His CEO

the albatross

"There she is."

"She?" I blinked at the blurry image in the monitor, as Dr. Lee moved the ultrasound probe over my belly. I felt different kinds of emotions I could hardly name.

"It's a girl, Miss Song," Dr. Lee added with a small smile, turning to look at me. "Congratulations."

A girl. My hand instinctively went to my stomach, resting there as I stared at the screen. I'm carrying a little me. The thought of having a daughter filled me with warmth, but it was quickly overshadowed by loneliness.

For the past few months, I had seen other mothers go here with their partners, their husbands, or boyfriends, holding their hands, sharing the joy of the moment going to their monthly appointments. And yet, I was alone. I couldn't help but imagine Insung being here with me, his hand on mine, sharing this moment but that wasn't the reality.

"How have you been feeling?" Dr. Lee asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Tired," I admitted. "And a bit overwhelmed. But I'm managing."

She nodded. "You've been traveling back and forth between Jeju and Seoul for your consultations, right?"

"Yes, it's just easier that way," I replied, though I knew that wasn't entirely true. It was more about avoiding people—avoiding Insung.

Dr. Lee's expression turned serious. "Jihyo-ssi, I understand your reasons, but I have to advise against traveling so frequently from now on. It's not ideal for your pregnancy, especially as you enter the second trimester. Your body needs more rest, and the stress of traveling isn't good for you or the baby."

I nodded, taking her words to heart. "I'll keep that in mind, Dr. Lee. Thank you."

As I left the consultation room, my thoughts were heavy. The idea of staying put in one place made sense, but it also meant I would have to face my reality more directly—something I wasn't sure I was ready for until now.

The hospital lobby was bustling with people, yet it felt strangely quiet to me as I walked through. I took out my phone to call my sister just to tell her I just finished my consultation, and maybe invite her for lunch when suddenly, I bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I started to say, but then I looked up and froze.

"Jihyo-yah..." Yoojin's voice was filled with surprise, and then her gaze dropped to my stomach. "Oh my God," she whispered, a hand flying to her mouth. Before I could say anything, she pulled me into a tight hug. "You should've told us," she said, her voice muffled against my shoulder.

I felt my eyes well up with tears, overwhelmed by her reaction. "I didn't know how," I admitted, my voice shaky. "I was embarrassed, Yoojin. I didn't want anyone to know what I was going through."

She pulled back slightly, looking at me with concern. "Embarrassed? Jihyo, there's nothing to be ashamed of. But... I can't believe you kept this a secret."

"Please, Yoojin," I pleaded, taking her hands. "I need you to keep this between us, especially from Yejin. At least for now... you know how close she is to Insung, and I just... I'm not ready for them to know."

Yoojin's eyes widened slightly as realization hit her. "Insung is the father, isn't he?"

I bit my lip, unable to meet her gaze. "Please, just don't tell anyone yet."