Chapter 002: Charlotte's Confession

Charlotte could tell something was wrong when Riele came out of her office. "Don't tell me you're retiring too". She asked as Riele gave her a confused look. Riele didn't reply as she slam the file she received from Mr. Owen on her desk scaring the shit out of Charlotte. "Can you tell me what's wrong? and stop scaring me with your grumpiness".

Riele sighed as she passed the file to her friend. Charlotte took the file from her and flipped through the pages. "I don't understand, all I'm seeing here is this handsome guy who looks hot". Riele quickly collected the file from her friend before she starts daydreaming about him.

"He is the new CEO...the one who is replacing Mr. Owen". Riele explained

"You mean that handsome guy is...."

"yes that handsome guy you just saw there in that file is going to be the new CEO and I will be his assistant. Can you believe that? Why does bad luck hover around me uh?".Riele cuts in as Charlotte stared at her before bursting into laughter.

Riele couldn't understand why Charlotte was laughing because this was crucial to her and here she is talking to her friend about it and she's laughing.

"I'm so sorry". Charlotte said in between laughs."I don't know if you're OK or not Riele because what I'm seeing right now proves that you're not OK maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning because if you ask me, I don't see anything bad in being the PA of that cute and dazzling young man. Do you know how many girls here would love to be in your shoes?".Charlotte asked.

"I don't know and I seriously don't care". Riele folded her arms as her stomach started to rumble. "I need to eat. I'm starving". Riele got up and pulled her friend up as they went to the cafeteria.

"What would you like to eat?". Riele asked Charlotte who suddenly was quiet the moment they entered the cafeteria.

"French fries". She ordered because she knew Charlotte loves French fries. Riele got Spaghetti for herself and French fries for Charlotte. They took a seat that was vacant close to the window.

Riele started digging into her spaghetti, she was halfway through with the food when she noticed Charlotte hadn't touched her food.

"Are you going to keep playing with your food?". She asked as Charlotte pushed her food aside and stared at Riele almost making her choke. "I know what that look means. What is it you want to tell me?". Riele asked.

"Riele, I know what I am going to say is going to sound like a shock to you and I don't want you to scream or shout just...listen to me." Charlotte began as Riele giggled.

"You know I'm going to think you want to tell me you're pregnant". She said as she laughed expecting Charlotte to laugh at the joke too but she didn't which was weird. Riele looked up at her expecting some kind of answer but nothing came. "wait! Does that mean that you're....". The moment Charlotte sighed Riele knew that was what she wanted to talk about. She dropped her fork, folded her arms across her chest, and looked at Charlotte. As if knowing what the look meant, Charlotte started talking.

"It was a mistake Riele. I was drunk and I didn't know what I was doing..."

"Who's the father?" Riele cuts in.

"Riele"

"Who is the father, Charlotte?".

"You don't like him."

There's one person Riele doesn't like and he used to be a model for the company. "Kim Utter?". Riele asked in disbelief. Charlotte nodded. "How the hell did that happen? You never told me you were interested in him".

"That's because I am not interested in Him, Riele." She paused with a sigh. "I was drunk and he offered to take me home and one thing led to another...".

"Is he aware you're carrying his child?" Charlotte shook her head.

"I couldn't reach him after the incident". Charlotte knew Riele would be furious so she quickly held her hand and covered them with hers. "Riele, I'm sorry but the truth is I don't regret it."

"For God's sake Charlotte you're just twenty-three, what do you know about parenting a child?".

"I know Riele... parenting is hard but you know I've never had any of my parents to care for me. My dad died on his way to see me. Mom ran away the moment she gave birth to me. I was sent to the orphanage without having a taste of my mother's breast milk. Twenty years of my life were spent in the orphanage until I ran away to make a living. I want to keep this baby, Riele. I want to prove I'm different from my mom. I want to show this baby what my mom couldn't show me; the love, the care, the protection...all of it. I don't care if Kim accepts the child or not. I know I messed up but believe me, I don't regret it but please...".Charlotte held Riele's hand tighter. "...Be happy for me".

Riele looked at Charlotte and hugged her. "As long as you won't regret it". She said. "How many weeks?" she asked.

"Three weeks," Charlotte answered as Riele went back to her seat. "Can I take permission from the baby to punch the father when I see him?". Charlotte laughed.

"Don't you think you have other things to worry about than punching my child's father?"

Riele glared at her friend who was enjoying teasing her. "Was that necessary? I forgot about that guy or whoever he is. Maybe I dislike him because his name is Kim." Riele continued eating as Charlotte joined shaking her head to stop herself from teasing her friend more.

Riele looked at Charlotte and she could tell she was happy. "I am glad you're not getting rid of the child". Charlotte smiled. "I'm always here for you if you need anything and I'm serious about the whole punch thing".

"I'll let you know when I need it". They both smiled as they finished their lunch.