My small apartment's drapes let in morning light, which created a gentle glow throughout the space. With the pregnancy test clenched in my shaking hands, I perched on the edge of my bed. The two pink lines, their meaning unavoidable, looked back at me.
Pregnant. I was pregnant.
I'd thought that my symptoms, weariness, nausea, and missed menstruation, were just the result of breakup stress. But now there was no denying the reality. My mind was racing with a thousand things as panic shot through me. How is this possible to occur? I had exercised caution, hadn't I?
I snapped out of my downward spiral when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. "Lila, are you okay?" Sophia spoke in a gentle, worried tone.
In an attempt to center myself, I inhaled deeply. "Yeah, come in."
Sophia came in and saw the pregnancy test in my palm, which caused her eyes to widen. She was sitting next to me, looking both shocked and sympathetic. "Oh, Lila..."
With a dry throat, I took a hard swallow.
"Sophia, I'm expecting. I have no idea what to do."
Her shocked eyes became wider. "How come? How?"
I gave a tremulous breath. "Do you recall that evening at the club? Kieran, the guy I told you about. Even though that was just for one night, Sophia, I'm not sure what to do now.
She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me comfortingly. "Okay, let's resolve this together. "You're not alone."
My eyes began to brim up with tears, but I forced them back. I needed to be strong for the unborn child developing inside of me as much as for myself. "Sophia, I have to find him. I have to locate Kieran."
Sophia drew away, her forehead wrinkled. "The guy from the bar? Even so, do you know his last name?"
With a gnawing sense of frustration, I shook my head. "I have to try, but no, no. I want to know if he will accept accountability. I still have to tell him even if he refuses."
With a look of resolve in her eyes, Sophia nodded. Then we'll track him down. "Let us begin at the bar."
After getting dressed, we headed to the bar where Kieran and I had first met. The scene was still somewhat chaotic from the previous night, but it was peaceful. With a racing heart, I walked up to the bartender.
I said, "Excuse me," a little trembling in my voice. "A few weeks ago, do you recall me? I was here with a guy named Kieran."
The bartender squinted at me, and his face lit up with recognition. Yes, I do recall you. Dark haired and tall dude, correct?
With excitement, I nodded. Indeed, that is him. What knowledge do you have about him? Where might he work or reside?"
The bartender declined with a sway. I apologize; I'm not too familiar with the clients. Yes, he used a credit card to make the payment. That might let me find out his last name."
I felt hope ignite in my chest. "Could you, please?"
He sighed after pausing momentarily. "Alright, give me a minute." I gripped Sophia's hand as my anxiousness increased as he vanished into the rear room.
He gave me a piece of paper when he got back. "Vaughn. The Vaughn last name is his."
I murmured, "Thank you so much," as a wave of relief passed over me. Although it was little knowledge, it was a start.
After Sophia and I departed from the bar, I took out my phone. "Let's see what we can find on him."
Kieran Vaughn was easily located after we conducted an internet search for him. CEO of the Morris Group of Companies, Kieran Vaughn. My stomach turned over. "A billionaire". It makes sense why he appeared so untouchable.
Sophia murmured, "Wow," as she read over my shoulder. "This guy is loaded."
My mind was racing as I bit my lip. How was I going to break the news to someone like him? However, I had to give it a shot. I had to find him and tell him the truth for my baby's sake.
I had to locate Kieran. I needed his support, and he had a right to know. However, it went beyond that. A part of me, as much as I hated to admit it, thought that this pregnancy would help me get out of my financial bind. From the opulent apartment I had seen in passing, Kieran was obviously wealthy. This child might be my key to a better life, the much-needed safety net.
The thought gave me a twinge of shame, but I ignored it. I needed to be realistic. I couldn't afford to raise a child on my own, given how little the money I was generating from my freKierance graphic design business. I needed Kieran's help, so even though my motives weren't entirely pure, I was determined to get it.
We managed to track down the Morris Group's head office address with Sophia's assistance. We made the decision to visit there. Compared to writing an email or making a phone call, it felt more genuine and urgent.
My heart was in my throat as we stood outside the imposing glass structure early the following morning. Sophia gave me a handshake. "You can do this, Lila."
I took a big breath and nodded. "All right. Here goes nothing."
I felt even more out of place when we walked into the facility because of its slick, contemporary architecture. Sweaty palms, I walked up to the receptionist. "Hello, I'm here to see Kieran Vaughn. It's very urgent."
The receptionist gave me a sidelong glance and arched an eyebrow. "Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but it's really important," I insisted.
Evidently unimpressed, she sighed. "Wait here."
Shouting under her breath, she picked up the phone. She stared at me and hung up after a short while. "Mr. Vaughn has a lot going on. I'm afraid you'll need to schedule a meeting."
I had a rush of annoyance and hopelessness. Tell him it's Lila Hartwell, please. He will recognize me."
After glancing at me doubtfully, the receptionist took up the phone once more. After delivering my message, she hung up. She said, "Wait here," she repeated.
As Sophia and I took a seat in the lobby, my anxiety was growing more and more with every minute. At last, a large, commanding man dressed in a suit came over to us. With a sharp tone, he said, "Ms. Hartwell?"
I got to my feet and tried to control my voice. "Yes, that's me."
"Follow me," he said, pirouetting around.
We trailed after him along the twisting corridors until we came to a big, menacing door. After knocking once, he opened it and motioned for us to come in.
Kieran was sitting behind a huge desk staring up at us with a countenance that was impossible to read. The sight of him made my heart skip a beat, taking me back to our time together.
"Lila," he murmured in a chilly tone. "What are you doing here?"
I took a deep breath and moved forward. "Kieran, I must speak with you. It's crucial.
He leaned back in his seat and squinted. "All right. Talk."
I looked down and shook my hands. "I'm expecting, Kieran. Moreover, it is yours. "With the weight of my remarks hanging in the air, the room became silent. Kieran's eyes flashed a mixture of fury and disbelief as his demeanor worsened.
His voice rising, he shouted, "Are you serious?"
Tears were forming in my eyes as I nodded. Indeed. My test results are positive. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't sure the baby isn't yours."
He got up and began to pace behind his desk. This is not possible. How can I be sure you're being honest?"
I was a little offended by his accusation. "Kieran, I'm not lying. This is not anything I would make up."
He paused his pacing and met my gaze with his own. "And what do you expect me to do about this?"
"I'm… I'm not sure," I said, stuttering. "I simply felt you ought to be aware. This is also your child."
Clearly having trouble processing the news, he ran a hand through his hair. "This is... a lot to take in."
I gave a nod, a flicker of hope. "I recognize. But I must know our plan of action. This is not something I can handle on my own."
Though I had some sympathy for him, I had to be careful not to allow my feelings influence my decisions. I was in need of his financial and emotional help. "Kieran, I realize this is a lot to process, but I need your assistance. This is not something I can handle on my own.
His attitude was a mix of determination and bewilderment as he gazed at me. "Lila, I need some time to consider this. I can't just make a snap decision about this.
I was relieved that he hadn't rejected me directly as I nodded. "Please don't shut me out, but take as much time as you need."
With a groan, he ran a hand through his hair once more. "I refuse to."
The gravity of the situation surrounded us as we stood there. I knew that this was only the beginning of a long and difficult road, but at least I had companionship. And perhaps, just perhaps, Kieran would learn to accept this sudden turn in our life.
I experienced a whirlwind of optimism and anxiety as we exited the building. I was resolved to face the future head-on, for both myself and my child, even though I had no idea what it held. And as we entered the busy streets of New York City, I was confident that I would manage to make things work no matter what.