By the time I left the mall, I had already calmed down… or at least I tried to. But who was I kidding? I could snap at any moment.
"Claire, these people are acting like saints, but now that they know about the pregnancy, they'll use it to cancel the wedding with clean hands. I feel like going back there and giving them a piece of my mind," she said, clenching her fists as she hit the car tire.
"Calm down, girl, haha. Don't you want to see more drama? Let them celebrate for now… I have a plan for them," I said murmured.
"Ooh, I like whatever you have in mind," she said, rubbing her hands together.
I could never let them corner me like this. A girl has to find her own way out.
"Now that they've disturbed our shopping time, let's go eat. I bet that little one is hungry after all this drama," she said as she got into the car.
"Hell yeah, I need good food right now. I'm starving," I said, sliding into the passenger seat.
Yes, you heard that right passenger seat. l'm a terrible driver. I used to speed like crazy, but now that I'm not alone in this body... I have to be careful.
Almost unconsciously, my hand drifted to my stomach. Would I be a good mother? I had no idea. Everything is moving so fast… just a few days ago, I was a single woman, and now I'm going to be a single mother.
"Do you think I'll be a good mom?" I asked softly.
"Girl, I know you will be the best mom… unlike your mom. Sorry," she said, giving my hand a small squeeze.
"It's fine. It's true anyway. Now put your hands on the wheel, girl," I said, nudging her.
"Yes, ma'am. And I meant everything I said… so, are you going to move out of your parents' house?" she asked, keeping her eyes on the road.
"I haven't thought about it yet," I said, looking out the window as the wind played with my hair.
"You know you can always come stay with me. I don't trust your sister," she said, giving me a quick glance.
"I'll think about it. You didn't tell me where we're going to eat," I said, turning to look at her.
This road wasn't familiar.
A small frown crept onto my face.
"There's this new place that just opened last month. I want to try their food, I heard it's really good," she said, tapping her fingers on the wheel.
"Isn't it expensive? I don't have money to spend on places like that," I said, thinking about saving what little I had.
"Calm down, girl. The bill is on me a celebration, for the upcoming godmother," she said proudly.
"You look happier than the mother," I teased.
"Excuse me… didn't you hear 'mother' at the end of godmother?" she said, clutching her chest dramatically.
"Yes, godmother, haha," I said, shaking my head.
"Good. Now, here we are."
"This is… wow, girl, this place is beautiful…" I said, staring at the exterior. It already felt luxurious from the outside, far beyond what I expected.
Luxe Haven.
The name said it all.
"Let's go in."
As we walked toward the door,
"Look who we have here."
I turned, my breath catching.
"Richard? It's been a long time," I said, surprised. I hadn't seen him since university.
"You just disappeared like that, and now I'm seeing you here… I think it's destiny. What do you say?" he said with a warm smile.
My heart skipped, just slightly.
I had always known how he felt about me, but back then, I was too in love with Mike. I kept my distance from every guy… even after graduation.
I gave him a small, polite smile.
"Since you're already here, let's go in. I'll treat you all," he said, his eyes lingering on me.
I glanced at Florence for help, but she only smiled.
"No problem, let's go," she said, grabbing my hand.
This girl will be the death of me.
We stepped inside. The place was even more stunning, classy, elegant, and beautifully designed."
We chose a table near the window, with a perfect view outside.
As we settled down, the waiter came to take our orders. I glanced at the menu, everything looked unfamiliar… and expensive.
"So, what are you ordering, Claire?" Richard asked.
"Everything here is new to me. How about you recommend something?" I said, placing the menu back on the table.
"Alright, make it two," he told the waiter.
"And juice for her," Florence added, giving me a knowing look. I chuckled.
"You don't drink?" Richard asked.
"I'm just on a break for now," I trying to hide my nerves.
"Excuse me," Florence said, standing up. "Let me use the restroom."
I nodded, watching her leave.
"So… how have you been?" he asked, leaning back comfortably in his chair.
He wasn't the same boy I knew anymore. Now he looked more mature… more confident… and a little more built.
"I've been doing well. How about you? You look so different," I said, sipping water.
He studied me for a moment, then smiled. "I've been fine. Just busy with my dad's company… and you look even more beautiful than before."
Heat rushed to my cheeks.
"Thanks… and congratulations on that," I said, trying to keep my composure.
"So, what do you do now?" he asked, just as the waiter placed our food on the table.
"I run a small club with Florence," I said with a hint of pride.
"And… are you seeing anyone?" he asked casually.
My fingers tightened slightly around the glass.
For a moment, I didn't know what to say.
Because telling the truth…
would change everything.