The Pregnancy Contract (English)

Chapter F.2

Chapter F.2

I prepared myself for my work. I quickly put on what I was going to wear and I could no longer cook breakfast. It was the first time that I didn't have breakfast because I was late. I woke up late and I don't know why I woke up late. I went to bed early yesterday.

"Geez! I'm so late!" 

Then I passed the heavy traffic and got to my office on time just before the late requirement, I groaned in frustration just what I was expecting. The door opened just in time and my secretary fell from the sky. I immediately approached her and took from her the cup noodles I wanted and she even bought me milk. I thanked her and paid her back.

My secretary smiled and left me alone in my office. I sighed, getting my phone again. I dialed Fireus' number and I heard the disappointing message.

Cannot be reached.

When I woke up a while ago, I tried to call him but the same thing I've heard. I don’t know why Fireus doesn’t answer my call. He used to answer them before.

I heaved a sigh. Why am I acting so strange today and I am acting so clingy?

I don’t know but I want to hear Fireus’ voice now. I missed him already.

Being an open-minded person, I ended up with a conclusion of... "Maybe he is just busy." Yeah, maybe that's it. Fireus is just busy. Perhaps, I should not bother him by calling again and again. I might disturb him.

I decided not to bother Fireus because of leaving yesterday, I've got to finish all of these. I can't help but finish it. Phil needs these already. So, I should be more focused on these than Fireus' welfare.

A week passed without Fireus Kycer Arrietta hinting his presence to me. I didn't drop a call from his number because I was, too, a busy person. It’s sad to think that no one will harass and tease me about other things. I like him asking nonsensical green-minded questions and I’m the i***t here who answers them then I would get annoyed if Fireus is laughing at my answers. I would also feel embarrassed.

This is Fireus’ fault actually! He hypnotizes me with his soothing voice that is why I would answer him nonsensically.

"Cejay."

I raised my glance when I heard a knock on my door. Phil's head was popping out of my door.

"Come in, sir."

He entered. I looked down at the brown folder he was holding and he closed the door. Suddenly I got serious when he formally approached himself in front of me.

"Here." He bestowed me with the folder and I took it. I opened it and read the contents of the file attached to the folder. I looked up but didn’t say anything. "It's been a long time since you had your last assignment. You haven’t sent me a report."

I bowed my head. "Pardon me, Sir Phil. Next time, I'll do it. I’m very sorry," I said politely.

"Don't focus much on that Arrietta guy, Ms. Canedy. You missed a lot of things here." He sighed. I just nodded. I know that. "I want you to do your assignment tonight. That mission is important. I want you to take the microchip from the Misce Corporation and exchange it with this pseudo microchip." He took something out of his pocket and pulled out the microchip he was saying which was in a case with a special glass. I took it. "The interior design is already attached to that folder of the whole building of Misce Corporation. Even the location of CCTV cameras is there. Study carefully before you do your assignment. Am I trusting you?"

I nodded seriously. "Yes, sir. You can trust me with this."

"Good." Phil nodded. "I better get going. I still have a lot to do." With that, he stormed out of my office.

I heaved a sigh. I do not know what to say. I just remained silent at what Phil said.

"Don't focus much on that Arrietta guy," I murmured to myself, repeating Phil's words.

I turned to the window and saw the towering buildings from here then I took a deep breath. "But I'm already focusing on him." I bit my lower lip, feeling myself about to cry.

After work, I parked my car at Fireus' main coffee shop. My hands were sweating and my mind wouldn't be at peace with where Fireus might be. This is not how I used to feel. But I’m not used to not seeing Fireus for a week. Lots of playful thoughts in my mind.

My chest suddenly throbbed when Fireus came out. But I doubt it. And I clearly read the pin on its dress.

"Metalius..." I mentioned the name with so much disappointment.

Metalius smiled at me and approached me. I forced a smile.

"Welcome to Haven's Café," he greeted.

I bit my lower lip and took a deep breath. "May I ask, Metalius?"

