Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Henry didn't reduce the intensity of sending me messages. Sometimes, even if I replied late, he didn't hesitate to call me. Although my replies were short and not overly affectionate, I didn't want to give him the impression that we could become close again.

But to be honest, I couldn't deny that I missed him. I also wanted to spend more time with Henry, which only happened once during lunch after a long time of not seeing each other. We exchanged stories and shared many jokes during that lunch. However, I realized that I couldn't hide my pregnancy from him forever.

I didn't want him to get close to me while my heart was still in chaos. I wanted to resolve my issues first, rather than adding more mistakes to my life. Strangely, even though the opportunity was wide open for us to rekindle our past love, it felt like an impossible dream. I wished I could blame my foolishness and accept this challenging fate. It wasn't about struggling or anything like that, but the difficulty in not being able to reach Henry anymore.

Deep inside, I knew that first love doesn't easily fade away. Even though we made mistakes, our relationship wasn't just a casual affair. Perhaps, if the universe allowed it, I would become Henry Purnomo's wife now. Maybe. But hoping for that now seemed like the most impossible thing. Personally, if I were to have a serious relationship with Henry, I would decline.

It wouldn't be funny to be in a relationship with him, especially when I was sure that Henry still had the same feelings for me. He finally found out that I was pregnant. My intention to get rid of the baby seemed to diminish greatly. I don't know why. Whenever that thought resurfaced, Cedric's smiling face appeared and became the biggest barrier that made my heart hesitate.

Everything Cedric had done so far couldn't be denied. Indeed, my mouth and this irrational mind of mine were always stubborn and resistant. But deep down, Cedric made me forget some of my fears of being left behind. After he left for home every night, I felt safe. Even though Cedric's physical presence wasn't in my apartment, his presence was still there.

"Anya," Dona called, startling me. "Daydreaming, are you?"

I just shook my head. The four of us, me, Cedric, Naomi, and Dona, were waiting for the elevator to take us downstairs. My friends planned to visit my apartment and probably stay over, considering it was still a workday tomorrow. We were used to doing that.

"What should we eat later? I didn't have time to eat rice earlier," Naomi complained while glancing at her watch. "How about Chicken Care?"

"Are you asking me or Anya, Nao?"

"Why are you asking Dona? I asked Anya. She's the one with the complicated eating habits now, isn't she?"

I felt like pinching Naomi, but Cedric stopped me just in time. He blocked me with his body because the elevator opened, and a few people entered it. Damn it, Naomi! Just you wait! If there's an opportunity, I'll definitely get back at her.

The metal box we entered became more crowded as it was the end of the workday. We couldn't talk as freely as before. I used this moment to look at my phone, just to kill time briefly. A new message came from Henry.

Henry P: When can I take you home, Anya? Tonight?

I smiled slightly, trying to accept the reality that my longing for Henry Melverick was something I had already put aside and couldn't retrieve. Even though I had a strong desire to embrace that longing, I had to be realistic. It wouldn't be appropriate to get close to him or be approached by him again.

"Imagine this. Living with a warm family, hearing the children's voices, and occasionally cooking amidst busy work. Because I know you, you probably need a strong intention to stop working. Having a partner who is always willing to work together is more than enough, Ya, to start a new life."

I vividly remembered Krystal's words in the car earlier. On our way back to the office after lunch, it made me think whether I should reconsider my intentions. Unconsciously, I gazed at Cedric's back in front of me. He didn't look bad, appearance-wise. Always tidy and clean, oh not to mention, he smelled good too. I didn't know what kind of perfume he used, but it always made me want to stay close to him.

Even though he wasn't drop-dead handsome, Cedric had a smile that made me realize he was an attractive person. He was tall; I only reached his shoulders. And one thing I learned slowly was that, no matter how angry Cedric might be, he still cared for me. Well, maybe because I was carrying his child, right?

If this child didn't exist, would he be able to control his temper and still care for me? Ah, I'm such a fool! If I weren't pregnant, I wouldn't have known Cedric so well. He would just be an office boy in the company.

