7.
1547 Words
Logan
I was seated at the meeting hall, listening to the board members discuss the future of our tech company. We're currently in the middle of a big project and there's a lot riding on its success. I know I should be paying attention, but my mind keeps drifting back to Olivia and the news she dropped on me. I still can't believe it.
I haven't talked to her since that night, and I know I need to sort things out. But it's not easy when there's so much at stake here. The success of this project could make or break the company. I can't let my personal life affect my business decisions.
As the meeting continues, I try to focus on the discussion. We're talking about implementing a new AI system that will revolutionize the industry. It's a risky move, but I believe it's the right one. I voice my support for the project, and after some deliberation, the board agrees.
I feel a sense of relief as the meeting comes to an end. But as the others file out, my thoughts turn back to Olivia. I need to talk to her and figure out what we're going to do. But first, I need to figure out how to balance my personal life with the demands of the company.
I quickly gathered my things and headed back to my office. I needed to clear my head and figure out my next move. I sat down at my desk and took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
The door was suddenly pushed open cutting short my thinking. Brian walked in. Just when I needed someone to talk to.
"Hello our young CEO" he teased. I didn't have the strength to reciprocate his gesture back. He noticed my demeanor and a frown occupied his face instead.
"It seems the latest project is taking a huge toll on you" he said grabbing the visitor's seat.
I pushed my hand front intertwining them. "It's not about that Brian" I inhaled in a sharp breath. "I'm in big trouble" I let out
I took a deep breath again, steeling myself for what I was about to say. "Brian, she's pregnant," I said, the weight of those words heavy on my chest.
Brian's eyes widened in shock. "What? Olivia is pregnant?" he exclaimed.
I nodded slowly, feeling a sense of relief that I had finally told someone. "Yes, and I don't know what to do," I admitted, running a hand through my hair.
Brian leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Well, the first thing you need to do is talk to her and figure out what she wants to do," he said, his voice calm and reassuring.
"I know, but what about the company? What will people say if they find out?" I asked, my mind racing with all the possible scenarios.
Brian shook his head. "Logan, you can't worry about that right now. This is a personal matter, and it needs to be handled as such. You and Olivia need to figure out what's best for the both of you and the baby," he said firmly.
I took in his words, knowing he was right. "You're right, Brian. I just need to figure out what to do next," I said, feeling slightly more at ease now that I had someone to talk to.
"But how do I-" I commenced getting cut off by the bang on the door.
An unfamiliar woman stormed in. I was taken aback by the sudden intrusion. The woman stood in front of me, arms crossed, and a stern look on her face.
"How could you do this to her?" she started, not even bothering with greetings. "You know how fragile she is, and you just left her alone to deal with this on her own."
"Who are you? I asked.
She took another step not bothering about how she was blocking Brian's view. "I'm Jamie. Olivia's best friend. I'm here to warn you"
I didn't know when a chuckle escaped me. I accessed her from head to toe. There's no denying the both of them are of the same class. "Warn me on?" I question.
"You know what you did"
I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms across my chest. "I don't think I do," I replied, trying to keep my tone level.
"You got her pregnant and then disappeared!" Jamie accused, her voice rising. "She's been a mess since that night and you haven't even bothered to check on her."
"I know," I said, feeling a pang of guilt. "And I'm sorry. I didn't mean for things to turn out this way."
"Sorry?" Jamie scoffed. "Sorry isn't going to fix this. You need to step up and take responsibility for your actions."
"I know that," I said, feeling the weight of the situation on my shoulders. "And I will. I just need some time to figure things out."
"Well, you better figure things out fast," Jamie said, her eyes narrowing. "Olivia's not going to be able to deal with this on her own.
"I'll be there," I promised even though I'm not sure if I will really keep my word.
"It's easier said than done" She spat again.
"Calm down woman" Brian interfere. She shot him a look, I could see how Brian body went weak by her glare. "Instead of you to advice him on taking his responsibility you're here warming seat"
"Warming-"
"Just mind your business. I'm giving you twenty four hours to reach out to us if not you won't like what I will do to you. You know quite well what I mean" with that she turned on her heels and stormed out leaving Brian and I in a stunned silence.
Brian let out a low whistle, "She's something else."
I nodded absentmindedly, still trying to process everything. "Did she just threatened me?"
"Well, by the looks of it they're willing to take this matter further. I advise you to do the needful. If words get out you know it will damage your reputation"
Brian is right. I can't let a mere women demolish my hard earned reputation. I need to act fast. "You're right. My family shouldn't know about this. I know I will be able to handle her. I told her I have a fiancée"
Brian eyes went wide at my revelation. "A ghost fiancée or what? Last time I checked you're single. After-" I cut him off not wanting to be reminded of how my fiancée left me on the alter.
"It's a long story," I said, not wanting to delve into it. "But I need to come up with a plan."
Brian leaned forward, his eyes brightening up with interest. "Let's brainstorm. What are your options?"
I sat back in my chair, my mind racing. "I could try to convince her to have an abortion. Or I could offer to pay for everything and take care of the child without involving her."
Brian nodded slowly, "Those are options, but they don't address the root problem. You need to take responsibility for your actions."
"I know," I sighed. "But I'm not ready to be a father. I have a company to run. I can't let this derail everything I've worked for."
Brian shook his head, "I understand, but you can't just walk away from this. It's not fair to Olivia or the child."
"I know," I said again, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over me. "But what am I supposed to do?"
Brian leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I have an idea. It's a long shot, but it might work."
I leaned forward, eager to hear what he had in mind. "What is it?"
Brian leaned forward too and whispered, "What if we stage a fake engagement?"
I raised an eyebrow, unsure of what he meant. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, what if we find someone to pretend to be your fiancée for a while? It'll buy us some time to figure things out and hopefully convince Jamie and Olivia that you're not the heartless jerk they think you are."
"That won't work. My fiancée picture is all over the internet. I'm sure she has seen it" I lamented
"You're right. That will complicate things more. I have another idea. What if we bring Olivia to your family house and pretend she's my cousin sister? We can say that she's visiting and needs a place to stay."
I considered his suggestion for a moment before nodding slowly. "That could work. It's a better plan than finding someone new to pretend to be my fiancée."
"Exactly," Brian said with a grin. "We'll just have to make sure we sell the story to your family. You can say she came for an internship and you know I don't have enough space for her to stay in. You know how to make it up. Discuss with Olivia if she's okay with it"
I nodded again, feeling relieved that we had a plan in place. "Alright, let's do it. I'll call Olivia for a meet up"
Brian clapped his hands together. "Good call, Logan. I have a feeling this is going to work out just fine."
- Writer