"You’re looking for Fire?" I was shocked at the directness of his question. I felt my cheek heat up. I was feeling embarrassed because I was looking for their brother. Twin brother, I mean.

"Yes. I'm looking for him."

Metalius gave me an awkward smile. He still looks ashamed of me. "S-Sorry, Cejay. But Fire is not here. He's not here in the Philippines."

My forehead is knitted. "Out of the country, you mean?"

Metalius nodded. "He’s in Singapore. H-He’s taking care of some important matters."

"When is he coming back?"

"I don't know. I'm not quite sure. Two months or three months maybe."

"Oh," that was all I could say. I forced a smile. "T-Thanks you. Sorry if I disturb you. Are you taking care of his business now?"

He nodded his head. "Hmm."

"Ah okay," I said, flashing a smile again. "I have to go," I bid goodbye.

Metalius just smiled and nodded. I left the coffee shop and quickly got in my car, trying to stop the tears that wanted to fall. I don't know why I was going to cry. It's just that... I'm hurting.

Why didn't he say goodbye last week when he was leaving?

"Fireus," I said angrily to myself as I cried. "Where are you?" I kept saying that to myself until I settled down to get to my condo.

I didn't know he had this kind of effect on me. I scolded myself. I shouldn't feel this way. I shouldn’t feel emptiness because Fireus isn’t there.

Suddenly my phone rang. My heart leaped, concluding maybe it was Fireus. But when I saw the number, someone else registered and it was my other phone.

"Echidna..."

"This is Dahlia, Cejay. I borrowed Bellona’s phone," Dahlia said. "I heard your assignment tonight. Need some help?"

I laughed and then smiled. I shook my head. "I don't need to for now. Thanks for offering your help."

"Even if just for guidance?" I could almost see Dahlia’s frown.

"Dahlia..."

"I want to help. I'm bored."

"Phil will scold me. Inform him first."

"I already informed him. He told me that I could do whatever I want. Isn’t it exciting? Please! Take me with you. I will point out the right directions for you."

"So, I have to use an earpiece?"

"Of course!"

"Where’s Bellona? Annaleese? Or Echidna?"

"They’re here. Intoxicating. Partying over their new wine purchase."

I couldn’t help rolling my eyes while laughing. "Is it delicious?"

"Yes, coming from Spain. Wanna taste?"

My stomach turned sour and I smiled bitterly. "I'll pass. Not in the mood."

"Okay. That’s unusual, huh. I'll see you later then," she hangs up.

"Yeah," I answered even though I knew Dahlia had dropped the call. I sighed.

I picked up the lighter and burned all the information in the steel trash bin before I decided to leave my condo. I looked to either side of the hallway to see if anyone was there or not. I locked the door of my condo before I went to my neighbor's condo. I knocked first before I entered.

I locked the door, too. I turned around and met Doctor Weird. "Good evening, Doctor Weird," I greeted him with a grin. I turned to his apprentice named Chester, Doctor Weird's grandson. "Good evening, Chester."

"Here's what you need, Agent C. Make no worry," Doctor Weird said.

I smiled and approached the few tools I was going to use. When I got to the Misce Corporation building, I wore my earpiece and came in contact with Dahlia. 

"Don't worry. There is no CCTV camera when you enter," she said.

I nodded my head, knowing about the fact. I thought so, I shouldn't ask her for help. Dahlia still insisted. Eh, I know where I'm going.

I used some device to open the locked door. I relaxed before I went further into the depths of the building to get the microchip. I just need to be extremely careful with night-vision cameras. Dahlia guided me to the way that is more appropriate to make a way. I got to the vault right away because of her guidance.

It has a password.

And it was very easy for me to decode it.

When I opened it, I immediately replaced the microchip I got with the same microchip with a hint of fraud. "Got it," I murmured.

"Good. Get out of there. Guards are starting to roam around."

"Copy."

I gasped and quickly moved away when someone tried to steal the microchip in my hand. I made a flip backward. "s**t!" I docked the first attack on that unknown person. It was a guy I'm sure of.

