Chapter 30: Chapter 30

Actually, I personally find it confusing that during the meeting with Lazade, something made my boss furious. But it's not like that, though. Maybe it's because of the behavior of their leader named Andrew, but in my opinion, it's not the case. Mr. Andrew can still be professional during meetings, even though the hostility is quite evident.

"Sir, please drive faster. I want to arrive at the office soon," ordered Krystal, making me turn around. From her facial expression, I could see how she was holding back her anger, ready to explode at any moment. I myself didn't understand which part of the meeting made Krystal Blaxton so angry.

"Damn it," she cursed, closing her eyes. She intentionally slammed her body back on the seat, making me flinch. I'm used to seeing Krystal angry, but... this time, she's angry without any apparent reason. It makes me suspicious.

Along the way back to the office, no one spoke, and I personally didn't want to start a conversation. My mind wandered everywhere because there's so much I need to do once I arrive at the office. My work plan is clear, but I'll need to work overtime. Given Krystal's warning, I don't dare to ask for overtime permission.

"Aren't you feeling nauseous, Anya?"

I was startled. Out of all the things Krystal could ask me, why did she ask about my pregnancy? I turned to look at her, and she was gazing at me with interest. As if waiting for me to talk about what I feel.

"No, ma'am." I lied. The nausea is still there, but not as bad as before. I've found something effective to relieve the nausea during my daily activities at the office. It's a eucalyptus oil aroma.

"Thank goodness. I was worried you might faint again," Krystal said with a sincere smile. She then took both of my hands, holding them and gently stroking them. Like an older sister comforting her younger sibling who's troubled. This? Krystal isn't possessed, right?

"Take care of yourself, okay? Don't overexert yourself because of work. Call Anna and split the workload."

Sometimes, when you hope that someone would understand your biggest concerns even just a little, that person is the one who pushes you down and causes you to get hurt. Just like what Krystal did to me. Despite my efforts since I left the hospital to prove that Anna isn't needed.

If I really want to be disposed of, I don't need to wait any longer. I just need to say when I need to submit the resignation letter that's already saved in one of my personal folders. Ready to be printed and signed.

"Oh, by the way, don't you want anything?" Krystal furrowed her brow. "I have a friend who got pregnant last year, and her child is so cute now. During her pregnancy, there were always things she asked for. Even Anya was bothered."

"What do you mean?"

"Yes. Aren't you wanting anything?"

In the end, I gave her a sad smile. Why does my boss have to ask this kind of question? Why not discuss the meeting or its results? Or any additional points as she usually asks me to include in the meeting summaries.

"No, ma'am," I answered because it seemed like Krystal was waiting for me to speak.

"If you want something, let me know, Anya. I want to be bothered by a pregnant lady."

Honestly, I don't understand Krystal's thought process right now. Getting to know her closely but still keeping a distance as her secretary in her office, it makes me feel a little uneasy. I'm sure Krystal won't act strangely. It's just that she's behaving like someone else.

Serious.

The beautiful woman I know is always focused on her work. Her head is never filled with anything other than reports, meetings, discussion outcomes, key points, and not to forget the list of questions that go around in circles but lead to one point. It makes her conversation partners unable to do anything but follow her wishes.

She is dedicated to her work. I don't even see any flaw in Krystal's personal life. I only learned about the story of her friend now. And I never noticed when she was bothered by her friend. Her days are mostly spent at the office and working overtime. Ah, maybe on weekends, yes. I don't know what she does on weekends.

"I'm afraid I'll just make things difficult for you, ma'am."

You know, I already said it. Krystal is getting weirder. The woman even giggled, showing her white teeth. It contrasts sharply with the maroon lipstick she's wearing on her quite plump but, in my opinion, very sexy lips.

"You are like family to me now, Anya."

***

"Are you feeling sick?" Cedric asked after pulling over his motorcycle. We were on our way home. He sabotaged my plan to hitch a ride with Naomi. As soon as she saw me in the parking lot, she immediately pushed me towards Cedric. Naomi also added that she wanted to go somewhere. No room for me to hitch a ride with her.

I sulked afterward. Dona wasn't supporting me either. She sided with Naomi. These two friends of mine are the ones who can make me feel the most miserable.

Then I reluctantly accepted the jacket, helmet, and Cedric's little attention as I was about to get on his motorcycle again.

"No," I replied shortly.

I heard him sigh softly. "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I asked what you wanted to eat."

I shook my head in response. I didn't hear any of it, to be honest. Maybe because my head was occupied with many possibilities that have been happening in my life lately. My pregnancy. Krystal's excessive attention towards me. Cedric's behavior that's making me more confused.

I feel like going back to the night before all this happened. So everything can go back to normal. Nothing changed. Even this pressure is driving me crazy.

"You're daydreaming."

I don't care. I diverted my gaze that was initially directed at Cedric elsewhere. Perhaps because of my attitude, Cedric finally gave up. He started the engine again and continued on the way to my apartment.

But I never expected that Cedric would take me somewhere. Just like any other couple who spends a little of their time in between their activities. We went to the park.

"Why are we here?" I protested, not accepting it. But still, I took off Cedric's helmet and jacket.

"To get rid of the boredom."

***

"I'm tired. You should just go home." I firmly kicked Cedric out. This guy isn't paying any attention to what I want. He chose to walk ahead of me without caring that I was already pouting because of his behavior.

We spent thirty minutes in the park without any conversation. Just sitting near the quite large fish pond which... oh my God, why did Cedric take me here? I let Cedric relax for a moment with his black coffee, sipping it slowly. I accumulated anger because of his arrogance. He's getting bolder, huh? I don't like how he's starting to intervene in my life.

