Chapter Five_We Need To Talk

Christian's POV

Last month was the most stressful month I've ever had since this year.

From paying a visit to my sick grandma, although I knew how my discussion with her will turn out.

Without minding the different machines and tubes connected to her, she still reminded me of getting a wife before the end of the year. That has always been her words to me, as though she doesn't have any plans of seeing another year.

"Hello, Mr Hector."

I said over the other line.

"Hello, my able son-in-law, how have you been?"

His voice shows ecstasy as he spoke.

"Nothing changed, all is the same."

I replied to him while robbing my temple.

"Good, have you thought of your engagement date?"

He inquired with a serious tone that made me frown deeply.

"Not yet, but I didn't call you for that, I called to show gratitude for the help which you rendered to me in the case of retaining Mr Anthony."

That's the main reason I called him, just when I thought I lost my highest shareholder he chipped in and in no time we had the matter under control.

The truth is that Mr Hector, who is Anita's father, has a great business collaboration with me.

In fact, when my company was going bankrupt, he made it his sister company, thereby helping me stand on my feet again.

But there was a condition to marry his daughter.

Then I needed money so badly that I agreed to it, but that was my biggest mistake.

"Okay, but remember that you have to discuss the date with Anita as fast as you can."

"Yes, thanks once more."

I said to him before I hung up the call.

Then, there is the case of Anita, I haven't even spoken to her since she traveled on a business trip, I wish she stays there for eternity.

"Boss, we just drove past your Elite restaurant, should I make a U-turn?"

My driver asked while staring at me from the rearview mirror.

At the mention of that restaurant, only the image of the bartender came to my mind.

I've tried to forget her, and it's been a month now, but whenever I am less busy, her image invades my memory.

After returning from the business trip, I decided to stay clear of that restaurant to avoid developing something else which might peril the both of us.

"Yes, make a U-turn."

I said to my driver after about a minute, to be frank, I wanted to scream 'no! Take me straight to my apartment' but something in me wanted to set my eyes on her again.

On our arrival, I walked in quick strides into the elevator and pressed the button for the fourth flow.

The minute the door of the elevator opened, I saw Valerie seating and attending to customers, but something was off about her.

She looks sick to me, and her expression is very dull, unlike the vibrant girl I remembered last month.

I made my way to the VIP area, musing whether to call her to keep me company again or to let her be.

I brought out a phone to ring the manager, he picked the call on the first ring.

"Ask the bartender to see me in the VIP area."

Not giving him the opportunity to say anything, I hung up.

After a few minutes, I saw her walk inside the VIP area. She looked so pale to me and with her flare blue gown which has a few buttons on the chest area, made her look more skinny than I recalled.

She stood beside me as though she didn't know me.

"Can I get your order, sir?"

Her weak but melodious voice brought me out of my reverie, but to be frank, I don't like this attitude of hers.

I thought we'll get to talk and perhaps get to know each other, but what I see is the opposite of my imagination.

"Valerie, what's wrong?

You look pale, what is the matter?"

I asked her while standing on my feet and holding her hands firmly.

"Nothing, I…"

She wanted to say something, but then took a deep breath before withdrawing her hands from mine.

"You what?"

I sat down while looking at her in a way that should send the message that I wasn't in any mood for jokes.

"We need to talk."

She finally said, with her eyes fixed on mine and sadness clearly seen in her eyes and I wonder if it's her family problem or anything serious but in either way, I'm willing to help if I can.

"You can have a seat, we will talk after you eat something."

That wasn't a request because I didn't leave any room for negotiation.

A waiter came immediately and took our order.

Valerie kept fiddling with her fingers, I let her be, as she didn't look like someone who's in for chit-chatting.

After a while, the waiter served our food, and we began to eat, but I kept taking a glimpse of Valerie. I observed that she wasn't eating well, more like she's taking a bite from her spoon. After a while, I signaled the waitress to clear the table.

"So, Valerie, what do you want to talk about?"

I inquired from her while leaning on my seat.

She didn't say anything, but instead she shot her eyes for a while, then opened them again.

This act of hers made me perplexed.

"Valerie, what is the problem?"

She was beginning to scare me with her actions.

"Christine, I am a few weeks pregnant."

That news came like a bombshell to me, so I just stared at her with befuddlement written all over my face. I needed time to digest this new information.

One thing is certain, she isn't lying to me, I was her first that is certain and

calculating the time I don't need anyone to tell me that I am the father of the child in her womb, but I am not ready to be a father, I mean I never planned for this.

Why on earth did I forget to use a condom?

"Don't worry, I only wanted you to know about it and nothing more, you don't have to bother about anything. I don't ask for your support."

Her voice brought me back from my reverie. Before I knew it she stood up, but I held her hands immediately.

"Look, this news came as a shock to me, and I'm trying to process the news, but that doesn't mean that I doubt you."

I managed to say, still holding her hands.

"I understand, can I go back to my duty post?"

She asked while trying to yank off my hands from hers.

"Valerie, we need to talk, please have a seat."

I said to her while helping her sit, she sat down with tears clouded in her eyes.

I immediately made a very impulsive decision which I didn't know whether I would regret it but not minding that, I took her right hand and squeezed it slightly.

"Valerie, will you move in with me?"