"What's happening, Cejay?!"

"Trouble," I answered shortly then I also rushed to the person who would have almost punched me in the face if I hadn't just avoided it. I couldn't see his face because the room was dark. I couldn't see him but I could feel his movements. Looks like he also had the same feeling just like mine.

"You better finish who you are fighting with. Guards are roaming around!"

I cussed. I know that. I'm doing my best to finish off this guy.

I ducked. I supported myself by laying my hands on the floor and then kicked him.

"F u c k!" I heard him say in his baritone voice. He backed away with my hard kick. I grabbed this as a chance to punch him right in his face. He stepped backward. Another punch. Another kick. And more of it.

When he laid down on the floor, he moaned loudly when I stepped on his chest. "You're messing up the wrong person, pal," I said.

I was about to remove my foot when he pulled it and knocked me down. I rolled immediately just to get away from him. But he was quick and grabbed one of my feet. I gritted my teeth and kicked his face. He groaned so loud and he held his face. I quickly got up and left that room.

"I need the fastest exit, Dahlia," I said.

"Turn to your right. There will be an exit door. I turned off the CCTV camera there. You'll be safe. Just jump out."

"Copy."

I followed Dahlia’s instructions and I got out of the building safe and sound. I went back to the adjacent condo where Doctor Weird and Chester were. I gave them the microchip I secretly took.

But before I slept, I took my phone to dial Fireus' number. My eyes started to water with tears when I heard his number is out of the coverage area. I can't call him. I want to hear his voice. I missed him. I just fell asleep convincing myself that maybe Fireus was just busy. I'm sure he will drop me a call.

The other week, I'm having restless nights thinking of why Fireus hasn't given me a call. I just focused more on my work and became obsessed with it so that I wouldn't miss Fireus that much. I always think of him and I know to myself that I was having a deep connection to Fireus.

"This is too bad," I murmured and kept myself busy.

After my work hours, I received a call from one of my pals.

"Bar?" I knotted my forehead.

"Uh-huh. It's been a while since we went to the bar, Cejay. Let's have a drink! Party!" It was Annaleese.

"Yeah! Let's have a party! Even just one night, Cejay! C'mon!" I heard Bellona say.

It was Echidna’s turn to talk. "No killjoy, please! Whether you like it or like it, you're going to come with us. Will we pick you up at your condo today, hmm?"

I chuckled as I shook my head. "Sure. Fine with me. Fetch me at seven o’clock sharp. I'm in!" I said cheerfully.

"Alright! Cejay is game for partying! See yah!" said Dahlia then she dropped the call.

I was just laughing, shaking my head. Maybe I should unwind tonight. Focusing on work and thinking about Fireus is also stressful. I went home after I logged out. I took a nap for a while then I took a quick shower.

I stretched my arms as I opened my cabinet. "Okay! What should I wear tonight? Hmm..." My eyes searched for a dress I could wear. I picked up a dress. "How about a black cut-out back halter dress?" I talked to myself.

After I got dressed, I glared at the full-length body mirror while I'm blowing my hair with my hair blower. I straightened my hair and did my makeup to my face.

Smoky eyes and dark red lips.

When I came out of my room, there were four of them. I'm not surprised that they were here so easily.

 I locked my door anyway. My pals have their ways. I flashed a smirk.

"We're as sexy as ever," I complimented as I scanned them. The dresses they are wearing are also sexy.

"We all look so fabulous and gorgeous," said Echidna. She was wearing a green sleeveless wrap-up neck dress. Her hair was tied up in a tight bun.

"And sophisticated," Bellona agreed, wearing a white bodycon asymmetrical dress. She pulled her hair in a tight ponytail.

"Alluring." Dahlia winked as she was wearing a hem sleeveless round collar dark blue dress with a slit in her dress. Dahlia's hair was being pulled up as a messy french twist. That really looks good on her.

"Don't forget that we are so elegant as ever." Annalesse gave me a kiss. I grinned, shaking my head. She was wearing an off-shoulder skater gray dress. She was into a boho hairstyle.

