PREGNANT AFTER ONE NIGHT STAND

Now? It’s different. In fact, most of the chats are initiated by Cedric. I only reply briefly. Besides being lazy, I also limit myself from him. I don’t want to get too involved, and I’m afraid that I might waver.

I quickly replied to the message.

Anya. P: No prob. I’m with Naomi.

Then I asked Naomi for a ride. She’s always the fastest when I need help. But looking at her response, I felt reluctant to praise Naomi’s kindness.

Naomi: With my pleasure

Naomi’s message came in at the same time as a message from Cedric.

Cedric. K: If it’s not a bother, can I stop by later?

I’m surprised. I warned him earlier. Why isn’t he listening? He’s so persistent. Just as I was about to type a reply to Cedric, Krystal called me. I didn’t even realize that she had come into my office and was now standing in front of my desk. I was flustered. Since when has she been here? I didn’t even hear her footsteps.

“Anya, tomorrow I’ll join Kelvin. Did you already tell him that I canceled?”

“I already told him that you won’t be attending the event tomorrow.”

Krystal nodded slightly. “tell Kelvin that you and I will be attending. Both of you.”

I sighed. I nodded.

“It’s Kelvin’s last project before he resigns.”

When Krystal speaks like this, it’s not just gossip anymore. It’s reality. The last time I had lunch with the narrow-eyed guy, we didn’t talk about the rumors surrounding him at all. I felt that was his private matter. “Alright, Ma’am. I’ll inform Mr. Kelvin right away.”

“No need to work overtime today, Anya. You can finish it tomorrow.”

I responded with a small smile. “Yes, Ma’am.” I don’t know why, but I didn’t like what Krystal said just now. My mind is now filled with negative thoughts, afraid of what might happen in my life in the next few months.

I saw my boss leave, her bag and paper bag in hand. The door was tightly closed. If she needed me to check her office, I usually swept my gaze over the room with plenty of glass windows. If not requested, it meant Krystal didn’t leave anything important behind.

Instead of staring at her office for too long, I decided to pack up my bag and belongings. I headed home, downstairs to where Naomi and Dona were. I also didn’t forget to inform Kelvin about the change in Krystal’s agenda tomorrow.

Kelvin: Okay, Anya. It’s nice to be able to leave the office together, even if the boss is with us.

I didn’t reply to that message. What’s the point?

Just as I arrived on the floor where Naomi’s office is, coincidentally, Kelvin came out.

“Wow, you even have to go up to the first floor, Anya.”

I just laughed.

“Are you going home together?” he offered.

“With Naomi.”

He sighed softly. “Always, always, and always. Always rejected. Just once, Anya.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I chuckled. “I promised Naomi to go home together.”

“Tomorrow?”

Oh my, he’s not giving up, is he? It’s so obvious that I don’t want to be approached. Not just today, but I’ve rejected him countless times before, in various ways, whether subtle or straightforward.

“It’s hard to reach you, Anya.”

Just as Kelvin said those words, Naomi and Dona approached. “Hi, Sir. We’ll leave first.” Naomi immediately took my arm. I only nodded as a sign of farewell. Who waved at Kelvin? Dona. My friend doesn’t know the meaning of shame.

We walked casually towards Naomi’s parked car. The topic of our conversation this time was Kelvin. I was just a good listener because what’s the point of asking? Dona and Naomi were giving me straightforward information. The main point was that Kelvin’s replacement would start next week. There would be a full month of tandem work with Kelvin, then a handover of files because Kelvin’s position was quite crucial. He couldn’t just resign immediately.

“But I heard Kelvin’s replacement is from Caraka Group.”

I was quite surprised by Dona’s words. “How is that possible?”

Dona shrugged. “I’m confused too. The one who made it hot news was the one who executed Krystal’s application. And she wasn’t even at the office.”

“Really?” I didn’t believe it at all. I always thought that Krystal was well-organized in her work, and her level of professionalism was high.

“I think it’s to avoid any negative implications since Caraka and our company are fierce competitors.”

I agreed with Naomi’s opinion.

“Let’s just wait and see how Krystal moves.”

There’s one point where Krystal is truly an outstanding decision-maker. I’m sure my beautiful and perfect boss has her own reasons for making this decision. I wonder why she chose to do this, and there must be a solid basis for it.

“By the way, what do we want to eat for dinner?” Naomi suddenly asked. I was already seated in the passenger seat with my seat belt on, and Dona had just closed the back door.

“Aren’t we having Chef Cedric again?”

Naomi laughed. “Anya?”

I scoffed at Naomi’s response. Before the lingering feeling could subside, my phone started ringing loudly. I panicked, thinking it might be an important call. When I saw the caller ID, my annoyance took over my heart.

“Why?” I asked curtly.

“Are you on your way home?”

“What’s your business?”

I’m sure he’s smiling on the other end of the line.

“Nothing. I’ll wait for you in the lobby. I’ll be there soon.”

“Aren’t you going to drive them home again?”

“Already done. I can leave now. Want beef steak?”

I don’t know what kind of conspiracy my baby has with Cedric’s voice, but it makes me imagine slices of grilled chicken marinated in soy sauce

and drizzled with peanut sauce, making it suddenly very appetizing. Maybe my saliva is already dripping at the thought of the taste that will tantalize my taste buds.

“I do. Double portion, please. Get some for Naomi and Dona too.”

After getting his approval, I immediately hung up the phone.

“You seem so happy to get a call from Cedric.”

“Anya is finally opening up. Not just undressing in front of Cedric.”

They’re all my friends. But why are they acting so damn annoying?