Chapter 4 Stress

Chapter 4

I nervously typed on my laptop, searching for a hospital far away so Emerson wouldn't find out. I'll also buy a pregnancy test later. I just want to make sure no one knows, not even my parents.

I paced around the house. I had already cleaned, and according to the University's page, they would post the results on social media in a few days. It's a good thing I made it in time; otherwise, it would have added to the dirt on Emerson's name.

I was having a moment when my Mom suddenly knocked on our door. Her knock was so strong that it made me nervous too. When I opened the door, I was greeted by the fear on my mom's face, and when I looked at Hekasi, it seemed like he was about to cry.

When I looked behind them, my eyes were filled with questions and flashes from cameras. My mind went blank with all the questions that couldn't register.

"Are you the President's girlfriend?" asked an older reporter.

"How old are you? Why do you live here? Are you rich?"

"How did you two meet?"

"Are you a paid woman..."

I looked at the woman who said that, frowned, and ignored her. I felt weak from everything happening right now. I couldn't fight the dizziness I was feeling.

"Are you pregnant? Is that why he wants to marry you?"

I frowned at a reporter's question. With all the cameras pointed at me and the barrage of questions, I froze.

"Are you really his fiancée, as he stated in the media?" asked a reporter around my age.

"No comments..." I whispered, but I knew they heard me.

I didn't realize my mom had pulled me inside. She hugged me immediately. She was just as uneasy as I was.

"Eka, go upstairs for now."

Hekasi nodded hesitantly. I sat down, feeling extremely dizzy. The world was spinning because of what had just happened.

"Mama, I'm glad you're home," I said, holding my head in pain. The dizziness didn't help.

My mom came closer and handed me some water. She faced me, her face full of sadness.

"My child, I don't want to ask you about what's happening in your life because I know it's your life, and I want to raise you to be independent of me."

"Mama, I just need to do this... Nothing bad will happen to me or President, or even to us," I said.

"I know it's your life, but with so many people around us, Eka can't handle it. I've already called the local authorities to remove them," my mom said.

"Thank you, Ma. I'll explain later, but for now, I need to rest."

"Okay, just make sure you do." She nodded seriously before standing up and going to the kitchen.

I nodded in response.

I couldn't stand up anymore. I'm not feeling well. It felt like I was carrying the weight of the world. Exhausted, I drifted off to sleep on the long couch.

I woke up to a warm hand touching my cheek. I didn't have the strength to open my eyes and get up from that gentle caress. I didn't have the energy to talk to my mom again. I was so tired today, even though I didn't do much.

A few hours later, my mom woke me up. I thought earlier she was being gentle because she felt sorry for me, but now that she was shaking me harder, I wondered if she was angry about what's happening in our lives.

"Mama, did Ma'am Fynn, my manager, or Ruth, the friend I told you about, call?" I asked.

My mom turned to me, puzzled. It seemed like there was something wrong with my question.

I didn't realize it was already nighttime, and my mom had cooked a delicious meal. She didn't even question why I slept so long.

Hekasi was thrilled at dinner. Even though it was just the three of us, my mom and I managed to get through it with each other's help.

I smelled the adobo. I was so eager to taste our favorite dish, Eka and mine.

"Child, take it easy with your eating. The food won't run out," my mom said.

Eka laughed, and I found myself laughing too because I couldn't help it. There was no reason to be scared of being pregnant if I didn't feel any severe symptoms.

I'll get checked when I have time, and I know it won't interfere with my school schedule or Emerson's. I don't want anyone to know about the results.

"Mama, when you were pregnant with me, what did I do?" I asked, taking another bite. She answered with a frown.

"You were always moody and happy. Mostly, you were always jolly and talkative. Even when you got hurt back then, you didn't cry; you just laughed it off," my mom said happily.

"Is that true?" I grinned.

"Yes, it is. Something else happened to you back then. You insisted we go to a private playground in Manila..." My mom took a sip before continuing. "You insisted on playing with a girl and a boy back then. You said you just wanted to talk to them because you were curious about their clothes and the way they talked." My mom shook her head.

"I don't remember."

"You really don't remember because you were the same age as Eka when that happened. You wouldn't stop until you got what you wanted," my mom said, shaking her head as she took another bite of rice.

While washing the dishes, I received a message from an unknown number on my phone.

Unknown Number:

George will escort you later to my Penthouse. Within 5 minutes, get ready. He will knock on your door. Please, come with me. I need you.

I was about to type back to see if this was a scam or Emerson's number.

**Unknown Number:**

This is Emerson. Save my number. See you later.

I saved his number and responded to his message.

**Navida:**

I will be there at exactly Thank you!

I sighed and smiled as I stared at his message. I didn't expect him to be the first to message me.

I thought I would have to wait until pigs fly to get his official number, even though we are always together. Even his personal bodyguard tricked me into thinking he would give me his number, but days passed, and I still didn't receive it.

I hurriedly finished washing up and didn't say a proper goodbye to my mom. She wasn't surprised when I told her I was going to Emerson's place.

"Mama, I need to go somewhere. I'm going to Emerson's," I said while putting on my sandals.

My mom just nodded.

I wasn't sure if I should worry because she seemed okay with everything and didn't even ask me why. As long as I told her I was leaving and had something to take care of, she trusted me completely.

Even when I worked at the bar and tried to keep it a secret from her, she eventually found out. She lectured me, but she didn't stop me after I explained.

"Mama, I'm done. I'm leaving now! Let Eka know what she wants as a souvenir. Just text me," I said cheerfully.

"Take care, child," my mom said in a concerned tone.

I waited for a few seconds, and Emerson's personal bodyguard was already here.

When I got in the car, I looked at myself. I wasn't dressed as elegantly as the women who shine in their beautiful clothes. I'm wearing a simple dark brown dress that compliments my skin tone. Recently, I haven't noticed how my complexion has changed from my younger days.

I licked my lips and asked his personal bodyguard if we were heading to his Penthouse or somewhere else.

"Sir, is Emerson there?" I asked.

"Yes, Ma'am," he replied.

I leaned against the window, only to be startled when the car stopped. I looked around, and we were already at the Penthouse.

When I stepped out, I saw a few reporters in the distance. I couldn't see them clearly because ten guards blocked them.

As I walked, I noticed cameras clicking at me. I instinctively placed my hand on my chest as Sir George opened a black umbrella to shield me while we headed to the Penthouse entrance.

Once inside, I was surprised to see other people there. I had thought Emerson owned the place alone. These weren't ordinary people like us. They didn't pay attention to me as I passed by.

When the elevator doors opened, I heard a woman's voice. I stepped back a bit because I was the only one in the elevator. The woman's voice was so loud she didn't notice the elevator ding.

I hid behind a wall where I wouldn't be easily seen. I could hear the woman clearly.

"I told you, don't involve anyone else. Look at what's on social media. Our reputation has been tarnished because of that woman!"

"Mom-"

It's his Mom? His mother is here?

"I introduced you to so many women, but you didn't choose any of them! Are you kidding me? Do you really want to defy me? After everything we've done to help you achieve all of this?" She shouted.

"Mom, I did this without any help from you-"

A slap echoed, and I couldn't stay hidden anymore. Emerson was holding his cheek, but when he saw me, he immediately approached me and held my hand.

"You're a disgusting woman," she shouted at me. Emerson blocked me. I felt a pang of hurt because those words came from his mother.

Even though she was furious, I took a quick glance at her, and I could see her elegant aura, making it hard for me to be angry at her. She had a sophisticated look with fair skin. She was perfectly fine, even if she appeared strict.

"Mom, stop

To Be Continued...