CHAPTER ELEVEN

<p>MORNING SICKNESS AND CRAVINGS <br/><br/>Donald rushed in and turned the light on. He saw his helpless boss in a corner and rushed to him. He patted his back gently, trying to keep him calm <br/>" It's okay, everything is okay now," He said and helped him to sit on a sofa, his hands still trembling and he is still sweating. Donald rushed to the kitchen and prepare him a tea. <br/>He slept after drinking it and Donald help him to his bedroom. <br/><br/>Iver woke up at midnight and saw Donald <br/>" I saw the threats, I'm sorry sir, that I'm a bit late"<br/>" You haven't had any clue about the stranger?" His face is now calm but his voice is cold and authoritative<br/>" Not at all, the person is not leaving any trace, he seemed to know you very well. No one except me and you knew that she is pregnant. Even Dave isn't aware yet, no one" Donald said and Iver's face grew cold <br/>" Rhida is not safe. Make sure you send men to watch over her" <br/>" I will sir," Donald said and bowed then Iver looked away, sighing <br/><br/>Rhida got to work the next day and saw Donald. She rushed to him <br/>" Hey," She greeted and Donald turned, trying to run away. She crossed him <br/>" I will let you go, just answer my question," She said and Donald sighed, giving in. He knew she won't leave him alone <br/><br/>" The father of my baby, you know him right?" she said and Donald looked away, in short words <br/>"Don't try to pretend you didn't know I'm pregnant. Answer me!" She screamed and Donald fixed his glasses <br/>He wanted to say something then he rushed away, leaving her speechless. <br/>" That..." Then she stopped ad left <br/>Donald looked back <br/>" Awwrr she is terrifying as boss. No wonder they fit" He said to himself <br/>" You think so?" He heard that familiar voice and he opened his eyes widely and stood up <br/>" Sir, you..." <br/>" Tell her you know the father," Iver said and Donald looked at him surprisingly <br/>" You mean...." <br/>" I'm not planning on showing up, tell her you are working for him too. Make sure you drive her home safely and help her with her morning sickness and pregnancy cravings" Iver said and Donald nodded <br/>" Thank you, I owe you a lot," Iver said and left. Donald collapses to his chair and stares at his boss unheeding back. This was the first time he appreciate him sincerely in eight years of working with him. Just then, Dave came by <br/>" Is there another problem? You are not yourself now" Dave asked and Donald sit up<br/>" Why are you so dressed up today?" Donald asked, ignoring the subject <br/>" Today is the interview" <br/>" Got someone in mind?" Donald asked and Dave smiled <br/>" I've already got one. She is so...." Donald pushed him away <br/>"Idiot! Are you giving Jobs based on looks? I will report you to your boss" Donald said and Dave hugged him <br/>" You can't betray your one and only friend will you?" Dave said and Donald shrugged <br/><br/>At night, Donald waited in the car outside the company, waiting for Rhida, he quickly rushed to her when he saw her <br/>" I'm sorry but can we talk?" Donald said and Rhida looked away <br/>" It's important I know the father of your child, I work for him," He said and Rhida's eyes lit up. He explained to her that he will take care of her per his boss's order and that if she is having any morning sickness or pregnancy cravings, she can call him. He also told her that he will drive her from now on and make sure she is safe <br/><br/>Rhida was taken aback by Donald's revelation. She had always suspected that Donald had some knowledge of her pregnancy. She hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of this situation. She knew she shouldn't make hasty decisions<br/><br/>"I appreciate your concern, Donald," Rhida finally replied, her voice filled with uncertainty. "But I'm not sure I can trust you or your boss with something this personal and important to me."<br/><br/>Donald sighed, understanding her hesitation. He knew that gaining her trust wouldn't be easy, especially considering their professional relationship. <br/><br/>"I understand your concerns," Donald said, his tone sincere. "But he genuinely cares about you and wants to make sure you're taken care of during this time. He knows how important it is for you and the baby to be safe and healthy."<br/><br/>Rhida looked at him, a mix of curiosity and disbelief in her eyes. <br/>" I'm not sure if this is all a lie" <br/><br/>Donald paused, choosing his words carefully. "I don't know all the details, but he has been gathering information and he believes he is the father. He wants to support you. He knows he hasn't been the most present person in your life, but he wants to make things right."<br/><br/>Rhida remained hesitant but seemed a bit more receptive. She recognized the sincerity in Donald's voice and wondered if there might be some truth to his words. She had been feeling overwhelmed and scared, unsure of how she would navigate this pregnancy journey. The offer of support was surely tempting.<br/><br/>"I appreciate your concern, Donald," Rhida said, her voice softer now. "But I need some time to process this. It's a lot to take in. Can you please give me some space?"<br/><br/>Donald nodded, understanding her need for space. "Of course. Take all the time you need. Just know that if you ever need someone to talk to or someone to rely on, I'm here for you."<br/><br/>Rhida offered a small appreciative smile before stepping out of the car. She needed time to gather her thoughts, sort through her feelings, and decide if she could trust what Donald was saying. Regardless of her decision, one thing was clear – accepting support during her pregnancy journey wouldn't be an easy choice, but it might be the right one.<br/><br/>The delivery continued for weeks and one day, Donald received a call <br/>" Hello"<br/>" I'm craving for Cake!" The voice shouted from the other end and Donald's eyes brightened. <br/>" On it" Then he rushed out. <br/><br/>He arrived at the familiar building and saw Rhida, he opened the door car politely for her and she enter. Donald enters and drives her to a nearby bakery. Rhida's cravings had been unpredictable these days, from pickles and ice cream to sushi and cake. Donald knew that it was important to fulfill Rhida's cravings to keep her happy and comfortable during this time. As they arrived at the bakery, the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air.<br/><br/>Rhida excitedly entered the bakery, her eyes scanning the display cases filled with various pastries, cakes, and pies. She couldn't contain her excitement as she carefully examined each treat, her mouth watering at the sight. Donald watched with a smile, knowing how much Rhida enjoyed indulging in these cravings.<br/><br/>Unable to choose just one item, Rhida approached the bakery's owner and asked for a variety of treats to satisfy her craving. The owner, recognizing Rhida as a frequent customer, happily obliged and began packaging an assortment of pastries, cakes, and slices of pie.<br/><br/>With the mouthwatering package in hand, Rhida couldn't wait any longer. She hopped back into the car, and Donald politely held the car door open for her once again. As they drove away, the tantalizing smell of freshly baked goodies filled the car.<br/><br/>Rhida couldn't help but take a bite of a soft, buttery croissant even before they reached home. The delicate layers melted in her mouth, and she let out a contented sigh. Donald chuckled softly, finding her joy infectious.<br/><br/>Rhida got home at night and saw her friends <br/>" You must be enjoying yourself aren't you?" Elina asked teasingly and Rhida smiled <br/>" He should have shown up by now" Anne muttered <br/>" What if he is married and his wife is not yet pregnant? What if he only needs the baby but not you?" Elina said and Rhida's heart skipped a bit <br/>" What if he doesn't show up until you give birth and he took the baby away? Maybe that's the reason he didn't show up because when he took the baby you won't recognize him" Anne also said and Rhida looked at them confused <br/>" What if he is just using you?" <br/>Elina said and Rhida looked at them <br/>" What should I do then?" She asked, confused, and just then, the doorbell rang. <br/>" It's the delivery man" Anne pointed out loudly <br/>" How about we use the little gentleman inside you that he needs the most as his weakness," Elina said and a smile crept at the corner of her lips.</p>