"So, can we go now?" I asked them.

They all nodded. But before we left, we all took selfies first. It's our girls' night out. No boys allowed.

Suddenly Fireus entered my mind. I'm longing for him.

When we arrived at the newly opened bar, we all smiled from ear to ear. The five of us know what we are going to do.

"Shall we find some hunk guys, first? Or shall we take our first drink?" Echidna asked, smiling as we were about to enter the bar. The party has already started.

My eyes roamed around. There are already a lot of people here at the bar. They were all enjoying dancing and swaying with a mix of pop music. I took a deep breath as I smiled. This is what you call a real night out. Lots of boys and lots of drinks.

But as we sat on the barstool and my comrades ordered their drinks to the bartender, I was suddenly disgusted with the alcoholic drinks on display today. I think I wasn't in the mood to order a heavy drink tonight so I told the bartender, "Virgin drink for mine."

"What?!" the four said in unison and looked at me in disbelief.

"Are you serious, Cejay? Virgin drinks?" Dahlia asked, horrified as she sipped her bloody maria drink. A cocktail containing vodka, tomato juice, and combinations of other spices and flavorings

"Damn it! You like heavy drinks!" Bellona said, panicking. She was holding a wine glass full of a Juan Collins drink that is made from tequila, lime juice, sugar or some other sweetening agent, and club soda.

I twitched my lips. "Not in the mood to drink heavy drinks anyway." I confronted the bartender and fluttered my eyes at him before I winked at him. "Paloma fizz cocktails. Give me sparkling mint-lime iced tea later. Get that, handsome?" I asked in my seductive voice.

"As you wish, madame," he said and bowed his head. This guy is handsome. Why did he end up as a bartender here?

"You’re totally different today, Cejay." I turned to Echidna's comment. "What's happening to you lately? You're becoming KJ as is," she said as she sipped her drink, Jack Daniel's.

I c****d my head from the side as I sipped my drink before I talked. "I don't understand myself right now. Right now, I feel like I don't like the smell of drinks. Don't worry about me."

"Hmm... let's respect Cejay's wish. I think something happens between her and the guy she was with." I quickly turned to Annaleese. She winked at me.

I huffed, exerting a laugh. "You're kidding me, Anna." I laughed. Why did it enter her mind that Fireus could be the mastermind of this happening to me? "Am I not back to my usual self?" I kidded.

Annaleese shrugged. "I don't know." She placed her elbow on the table and placed her chin at the back of her palm as she exerts her girlish grin. "Tell us, Cejay. You haven't talked about that man yet. How's your mission with him? Is there already? Should we prepare the first baby shower in our group?"

"Eh? Anna is right. We're expecting a lot, Cejay. How’s your s*x life with that guy?" Bellona asked, also grinning like Annaleese.

"We're expecting the baby," Dahlia said, feeling giddy.

"Tell us everything! Hurry!" Echidna said excitedly.

I looked at them in disbelief. "Are you dead serious?" They all nodded. Echidna stood up and pulled my hand away. The five of us went to a table away from the dancers.

"Now, tell us something." I was shocked when they said those words in unison.

I looked at them one by one. Well, they were acting weird that night. And they really surrounded me. "Uhm... can we dance first?" Geez! I have to get away from the prying eyes of my comrades. I don't even want to talk about Fireus. I will keep on missing that person.

"You won’t leave until you tell us what it’s like to have s e x," Bellona said mischievously. She wriggled her eyebrows at me. "You know us, Cejay. We won't get you out," she said again.

I looked up and sighed in defeat. "Fine," I said, finally agreeing. There's no use in using excuses. I'm trapped with these girls. They will keep on pestering me if I won’t say a word to them. "What is that question that is troubling your mind?" I took the last sip of my drink before I called the attention of the bartender to get my next drink.

"Coming right up!" he shouted immediately accompanied by loud music.

"How does it feel to have s*x with a guy?" Annaleese asked.

"Huh? Is that all?"

