Chapter 7

• A few months later.
• My morning sickness had been becoming severe, and it was particularly troublesome every morning. Today was one of those days.
• With my palms pressed firmly against my mouth, I rushed to the bathroom, my head spinning and my stomach churning with a ferocity that was almost unbearable.
• I spilled the contents of my stomach into the sink.
• I hated mornings like this. I hated the onslaught of morning sickness that usually lasted for hours, leaving my body drained like a plant withered by the season.
• “Elizabeth! Are you alright?”
• The old wooden panel rattled with each intense knock.
• My heartbeat skittered, and my face turned several shades paler with fear. I wasn't expecting Grandpa to come, and I didn’t want him to see me in this condition.
• I hadn't told him yet that I was pregnant because I'm afraid of how he'd react. Being abandoned by a man was one thing, but bearing his child was another. My grandfather would undoubtedly confront Crimson and demand that he take responsibility for the child by any means or coercion. I didn’t want that.
• "I'm okay, Grandpa," I managed to reply, beads of sweat trickling down my forehead.
• “You don't seem fine to me. Open up!”
• I realized the door was about to meet its end if I didn't take action.
• In record time, I managed to compose myself, but instead of immediately opening the door, I took a moment to pinch my cheeks and bite my lips, attempting to infuse some color into them.
• "Are you feeling unwell?" Grandpa looked concerned when I opened the door.
• "I'm okay, just a bit hungover. I went out with friends last night and had a few too many drinks," I lied.
• Grandpa's face relaxed with relief. "I see. Well, there's an aspirin on the living room cabinet. Take it before you head out to work.”
• As soon as he left, I slumped onto the bed, overcome with relief.
• I wasn't sure how much longer I could hide my pregnancy, but for now, I needed to keep it under wraps. It was the only way I could protect us both.
• —
• After taking a refreshing shower, I quickly dried my hair and donned my uniform, which consisted of a pristine white shirt, a sleek black skirt, and comfortable black shoes.
• Once I was dressed, I carefully tamed my wavy blonde locks, brushing them into submission before elegantly rolling them into a neat bun at the nape of my neck.
• Typically, I didn't wear makeup, but today I opted to do so to conceal the dark circles beneath my eyes and the stark paleness of my face that was hard to ignore.
• I emerged from my bedroom and made my way to the kitchen, where the aroma of freshly-cooked food greeted me.
• Grandpa had already left for the fields but not before leaving a mouth-watering breakfast for me.
• I ate heartily.
• After finishing my meal, I washed the plates and then brushed my teeth. With a satiated stomach and fresh minty breath, I confidently snatched my handbag, ready to go.
• —
• The restaurant was busy as usual, but since the staff were all present, the operation was a breeze.
• During break time, Samantha joined me in the employee lounge, and we ate lunch together at one table.
• She mentioned that there was a big event upstairs in the banquet hall, and the guests were influential figures. But since I wasn't interested in the event, I shrugged it off.
• A moment later, I felt the urge to use the bathroom. Excusing myself from Samantha, I headed to the restroom only to find a long queue waiting.
• I had no option but to use the upstairs comfort room since my full bladder wouldn’t be able to hold on much longer if I waited for my turn.
• I ascended the stairs to the second floor and walked down the long hallway.
• The second floor was composed of luxury rooms, and in the center stood the massive banquet hall where an event was underway.
• Finally, the restroom came into view, and my steps quickened. Just my luck, I thought to myself, finding the restroom all by myself. I relieved myself and heaved a sigh when I was done.
• Emerging from the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and cringed at how ghostly pale I looked. The sight of my tired eyes surrounded by dark circles sent a wave of stress through my body.
• Thankfully, my neatly tied blonde hair was secured under a hairnet, or else I would have appeared even more disheveled.
• As I retraced my steps through the arched silvery hallways, my eyes landed on the luxurious entrance of the banquet hall, where the enchanting sound of a piano filled the air. It was my ex-husband's favorite piano piece. Unable to control my curiosity, I decided to take a peek.
• Speaking of my ex-husband, just this morning I received the final notice from his lawyer that we were legally divorced. Since we signed a prenuptial agreement, I wouldn't receive a cent. Not that it mattered; I was just relieved to cut ties with him.
• My thoughts of Crimson must have summoned him because suddenly there he was, looking dashing in his sleek black tuxedo.
• My heart raced at the sight of him. However, any happiness my heart felt upon seeing him vanished like a speck of dust when I noticed Celestine was with him. They looked so great together.
• At first I wasn't sure what's happening. But then Crimson knelt down on one knee while holding a velvet box. In a voice filled with love and adoration, he spoke, "Will you marry me Celestine?"
• The words sounded so wonderful, yet they pierced my heart like thorns.
• "Yes, I'll marry you!" Celestine replied, wiping the tears at the corner of her eyes. Crimson pulled her into his arms, hugging her tight as though she's the most precious thing on earth.
• It still hurts like hell seeing the only man I love propose to someone else.
• Unable to take it anymore, I walked away, desperate to leave the scene behind
• , but I knew in my heart that I could run away, but the pain would chase me wherever I go.