A Plaything

“Congratulations, Miss Kings,” Dr. Andrew said as he reviewed my test results. “You’re six weeks pregnant.”

“Six weeks pregnant?” I repeated in shock, trying to process the news. “Are you sure?””Yes, I’m sure,” he confirmed with a knowing smile.I had known deep down that the possibility existed, considering my intimate relationship with Colin, but the reality of it still caught me off guard.”If I may ask, the father here with you? If yes, he should be here as well.”I shook my head slowly, “He’s busy with work and couldn’t make it today.”Dr. Andrew sighed. “I see. Well, make sure you get plenty of rest, and remember to come for regular checkups for your baby’s safety.”

I nodded and accepted the test results, clutching them tightly as I left the hospital. Though the news came as a shock, joy now filled me. I smiled and rubbed what would eventually be a baby bump, already feeling a connection with the little one.

Once outside, I reached into my bag and retrieved my cell phone to call Colin, my fiancé and the love of my life, to share the life-changing news with him.Colin and I had been inseparable since our college days at Boston Hills, where our love had blossomed. His recent proposal had filled me with so much happiness and hope for our future, and I knew our wedding day wasn’t far off.A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I reflected back on the day we first met, a moment etched forever in my memory. I had stumbled down a flight of stairs, only to awaken in the school hospital with Colin by my side, his concerned gaze never leaving me. The mere sight of him had ignited a spark within me. The look in his eyes, coupled with the caring way he spoke to me regarding the injuries I had sustained, made my heart skip thousands of beats in seconds.Afterward, I fantasized about him for some time. But he was with a woman named Page back then. It wasn’t until after she moved to England that I mustered the courage to confess my feelings to Colin. To my delight, he had reciprocated my affection, telling me he felt the same way. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

A text message notification chimed, pulling me out of my reverie. I smiled when I saw it was from Colin. He must have been thinking about me, too. I opened the message: “Deliver my Game project files to Zeal restaurant, Room 501. Now. Make it snappy. No delay.”

My heart sank. Though Colin was cold and powerful, and I’d grown accustomed to that aspect of his character, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed at his curt tone. I shook it off, though. It didn’t mean he didn’t love me. He did. It was just his way.

Though it would have been nice if had at least asked about my day instead of going straight to the point. But maybe it was for the best. This way, I could tell him about the baby face to face before handing over the files. I couldn’t wait to see his happy expression when he heard the news.

Once home, I found the documents Colin had requested and placed them securely in my bag before leaving for Zeal restaurant. As I was about to step out of the door, the sky opened up and rain poured down.“Why now?” I muttered. “Why when Colin needs this?”

Despite the lousy weather, I needed to get the paperwork to him. So after only a brief moment of hesitation, I grabbed my car keys. Besides, the thought of sharing my good news with Colin in person kept me excited. I couldn’t wait to see his reaction. He was always so busy; he rarely had time to express emotions. But his eyes always showed how he felt, and I just knew they’d sparkle when I told him.

I dashed through the downpour to my car, then navigated to Zeal restaurant with the windshield wipers flapping furiously, barely able to keep up. So much came down so fast, the street began to flood.

Still, I pulled into Zeal’s parking lot in less than an hour. The main building seemed like a distant trek from where I parked. With a heavy sigh, I unfolded my umbrella and set off, battling the wind until my umbrella succumbed, leaving me drenched. By the time I reached the restaurant entrance, my sopping wet clothes clung uncomfortably to my skin, some parts a little too revealing.

I didn’t have time to worry about that. Instead, I hurried to the nearest waitress and asked her to direct me to VIP Room 501. The waitress looked me up and down, then scowled before she told me to follow her. A minute later, she gestured to a door with the appropriate number. As I raised my hand to push the door open, familiar voices from within made me pause.“Are you getting married, Colin?” a voice I knew asked. It was David, Colin’s best buddy.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Colin replied. “Selena’s just a plaything. I’m not marrying her. Not now. Not ever.”