Ask Me For It

Chapter 17 - In a Triangle

Mariam's POV

"I'm not pregnant!"

I'm beyond annoyed that Martha would use me the way she did to trick her son. I actually thought she was genuine towards me. I guess no one I know, including my parents, is actually genuine with me. Well, everyone except Hero. He doesn't ever lead me on like other guys do. No, with him, you get what you see -no hidden agenda. He's not into me. He's made that abundantly clear. What if I'm falling for him -like more than physically? I know being around other guys is scary right now after what Jack did. I just feel safe with Hero.

"You may not be pregnant, but you need to act like you are for a while. Then we'll fake a miscarriage for you and have Hero worry over you. The media will love it! I've booked a maternity shoot for the two of you. You'll get the details shortly." Martha turns to leave but stops by the door to continue speaking. "We need this publicity to bring up our stock value. Investors are becoming nervous about this merger now that things are going ahead. We need to show a strong close financially to the first quarter of our fiscal year! Both of you need to make this believable!" This woman is really something else!

"I'm not one of your puppets Martha. Faking an engagement, pregnancy, and miscarriage is not something I'm interested in. I have a modelling career ahead of me to worry about. Hero will lose his mind, and I don't want to be blamed for your crazy ideas. Besides, the merger is going through now. I don't need to be a pawn in whatever game you're playing."

I'm not sure how but Martha's made her way over to me in a few short strides and has me by the hair. "You stupid girl! Do you think the modelling contract you landed was because of your looks? The agency owner is one of our shareholders, and I may have used my charms to land you that contact, but I can have it taken away. I can ruin you in the media so easily. Trust me, it's in your best interest to do what I say and make it believable." She yanks my head back further and hisses in my ear, "...and don't you ever fucken call me crazy!" She jerks her hand away, causing me to stumble back. By the time I gain my composure, Martha has left.

A cold sweat runs down my spine, my hands are clammy, my head is spinning, and I can feel my breakfast sitting heavily in my stomach... taunting me. The bathrooms not too far. On my knees in front of the toilet, thoughts are swirling in my head. I don't have Hero. His heart belongs to someone else. I don't have security from my parents' mismanaged business, I might lose this modelling contract and my only income source if I don't listen to Martha, and now my body is betraying me. I have to look perfect to remain employable as a model. With that thought, I do what I've been doing for the last 6 months. I stick my finger down my throat and force myself to throw up my breakfast. A good purge is what I need... that's all. I'm Ok... I'm ok. I can't get through this. Right?

******

Jo's POV

"That is the most disgusting thing I have ever eaten! What is it?" I toss the contents of my bowl into the bin, making a face at mom. "It's a chia seed pudding made in unsweetened almond milk with ground flax and pureed kiwi. Don't ask me! It's what Mercy likes and manages to keep down despite her morning sickness. Your father actually went out and got all the ingredients for me to make this while Brent was away at Uni catching up on all the assignments he missed." Mom laughs and moves on to placing a chocolate croissant on my plate. She remembered they're my favourite!

"Wait, dad helped out?" I'm stunned he's taking part in anyone's life since he's always so MIA. "Why is that so shocking, Jo? I love you and your brother and now his partner and my future grandchild. I'm not heartless dear, maybe just a bit conflict avoidant." Dad enters the kitchen holding some more groceries, and by the amount and variety of crackers he's bought, I'm guessing this has to do with Mercy's morning sickness as well. "Umm... hey, dad!" I sheepishly say. "Shouldn't Mercy be past the morning sickness phase by now?" Mom turns to face me before answering. "Yes, dear, but it turns out she's one of the unlucky few that experience the symptom throughout their pregnancy. Her doctor is suggesting she go on meds for nausea before this becomes dangerous for her or the baby."