Chapter 5 I can help you with that

Zara POV.

I stretched my body lazily across the king-size bed, my arms reaching out as if trying to hold onto the comfort for just a little longer. A soft sigh left my lips as I slowly sat up at the edge of the bed, my fingers brushing against the silky sheets. Gratitude filled my heart as I thought about Steven. If he hadn't shown up, where would I have spent the night? I shuddered at the thought, my voice breaking the silence as I muttered, "I can't remember the last time I slept this well."

But my subconscious wasn't as willing to indulge in the moment. This is just for today. By midnight, you'll be back on the streets.

The cold truth sent a sharp pang through my chest. I clenched my jaw, forcing a smile onto my face, pushing the thought away. "Then let me enjoy it while it lasts," I whispered in response to the nagging voice in my head.

Rising to my feet, I padded over to the standing mirror in the room. My reflection stared back at me-thinner than I remembered, my collarbone jutting out prominently, my neck appearing longer than usual. My eyes drifted downward, landing on my stomach. It was growing. Not too big yet, but enough to remind me that soon, very soon, I would bring this child into the world. A soft smile tugged at my lips as I placed my hands over the small swell, rubbing gently.

Then, the weight of reality crashed into me. I have nothing ready for this baby. No money. No home. No job.

My smile faded, replaced by a deep, sinking sadness that clung to my chest like a heavy chain. "Where do I even start?" I whispered, lost in my own thoughts.

A sudden knock at the door jolted me back. I blinked rapidly, shaking off the gloom. "I'm coming!" I called, hurrying toward the door.

Cracking it open slightly, I peeked out. One of the hotel workers stood there, her face bright with a polite smile.

"Hi, ma'am. Good morning," she greeted warmly.

"Morning," I replied, opening the door fully.

"I was asked to bring this to you," she said, holding out a neatly wrapped box. My gaze flickered between her and the package, my brows knitting in confusion.

"It's from Mr. Steven," she added quickly.

Understanding dawned, and I let out a quiet "Oh."

"Thank you," I murmured, taking the box from her.

"What would you like for breakfast?" she asked, her voice laced with genuine kindness.

I hesitated. It had been so long since I had the luxury of choosing a meal. "Uh... anything is fine," I said softly.

She nodded with a bright smile. "Alright. I'll have it sent up right away. Have a nice day." With a small bow, she turned and walked away.

Closing the door, I carried the box to the bed and slowly lifted the lid. My breath hitched as I scanned through its contents. Clothes. Soft, lightweight, and undeniably meant for pregnant women. A small chuckle escaped me. They were beautiful, comfortable-exactly what I needed.

And then it hit me. I hadn't even showered last night. I had been too exhausted to do anything but collapse onto the bed.

With a newfound excitement, I stripped off my clothes and made my way into the bathroom. As I stepped into the tub, warm water enveloped me, and a giggle bubbled from my lips-pure, unfiltered joy. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to just be.

The fresh cold bath was a soothing relief, washing away the exhaustion clinging to my body. Allowing myself to forget everything-the uncertainty, the loneliness, the fear of what came next. I knew this comfort was temporary, just for the night, but I let myself savor it anyway.

Once I was satisfied, I stepped out of the tub, wrapping a soft robe around my body. Grabbing a spare towel, I gently dried my damp hair, enjoying the feel of the warm fabric against my skin. Just as I finished, a knock at the door made me pause.

I quickly made my way over and opened it.

"Ma'am, your food," the hotel worker announced, balancing a tray in his hands.

I stepped aside, opening the door wider, but he shook his head, refusing to let me take it from him. His kindness made me smile.

"Thank you," I said softly as he placed the tray on the table and left.

Closing the door, I wasted no time slipping into something comfortable before settling down to eat. As I lifted the tray cover, a rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the air.

"Spaghetti with sauce," I murmured, my stomach tightening with hunger.

I didn't wait any longer-I picked up my fork and began eating, savoring every bite. It had been too long since I'd had a proper meal like this. But just as I was halfway through, another knock interrupted me.

I swallowed quickly. "I'm coming," I called out, adjusting my dress before walking to the door.

When I opened it, I was met with the sight of Steven. He stood tall in a sleek black suit, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. A charming smile played on his lips.

"Hi," he greeted.

"Hi," I replied, offering a smile of my own-one that felt more natural this time.

"Can I come in?"

"Sure." I stepped aside, making way for him.

As he walked in, he stopped near the edge of the bed, his gaze studying me carefully. "How are you?" he asked.

I lowered my eyes slightly, feeling an odd mix of gratitude and shyness. "I'm good. All thanks to you."

His smile widened. "I'm happy I could help."

I fidgeted with my fingers, unsure of what to say next.

"You must have enjoyed the meal," he remarked, his tone light.

I let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I did. Thank you."

There was a brief silence before he spoke again.

"So... tell me. How did you end up here?"

I glanced away, inhaling deeply. "It's a long story," I admitted. "And I don't want you to pity me." I quickly added, not wanting to seem desperate or weak. "I hope you understand."

Steven tilted his head slightly, studying me. Then he smiled. "I do."

His next words took me by surprise. "I've actually noticed you for a while now."

My head snapped up, my brows furrowing in amazement. "What?"

He let out a small chuckle. "I didn't know how to approach you without making you uncomfortable. But then, I saw you walking down the alley last night... you looked so sad, and I just knew something was wrong. So I followed you-gently, of course. I wasn't stalking you, I swear." He raised his hands in mock surrender.

Despite myself, I laughed softly. "Thank you... I guess."

He smiled, then leaned slightly forward. "So, what's your plan?"

I sighed, my fingers tracing invisible patterns on my lap. "I don't have one," I admitted honestly. "But I need a job. The problem is, no one wants to hire a heavily pregnant woman." I gestured toward my body with a small, defeated laugh.

Steven's gaze didn't waver. "And you need to survive," he said, his voice softer this time.

I nodded, lost in thought.

"Well... I can help you with that."

My head shot up, my heart skipping a beat. "Really?"

He smiled. "Yeah. Come work for me. That way, you'll have shelter, and you'll be able to save up for your child."

A spark of hope flared in my chest. Was this real? Was he actually offering me a chance-a way out?

For the first time in a long time, I felt something close to relief.