Just because I'm pregnant with his child? Seriously? He's got it easy. It'll be gone soon. Just wait and see! Then everything will go back to normal. Krystal won't give any weird attention or ask about an assistant for me. Naomi and Dona will be back to take me to the club without alcohol, of course. And Cedric. He's the most important one.

"I said I want to rest," I said sarcastically right next to Cedric. We were in front of the elevator that would take us to the tenth floor.

"Where's the access card?"

"I told you to go home!"

He just smiled! This Cedric is crazy!

"Later. I want to make sure you're inside first. Not acting silly by taking the emergency stairs."

My eyes widened in surprise. My mouth was wide open. "You..."

"I know? Yes, I know."

"None of your business, Joice. Why should you care?"

Damn, Cedric smiled, but it's not the kind of smile he usually gives. "It's not. You're the one who'll lose, you know."

I immediately snatched my belongings from his hand. This surprised him, and he looked at me with a puzzled expression. "I can handle it myself." As soon as the elevator opened, I got in. I scanned the access card and pressed the close button on the panel, leaving Cedric still standing in front of the door with a somewhat... annoyed look?

I should be the one annoyed! Why is he looking at me like he's angry or something? Cedric is really getting audacious! Throughout the ride home, even when I accompanied him for a coffee, he didn't bring up this issue at all. Why suddenly say something annoying like that?

Besides, who does he think he is, to know everything I did last night? Is it because of that he kept calling me non-stop and ringing the doorbell as if a thief was chasing him? No wonder, right? That's why I said Cedric is crazy.

I walked half stomping due to the frustration that just hit me. The feeling wouldn't just disappear. I'll get back at Cedric later. You'll see. How dare he act that way with me? Once I arrived at my unit, I quickly opened the door, entered, and locked it behind me. I dumped my belongings on the sofa and threw myself on the other side of the sofa. My hands worked to rummage through my work bag, searching for my phone, and when it greeted my palm, I immediately snatched it and made a call.

"Unusual for you to call," a voice said on the other end.

"I'm so mad! Damn Cedric!"

Naomi chuckled on the other end. "What did he do?"

"Don't laugh like that! I'm really upset," I grumbled while unbuttoning my shirt.

"Do you want me to come over?"

"I'm staying at Dona's place tonight."

"All right. Wait for us then."

No matter how annoying my two friends can be, I can always count on them. Especially when I need more than just a venting session.

***

"Anya seems to be going crazy, huh?" Dona exclaimed amid the booming music. We didn't go down to the dance floor. My hands were fully restrained by Naomi, even though I really wanted to dance. I just wanted to let off some steam since this lingering annoyance was bothering me so much.

I don't know why I'm behaving like this. Dona couldn't say anything when I was already preparing with my sleeveless navy dress, hugging my body perfectly, showing off my long legs and neck. I even curled the ends of my hair slightly to make it look different than usual.

"Damn, Anya, you're really determined," Dona said when she arrived at my apartment two hours ago. Naomi didn't want to accompany me at first, but I threatened to go alone. I'm sure none of them genuinely wanted to accompany me tonight. Whatever! As long as my annoyance disappears tonight.

I tried soaking in a bath to relax more, but Cedric's stare when the elevator doors started closing bothered me so much. It's like I'm totally wrong in his eyes. Why didn't he bring up that issue during the drive?

"Sit down," Naomi said with her deadly stare. Fine, I don't dare walk away to the dance floor. Not because of anything else, but when Naomi glares and uses that scary tone, I'm in awe.

"We agreed to accompany you here, but not for any hanky-panky. Sit down and enjoy your juice."

My lips pouted, but Naomi was firm. Luckily, the table we picked wasn't too far from the dance floor, so I could still enjoy watching people casually dancing there.

Fine, I give up. At least this already reduced the annoyance in my heart considerably. I haven't detailed what happened between Cedric and me. My God! It sounds ridiculous, right? But really, I didn't do anything, I'm just upset with him.

"So?" Dona kindly asked. Besides ordering juice for me, she also ordered some snacks. At least, my mouth can still chew food. "Is this a sudden whim for you?"

I laughed. "I'm just fed up."

"Damn, baby, I hope your behavior won't be like your mom's in the future. Aunt Dona will definitely take care of you with all my heart, body, and soul."

"I'm being a jerk, right, Don?" I asked while blinking my eyes, trying not to get offended, but I admit I'm more of a jerk than just a pregnant woman who wants to spend time at a night club.

"No. You're just lost."

Dona's answer was rewarded with a gentle pat as if slapping her from Naomi. Over the top, Dona winced in pain. It made me laugh.

"Lost but inviting us. Lost together, right?" Naomi chimed in.

"Like you guys are so good!" I protested.

"So why is our pregnant friend feeling upset? Are you fighting with your fiancé?"

I pouted. I didn't want to challenge Naomi's eyes, which were now glancing mischievously at me. Neither did Dona. She drew my attention by poking me like I was a soap bar.

"Since when did he become my fiancé?"

They both laughed heartily. "Soon, Anya. Very soon."

I don't want to agree with their words. Not at all!

"Hey, guys, wait a moment," Dona suddenly pointed her finger to a table across from us. I was curious, and so was Naomi. We followed the direction she meant.

I wasn't mistaken. Even Naomi covered her mouth with her hand. Her eyes kept darting back and forth, looking at me with concern.

Cedric was there, sitting casually and being fawned over by two beautiful women. Unconsciously, my fists clenched.