"Hmm!" They nodded.

I felt weird discussing this matter. I don’t want to tell them the full details. But... They were persistent. They would never stop my life if I didn’t tell them. I took a deep breath and leaned forward on the table. They also leaned forward. I gulped before I started. "I can only say one word when I have s e x with that man..." I paused for a moment to put a suspenseful atmosphere. They all looked so serious as if they really wanted to know what it was like to have s e x with a man. "Heaven."

"Heaven?" they wondered.

"Yup," I said as I nodded my head. I leaned more. "At first, the pain drove me because I was a virgin then, later on, I felt heaven as he went deeper with me. He thrust himself inside my core and goodness, he made me wet so wild." I bit my lip as I remembered what Fireus was doing to me and how I really felt when we had s e x. "It gives me a delirious feeling. You will feel like you are hallucinating but you know that it was deliciously heaven."

I saw them gulping.

"s**t! It surely is hot in here! Why do I have a feeling that I want to have s e x too?" Dahlia was biting her lower lip while she was fanning herself with her hand.

I leaned in my seat and they all did the same. My next drink arrived just in time and I drank it quickly. I'm in heat right now. That is why I don't want to recall what Fireus is doing to me. Whenever I think of him, I feel myself getting wet. Right now, I know I'm wet.

"Let's dance!" Echidna said.

We all agreed. We all went to the dance floor and joined the rhythm of the music. I also danced a few songs before we rested. I was sweaty but I'm happy dancing wildly again. I miss my life like this.

I stood up. "Powder room." They all nodded.

I went to the powder room to freshen up. I also drank a lot of non-alcoholic drinks. I think I should do it at night. I looked at my watch and it was already past eleven. Wow! I enjoyed this night, huh.

As I returned to my seat, they glared at me seriously. I was suddenly confused by what I saw in them. I looked for Echidna. Where is she?

"What happened? Did I miss something?" I asked, astonished.

"Bellona said that she knew you fought before you had stolen the microchip to the Misce Corporation on that night," Annaleese said seriously.

Suddenly I got serious. It's not a joke that I fought a strong person after I got the thing I was asked to get.

"Who is the f*****g hell is he?" I asked seriously. I clenched my fists because of it.

I looked at Bellona when she opened her mouth. "It was my boss. His name is Earthius Arrietta." My eyes widened. "I am working for his company and I caught him that night. He had bruises on his face when I saw him. I have been monitoring him for a long time, Cejay. And it happens I followed him secretly to the Misce Corporation. It was confirmed that he was that person."

"And it happens again that he is here. There is a bandage on his arm. He's with his twin brothers," Annaleese said.

I gasped. "I knew Earthius Arrietta. He is Fireus Arrietta’s twin brother." My heart pounded.

"All we know is the fact, Cejay," said Dahlia.

I slammed my palms on the table causing them to flinch. My heart was pounding so wild right now. "Does it mean... F-Fireus is here?" They all nodded.

"They are all complete just as what you told us, Cejay. I don’t know if he is the one who is kissing another girl." I turned at Echidna who had just returned.

I clenched my hands. "What?!" I gritted my teeth.

"I saw it with my own eyes. If you told us before he left for some business trip out of the country and he'll be back after two months or three, why are the Arietta twins complete, Cejay? Looks like that Metalius guy is fooling you. That Fireus guy is enjoying himself making out with another girl, I guess."

I breathed hard. That shitty guy! For weeks I could not sleep thinking of him and could not contact him and now he is here enjoying himself making out? I clenched my palms so hard. He breached our contract! f**k that guy!

"What are you going to do, Cejay?" I turned to Bellona with concern in her eyes.

I suppressed a smirk. "I'm alright." But I know that I am lying to myself. I'm not. I'm not alright! I stood up. "I want to see him," I decided, gathering all my strength. I faced Echidna. "Tell me where those guys are." Echidna nodded her head and made her way.

"Cejay..."

I turned to them and forced a smile. "I'll be fine. He is already breaching the contract I made. I have to end this as soon as possible." With that, I followed Echidna.

