Live with Me

"What's your plan? After meeting him that night, do you really think he'll accept and believe in what you're carrying?" Astrid asked as I sat at the coffee shop's bar counter.

I ignored her question and scanned the whole place, hoping to catch sight of her aunt. Even though I didn't want to, I had no other choice now because of my situation. I planned to ask for another chance from her aunt just to return to this cafe. It seemed like my only option.

"Isn't your aunt here?" I asked her, deflecting her question.

"She's out of town. Why? Oh, girl! If you're thinking of asking for a chance from my aunt, don't bother. I'm about to leave here soon, and I'm pretty sure that old lady won't accept you again," she said, making me look at her.

"Huh? Why are you leaving? Does your mom know?"

"Even if they find out, I don't care. Let them disown me if they want. As long as I can do anything I want, I don't care. I'm suffocated. They're all so stifling. Hello? I'm 26, but they treat me like a teenager," she said with irritation, banging the counter, which made me burst into laughter.

On the other hand, my hope of earning money sank even lower. After getting fired from the bar, I quickly depleted my savings due to the initial hospital payment and Thea's medication. It wasn't enough, but fortunately, I managed to persuade the hospital to give me a few days to settle the remaining balance.

But how could I provide the lacking amount if I had no job? I applied for several jobs, but none of them called back. I've lost hope. It's heartbreaking!

"You know what, Tatiana? Why don't you go to the Montgomery Empire to see Jameson? Tell his father about what you're carrying. For sure, he'll believe you immediately because they're eager for a grandchild. Both of them are getting old, but I'm not sure if they'll like you."

My mind suddenly brightened upon hearing that from Astrid. I quickly looked at her. "Really? I can do that?"

"Of course! Come on, they're a known wealthy family worldwide. As far as I know, for Jameson to get his inheritance, he needs to get married first. But if you don't want to marry him and just want to prove that the child is his, it's up to you how you'll approach it," she explained with a smile, making my heart leap even more.

I immediately thought of a plan in just a few seconds. A part of me felt a stab of conscience, but if I had another option, why would I choose the wrong path?

"Come with me," I said, standing up. "I don't know how to get there!"

"For heaven's sake! You act like a child! Wait for me outside. Chino is about to arrive too," she replied, almost making me jump for joy.

As I exited the coffee shop, Chino arrived right on time. He greeted me before entering. I only waited for a few minutes until Astrid came out, and we quickly headed towards the Montgomery Empire.

Both of us stared in awe at the enormous and towering building in front of us. We were both gaping, marveling at the sight. It was the first time I'd seen a building this massive, so I couldn't help but be amazed. I wasn't sure about Astrid, though, since her family was well-off, and they also had a similar company.

"This empire is really huge and tall. I usually see it on TV," Astrid remarked, turning to me.

"Do I look okay? Presentable enough?" she suddenly asked, furrowing her brows.

I looked her up and down and nodded. "You look fine. Why?"

"Tatiana, you know what? You look like someone from the province who just came to Manila for the first time. Big-time businessmen and sometimes even celebrities visit this building. Who knows, something might happen, and we could end up on TV. I have to look good!" she said, bursting into laughter.

I just shook my head, beginning to wonder if it was a good idea to bring her here.

As we entered the empire's lobby, we were even more amazed by the stunning and cozy atmosphere. The interior was massive, and a few employees passed by in their fancy corporate attire. I used to dream of wearing such outfits because I felt like I would command respect from anyone who saw me dressed like that, unlike the clothes I wore at the bar that practically bared my entire soul.

But now, it seemed like I had lost even more hope of wearing such attire.

"Uh, miss, we're looking for Jameson Luke Montgomery. Is he here?" I heard Astrid ask the woman at the front desk.

Glancing at them, I saw the receptionist raise her eyebrows at my friend. She seemed almost amused.

"I don't mean to offend you, Ma'am, but do you have an appointment with Mr. Montgomery?" the receptionist asked.

Astrid shrugged it off. "Uh, none. Is that necessary? How about the chairman, Mr. Pablo Montgomery? My friend here has something important to tell him," she said, pulling me closer.

The receptionist briefly glanced at me and rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry, Ma'am, but you need to set an appointment first to talk to the chairman. You can't just approach someone like him. You may leave now."

I raised a brow at her. "Can't you just tell Jameson we're here? Tell him the woman he got pregnant is here. How about that, miss?" I said directly to her.

I saw her pause, looking surprised by what I said, but it quickly turned into a condescending laugh.

"I see. You're one of Mr. Jameson Montgomery's fans. Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I can't deliver that message to Mr. James. Many have used that kind of excuse to get money, so you may leave now."

My ears rang from what I heard. I wanted to grab her loose hair and poke her eyes that were rolling in the air. Should I make her eat the pregnancy test I used when she knows what she's talking about?

"Miss, if I were you, I'd be careful with what I'm saying, especially since you don't even have an idea who we are. The moment I talk to the owner of this empire, you'll be the first one I'll have removed, Sarah," Astrid boldly said before I could speak.

I glanced at her name tag on her uniform, and that's when I saw her name. I laughed when I saw fear in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am-"

"What's going on here, Sarah?"

We all turned to the man who spoke. I furrowed my brows for a moment and stared at him, thinking he might be Jameson, but no, he wasn't. Their auras were completely different, plus the outfit. Jameson doesn't wear this kind of attire because he's in a band. This is probably Jackson Lucas. Or not?

"Sir, they're looking for Mr. Chairman and they want to talk-"

"You again?"

Oh, yeah. This was Jackson, the one I faced in the restaurant. Not the Jackson who left me with an addicting kiss. I was almost convinced that the three of them looked alike!

"Come on," I whispered to Astrid and pulled her out.

But before I could move, I immediately felt the tight grip on my wrist, so I looked up at him.

"What are you doing here causing trouble again? What else do you need?" He asked me sharply, trying to lower his voice, probably not to attract attention.

"I didn't come here for you, so let go of me," I said, trying to remove his hold on me, but it was too tight, and I couldn't do anything.

"Then what do you want from my father, huh?"

"I'm not here to see your father. I'm here to see your twin brother. Let go of me!" I almost shouted at him, struggling in his grasp, but since he was a big guy, I couldn't do anything, and I was about to curse at him.

"What's going on here?"

Once again, we all turned to the person who spoke, and there I saw the real Jameson. I noticed his gaze shifting to his twin brother and the hand he had on me.

"Wow! I'm surrounded by handsome guys!" I heard Astrid whisper at my side.

I thought Jackson would let go of me when his hand dropped, but it didn't happen, so I looked at him. He was also looking at his twin brother while holding my hand. When I looked at Jameson, he was already looking at me.

"Tatiana..."

I was stunned when I heard that. He suddenly approached me and glanced briefly at my stomach. "I'm sorry," he uttered, which surprised me.

I furrowed my brows. "Huh?"

What's happening? Why is he apologizing? Why does it seem like he's remembering me? This twin is so weird!

"I hope you understand why I said that the other night. I'm sorry. Let's start this in a proper way and in a way you want," he continued. I remained staring at him because he was so tall.

I didn't know what to say because I was so shocked by his actions.

"What are you saying?"

"Live with me. I will take you to the mansion so I can take care of you and our baby better."

I was completely shocked when I heard that. I hadn't even reacted yet when I heard Jackson's chuckle from the side. He was still holding my hand.

"I see. Now I know you want the big thing instead of starting from the small thing, huh. That's what you are," he said, and I heard him release my hand. When I looked at him, I saw what he meant.