The sound of the elevator bell indicated that we reached our destination. My thoughts were interrupted, and I tried to act normal. I didn't want anyone to know that since earlier, I was thinking about my complicated problems and contemplating many positive considerations. Unlike before, this evening, I felt that what I was thinking had some meaning.

"Ugh, what should we eat now?" Naomi whined again. I think Naomi was really hungry this time. It wasn't usual for her to whine like that.

"Let's have pizza at Anggek Street. I saw some good recommendations," I suggested casually. I didn't think that my words made Cedric's steps pause slightly, and he looked at me. Then again, I wasn't sure if my two friends saw Cedric smiling. But well, he smiled at me, and it made me feel a little awkward. Was it wrong to suggest that? No, right?

"Anything will do. The important thing is that we all have dinner together."

"I agree."

They both spoke in unison and walked ahead, leaving me convinced that they didn't notice Cedric's smile. I sighed in relief. At least I wouldn't be teased throughout the journey home this time. I had informed Cedric that they would be spending time at my apartment, whether it ended in a sleepover or not, I didn't care. Cedric seemed perfectly fine with it, even looking happy about it.

He opened the car door for me, and I endured teasing whistles from Dona. Even Naomi smirked and teased me relentlessly. Cedric remained quiet, seemingly enjoying the banter. Damn it! Just as I finished fastening my seatbelt, my phone started ringing loudly. I saw Henry's caller ID on the screen. I had forgotten to reply to his message earlier, prompting him to call me.

Ignoring Henry wouldn't work since he was persistent. So, I decided to answer the call.

"Hello," I replied as quickly as possible. I didn't know why, but the atmosphere in the car changed. Curious gazes were fixed on me.

Henry spoke at length about how I seemed to be avoiding him. He said that he only got to meet me once, and afterward, he had to make an effort just to say hello. I couldn't help but chuckle at Henry's long-winded complaint.

"It's just your feelings, Henry. I'm here, working just like you," I replied nonchalantly. "Uh... gotta go now. I'm on my way home."

He insisted on visiting me this weekend. I closed my eyes for a moment, thinking about it. Weighing and recalling what I had planned for the weekend. Feeling like there was nothing else on my schedule, I reluctantly agreed to his visit, but I didn't want him to come to my apartment. It didn't mean that I wanted to spend time longing for Henry. No, it was just that I couldn't keep avoiding his intense pursuit.

"Let's have lunch outside, Henry."

"Of course. Finally, the chance to take Anya on a date again."

I laughed and ended the call.

"It seems someone has a weekend date, Nao," Dona said with a slightly loud voice, teasing me. I knew that. If I agreed to be taken out for dinner, I would drag Naomi and Dona along. It wasn't because I wanted to show off, but I wanted them to protect me in a subtle way, even if I was later accompanied home by Kelvin or Dewa when they got close to me first. Sometimes, both of these guys complained about why they had to babysit me together.

I just gave them a grin in response. Why bother explaining that I didn't want to be approached, as it would only lead to being labeled as arrogant. Besides, for the past few days since Henry's appearance, I had become the center of gossip. I didn't even know it; I was busy with my own things. But Naomi and Dona responded positively and agreed that it wasn't good for a pregnant woman to be involved in gossip.

Well, even though I knew deep down.

How could it not be chaotic when Kelvin openly asked Henry about our relationship? Henry was the type of guy who wouldn't back down, saying that when confronted, he would confront back. Forget it, I was tired of thinking about them. It felt like I was a trophy they were fighting over.

"Joice, is something wrong?"

I flinched. I didn't know how long Cedric had been staring at me with a puzzled look. I fixed my hair, which was bothering me by tucking it behind my ear, even though I knew it was futile. "Nothing."

"Do you want more?" he asked.

My lips pouted. "No, thank you. My stomach is not a bottomless pit!"

"It's better that way, rather than daydreaming. Not attractive."

Since when did this guy become good at flattery? Could it be that he learned it from Dewa?

"Let's go home. Are you guys full?" I stood up and spoke to my two friends who were chatting about something. "I'm tired."

"Ugh, you're so annoying! I let you date, and now you want to rush home," Dona said, complete with a mocking tone.