Thousands of spears shot into my heart as I made my way. I, alone, want to end this and see Fireus with my eyes. I spotted them so easily. I held my breath seeing Fireus with a girl on his lap. I know Fireus' appearance even if people say that they looked like each other. I could already tell that was him based on how my heart reacts just by seeing him. I counted his twin brothers and they were all here. No one's missing.

"There he is, Cejay." Echidna pointed to the crowded part where they were. 

My grin just widened. "Thanks, Echidna," I said to her.

"We can be your backup. We can finish them off, you know," she said with concern in her eyes.

"That's so sweet of you," I said without looking at her but only at Fireus and the woman he was kissing with. "But I can manage, babe."

I flipped my hair and confidently walked towards their direction as to where they were. One of the twins looked at me and noticed it was Metalius. He showed a fearful expression on his face. I looked at Earthius with one of his arms bandaged. Serve him right.

As I made my way, I noticed I know who each of them is. The madness within me helped me to distinguish who those twins are. Aquarius looked at my way and his eyes widened. I just mocked him. When I was close to them, Aquarius nudged Fireus. Fireus stopped kissing the random girl wildly. He frowned at his twin and Aquarius pointed at me, telling him my direction.

Fireus and I's eyes met. I still kept my smirk plastered on my face. I wanted to punch him because he didn't even have an expression when he saw me. He just scrutinized me up and down and when our eyes met again, I met his cold stare.

I stopped in front of him. Fireus had to gape up because he was sitting while I was standing confidently.

"Good evening! Have you enjoyed yourself? Huh?" I asked. My voice was as cold as ice. I saw his twin brothers caught off guard. I turned to the woman sitting on Fireus's lap and looking at me. I scoffed when she snickered mockingly. Did she just…  "Get out of my way," I said coldly.

It didn’t take long for her to leave as she must have found that I am so ready to kill her.

I flipped my hair again as I lowered my head so that Fireus and I's faces were even. Fireus smirked. "Hello, miss! You can join me if you want," he said, smirking.

I raised my eyebrow. Now, we were acting strangers, huh. Now I wanted to punch him so hard and beat him into a pulp. But I stopped myself. What I did next was I grazed his cheek. My fingers traced his face and it stopped on his lips. I bent over to kiss him deeply which Fireus granted my invitation to him. But when his palm landed on my cheek, it was as if I had burned away from him. I stepped back as I stretched out a smile.

"You messed up everything we had, Fireus. Thank you for coming to my life," I said coldly. But I feel like I'm being pricked in my heart right now because of what I'm saying now. It means to say I'm saying goodbye to him. Fireus did not react to what I said. I just let it go. "You breached our contract. It means to say it's over with us. You have nothing to do with me anymore. Thank you, by the way." I stood properly then turned my back to him and returned to my friends

They all stood up when they saw me. I smiled at them. "C-Can I go home now?" My voice trembled as I kept my smile plastered.

"Cejay..." They approached me and caressed my back.

I still try to smile at them all. "C-Can I go home now? I'm t-tired." And I want to burst out. I want to add.

They looked at each other and nodded. "We can take care of ourselves, Cejay. Do you want one of us to drive you home?" I interrupted Dahlia.

"I can drive. I didn’t drink heavy liquors. Please enjoy yourself, okay? And take a Grab later." I kissed their cheeks. I immediately went out of the bar and left them. I took my keys out to open my car door.

"Cejay!"

I quickly turned to that voice before I could board. It was Fireus. My heart quickly palpitated seeing him but there was a pain going on. I forced myself to smile even though I wanted to cry.

"Well, well, well. Nice seeing you again. I told you. You messed up already, Fireus. Bye! Bye!"

"Cejay, wait! Cejay!"

I went inside and started my car. Then I drove my car away so that Fireus cannot follow me. While driving, tears couldn't stop falling in my eyes. I punched the steering wheel.

"Why am I hurting like this? Why?" I said to myself as I cried so hard.