Work

I SQUIRMED AS I felt the plane landing. Against the inside, I had to do it for the silence of all—even Mommy was against my decision. But I have to forget Lawrence.

“Margaux, hija!”

I looked up at Mommy coming inside my office. She was carrying a bag that she had laid on my table.

“Mom, what are you doing here?” I stood up to hug her and kiss her on the cheek.

She immediately grabbed my two shoulders and hovered over me.

“I’m fine. But you, are you sure you’re okay, hija?” Her voice showed intense concern.

I swallowed hard. I haven’t slept since I ran away from Saavedra Resort.

“I’m fine, Mom . . .” I thought the words would come out smoothly, but it cracked a little.

She frowned, then stared at me intently.

“I’m your mother. You can’t hide anything from me. I know there’s a problem, Margaux.” She looked down on a bit bulge of my stomach. I tried my best to stay cool in front of her, but I couldn’t.

Gradually my shoulders dropped. I thought I could do it alone. I thought I was strong enough to overcome it on my own, but I’m wrong.

A pearl of tear escaped my eyes. I hugged my mother and didn’t speak for a while. I don’t think I have to say everything because she seems to have an idea I am going through right now.

“Oh, sweetheart . . .” She quickly stroked my back and hair repeatedly.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I am a failure,” I whimpered.

“Of course not, sweetheart!” she said in a softer tone.

I shook and continued to cry on her shoulders.

I do not feel sorry for what happened to me. I regret it because I think I did not repay the sacrifices she and Dad made for me. And what’s worse is the scandal I could be involved in if Lawrence and Elliesse’s marriage continues.

“Have you tried to talk to him?” Mom asked in her calmer voice. I shook my head and bowed slightly.

What for? Elliesse is also pregnant, and I am sure he will choose Elliesse instead of me because she is destined to be his wife.

“Lawrence needs to know that you are pregnant. You cannot keep the child forever, Margaux,” she said and embraced my two hands.

“No, Mom! He agreed to marry someone else. She is also pregnant. I do not want to ruin a family.” I know how painful it is to be left behind by the person I love. So who am I to do that to Elliesse?

“Your daddy needs to know this! I’m sure he will not allow you to be aggrieved,” she continued.

“I want to raise the child alone. Please, Mom, tell Dad that I’m fine. I have already booked a flight to Paris. There, I will try to get up again and raise the child alone.”

“But you need my help. I should be there, especially when you gave birth,” she insists.

I shook my head again. “Please, I can make it on my own,” I assured her.

Dad talked to me that night. He also did not object to my decision. Even if they want to accompany me to Paris, I strongly refused it. We have a business they need to run here. Eventually, they have done nothing but support what I want.

“Here we come!” Peter’s purr voice echoed at my head.

I quickly went back to myself and glanced at the some-story building where we could stay for a few months.

He put down the suitcase we were carrying from the compartment as I began to step my feet inside.

I glanced at him for a moment, who’s talking at the receptionist before I looked around. The building was huge. Two grand staircases are welcoming you when you enter the building. The ceiling is all white, while the wall is built with precast concrete panels. After that, I impatiently glanced at Peter again, who’s holding the keycard now.

He waved his hand at me, so I walked towards the elevator first.

“Our room is on the third floor,” he said, then he pushed the button up.

After a while, the elevator opened, and we both went out. After a few steps, Peter stopped in front of a room.

“This will be your room. And mine is that one besides yours.”

I went into my room and looked inside. The full glass window where I could see the Eiffel Tower immediately caught my attention.

“Beautiful . . .” I whispered as my palm rested on the glass window.

“Yeah, beautiful.” I heard a sweet voice over my shoulder.

Peter closes his arms around me and caresses the bulge of my stomach.

I lowered my head down and watched him do that to my stomach.

“Thanks for everything,” I utter and held back the tears that wanted to spill from my eyes.

“I’m here whenever you need me,” he whispered.

I bowed even more. I pursed my lips guiltily. If I had a choice, I would not do this to him. But maybe, this is my way to give myself a chance to like him, even though I know it’s wrong.

“Just take a rest. I’ll be at my suite if you need me,” he said in a hoarse voice. He hugged me tighter from behind me.

I tapped his arm then nodded softly.

“Rest well, I’m fine here,” I whispered again.

When he came out, I turned my back on the big window to go straight into my room. I was looking around the room, but I didn’t pay much attention to how nice it was.

I lay my body on the soft bed. The toughness in my eyes slowly disappeared. My emotions are all over my body. I hugged myself, and there I gradually felt the hot tears forming at the corner of my eyes.

How many times have I done this since we left? I can’t count how many times my tears flowed because of him.

My chest is so heavy. I feel that it is not only my heart that hurts but my whole being.

I shook my head many times, trying to convince myself I was fine. I’m not the only one who failed in love, there are others, and they can all cope and survived.

I wiped away the tears and looked at the Eiffel Tower of Paris.

You’re going to be okay, Margaux.

You will.

***

TIME PASSED QUICKLY, so did the baby in my womb. I will give birth to a baby boy in a month.

Staying here for months is a good opportunity for me. I met many people, friends, and business partners who helped our business in the Philippines invest in our company.

I have been busy with many things. Peter even scolds me often because I almost spend my time attending my investors’ meetings.

The result was good because I temporarily forgot everything. I tried to turn my mind to something else, such as when I entered as a home base accountant in a large company here in Paris. I can say that I have been successful in this field because I hold my time which is very convenient for me, especially when I am pregnant.