heart sinking.
"Is that all? After all night and even throughout this morning... That is all he had to say to me?" She wondered aloud.
Afterwards, she heaved a deep sigh.
"His words, his tone—they were different..."
"He has never snapped at me before." She couldn't help but observe in disappointment.
"What is going on? Is he that upset about the fire or there is something else going on?" She wondered.
Her mind raced, searching for answers. Then, softly, as if someone else was I'm the room with her to give her answer, she whispered:
"What can I do to make him feel better?"