"You have no idea, Don. They're dating at my apartment. Why would they date here? It's not fun. Right, Cedric?"

I didn't care about them. I'd better head to the car, which was parked not far from where we had dinner. The teasing about our relationship continued in the lobby of the apartment. At first, I wanted to remain silent and give the impression that I didn't care, but it got irritating after a while. Especially since Cedric didn't say anything to oppose them.

Defend me, or something! What should I say? Even better, he kept smiling as if he enjoyed seeing me getting more frustrated.

"All right, then. Let's come here again tomorrow, Anya. Just make sure you don't open the door," Dona threatened. I could see her getting ready through the center mirror.

"Where are you going?"

"Home, of course! Why would we ride up with you? To see you dating? Ugh... it's fun to have a live show, but the consequences are unbearable!"

Naomi burst into laughter at Dona's words. The two of them were really in sync, making me even more annoyed.

"I'm heading home too, Anya." Naomi also seemed ready to leave. Why were they hitching a ride if they didn't want to come upstairs? That's so weird, right?

"Oh, Cedric, thanks for treating us. Let's go for friendly meals on the side of the road again sometime," Dona added.

They truly lived up to their words, going home by ordering an online taxi. They said they just wanted to have a meal with Cedric. They wanted to know how he treated me outside of work hours. And they said all of this right in front of Cedric. What's worse, they approved of Cedric stepping on the gas pedal to get closer to me, especially with all the times I went back and forth to the hospital. Dona even said that Cedric's attention to me was clinically proven to be effective in melting my heart!

How audacious!

***

"Are you pouting like that?" Cedric asked as we stepped into the elevator. My belongings were already in his hands, leaving me free to walk comfortably without any burden. Well, except for my increasingly restless stomach. When it gets bigger, I might have trouble breathing, right?

"It's annoying how they speak without thinking," I scowled at him, only to be met with a grin. "And you too. Why do you always smile? You never defend me."

I thought Cedric's brain wasn't functioning properly. He casually patted the top of my head! Was he not afraid that I might slap him or scold him again?!

"Starting tomorrow, if Naomi and Dona start teasing you again, I'll defend you. I thought you didn't want me to interfere," he said.

I pouted even more!

Once we entered the apartment, I thought he would stay for a while, but he didn't. After putting down my belongings, Cedric made sure to check this and that to ensure my comfort and safety, according to him. But I could manage on my own, really.

"I'm going home now," Cedric approached me as I sat down, feeling a bit tired. My feet were sore even though I hadn't worn high heels today. Cedric allowed me to wear heels up to three centimeters high for work. Instead of listening to a lecture from him, I complied.

"Why are you still pouting? What's wrong?" Cedric asked, aligning his body with my sitting position. I was puzzled; did I really look sulky when he said goodbye earlier? I didn't think so.

"I'm not pouting."

Cedric just smiled, and his hidden dimple was clearly visible in front of me. I blinked slowly.

"Do you want me to accompany you tonight?"

"You're busy, right?" I turned my face away. I couldn't keep challenging his dark gaze. I might lose if I did.

"No, for you, I'm not busy."

I remained silent. Feeling that I had no response, Cedric stood up.

"Okay then. I'm going home."

Maybe this time, I was the one who went crazy. But for some reason, the urge to hold him back was so strong that my hand reflexively grabbed his arm, making Cedric turn with a questioning look.

"Stay with me," I said softly. I was acting so crazy!!!

Once again, Cedric aligned his body in front of me. His eyes were back on me, but I didn't dare to look at him. I felt embarrassed!

"Say it correctly."

He's starting to be difficult!

"Cedric, just accompany me today."

I averted my gaze, annoyed. "Go home already!" Cedric was so irritating when given any attention!

I thought Cedric would really leave after hearing my words. Part of my heart didn't want him to go, for some reason. I must be going crazy. Cedric then got up from his position, and I prepared myself for him to disappear behind the door. But guess what? He didn't.

He went to the kitchen. "You usually take a shower before bed, right? Why don't you go shower while I make some milk for you?"

I couldn't help but smile.