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The experience of taking the pregnancy test was a brief yet intense moment for me. I vividly recall the weight of the situation sinking in as I found myself on the floor of my bathroom immediately after taking the test. As I contemplated the possibility of a positive result, a wave of emotions and questions engulfed me. Would I choose to keep the baby, especially considering that at thirty, I might not have many other significant accomplishments ahead of me? How would I disclose this news to the man whose career seemed never-ending? These thoughts swirled in my mind as I sat, contemplating the implications of a positive result.
When I finally mustered the courage to check the results, my emotions overwhelmed me as I saw the positive outcome. Unsure whether to cry or scream, I grappled with the conflicting emotions that washed over me. Amidst this emotional turmoil, I reminded myself not to panic and that I had the strength and resilience to navigate this situation, even if it meant facing the disapproval of my Italian mother. As I calmed myself and wiped away tears, I repeated to myself,
"Okay Millie, breathe. We can get through this," while retreating to my bed to gather my thoughts.
Falling asleep had been a challenge, but as I nestled into the soft warmth of my bed, I finally began to feel comfortable. Suddenly, at around 11 am, I was jolted awake by the sound of singing coming from the bathroom. It struck me as odd since the bathroom was located right next to my bedroom at the head of my bed.
As I groggily made my way into the kitchen, I rubbed my eyes, still feeling the remnants of sleep clouding my mind. Instinctively, I reached into the fridge for a cold bottle of water and then settled at the kitchen island, looking around with a sense of contemplation. Should I have a conversation with him now? I hesitated, deciding to postpone it for a more suitable moment. I knew that my reluctance was rooted in fear, but I couldn't bring myself to put on a facade of contentment when I was actually feeling upset with him.
Lewis came down the stairs, interrupting my thoughts. „Oh, you're awake. Do you want me to make you something to eat?" he offered.
„No, I'm alright," I replied, looking up from my phone.
„Are you sure? Your stomach must be empty to the brink," he commented, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge and taking a sip.
„Just pass me a peach from the basket," I requested, as he reached out to hand me one.
Taking a bite I enjoyed its sweet and juicy taste.
"So, care to explain everything?" I asked as he settled onto the stool beside me at the kitchen island.
Lewis sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Where should I even start?" he muttered, not meeting my gaze.
"How about starting from the beginning?" I suggested, feeling a bit frustrated.
"Okay," Lewis began. "I want you to know that I really did try to respond to all of your texts. I read every single one of them. But my manager got really annoyed with me for doing so."
"What?" I exclaimed, feeling disbelief wash over me.
Lewis was frustrated and upset as he recounted the events. "My manager was furious with me for constantly checking my phone during work hours. He ended up confiscating it and at times, refused to return it to me," Lewis explained with a hint of exasperation. "I was really angry with him. I told him that he had no right to interfere with my personal life, but he didn't back down. That's when I made the decision to let him go, right in the middle of my important promotions with Tommy Jeans." He paused before continuing, "Once I finally got my phone back, I realized that you had stopped messaging me. I was afraid that you would be extremely upset with me, so instead of texting you, I made a spontaneous trip to Birmingham, only to find out from your brother that you weren't there. Without hesitation, I rushed back to catch a flight to Japan to see you as soon as possible."
I gazed at him in utter disbelief. It all sounded like a tale spun by a child, yet I vividly recalled encountering his manager on numerous occasions. The sole instance I encountered him in person, without Lewis acting as an intermediary behind the screen, was at Silverstone. Throughout that time, he lingered in the corner of Lewis' garage, casting unsettling gazes in my direction. It sent shivers down my spine, but I dismissed it, choosing to immerse myself in the enjoyment of the day with my brother and father.
"Oh, it sounds like something out of a child's imagination," I remarked, a chuckle escaping my lips as I attempted to steer the conversation further. However, before I could continue, Lewis cut me off.
"I swear--" Lewis began, but I interrupted before he could elaborate.
"But that man gave me the creeps, so your story does sound quite plausible. I may be willing to forgive you, but I'm not entirely convinced yet," I stated, causing him to emit an audible sigh.
"Thank goodness we talked," Lewis said, finally turning to me. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, but I might be getting hungry soon because it's almost lunchtime. Since I'm the sick patient, I'll lend you my money, and you can go get the groceries," I told him, raising my eyebrow sardonically.
"Of course, the sick patient needs to be taken care of," Lewis said as I handed him the money and keys and let him out of the house.
As soon as he left, I hurried to my room and dialed Nara's number.
