Chapter 4: Proposal
"I'm sorry, Mr. Alfonzo, but you've completely misunderstood me," I asserted confidently.
"Stop being so cynical, Mr. Alfonzo. It's not about your money, it's about something much deeper," he retorted passionately.
With a determined expression, he handed me a check, saying, "Here, take this."
As I stared at the check, I couldn't help but feel that he had misjudged me. I was at a loss for words. I fought back the urge to cry right then and there.
"Alright, let's make it four million. Maybe that will convince you to reconsider," he suggested.
But I couldn't simply stay silent and let him believe that money was all I wanted. I wanted him to be the father of my future child, not just a financial transaction. I couldn't let him pay me off and walk away after what had happened.
"No. It's not about the money. I want a complete family for my child. You have a responsibility towards the child I'm carrying," I firmly declared.
He frowned at my words and leaned in closer, our eyes locked. I could smell the faint scent of his breath as we stared at each other. His piercing gaze seemed to embody both a devil and an angel. But his words had deeply wounded me.
"Are you out of your mind?!" he exclaimed, his anger evident.
"You don't know me. I'm a stranger to you, and now you expect me to be the father of your child?" he added.
"But I know you're intelligent, so consider my offer and leave," he insisted.
"You want me to raise our child without a father?" I questioned.
"Then find someone else! If possible, pay someone to be the father of your child," he replied.
"Our child, Mr. Alfonzo," I asserted, refusing to back down.
With a heavy sigh, he fixed his serious gaze upon me. Drawing his face nearer to mine once more, his words cut deep, leaving me feeling utterly insulted.
He posed the question with a serious tone, "How can you be sure that I am the Father of that child?"
The words hit me like a wave, instantly igniting a fire within me. I felt deeply insulted by his doubt, as if he had only seen the surface of who I truly am. In that moment, I willingly gave away the most precious thing I held dear.
"How dare you say such a thing?!" I retorted firmly, fighting back the tears welling up in my eyes.
"You're accusing me without any grounds," he replied.
"You were the first and only man to touch me. I entrusted you with my virginity, something I had kept for 25 years. And now you insult me like this?" I spoke, my voice filled with emotion.
He fell silent, seemingly lost in thought. I heard him sigh before he finally spoke again.
"Blame yourself, not me," he responded.
Without another word, he abruptly stood up and left the restaurant. I wanted to chase after him, but my heart felt heavy and my legs refused to move. I was at a loss for what to do in that moment. All I could do was cry, gently caressing my stomach. I wanted to be angry at him, but I couldn't help but feel guilty myself. I had become vulnerable and foolish, giving in to a stranger that night.
Yes, I didn't truly know him, but somehow, I felt a love for him. Despite what he had done to me, I couldn't muster up too much anger. Yes, I know it's foolish to feel this way. I'm a fool for giving in an intimate thing with an arrogant stranger.
After some time, I departed from the restaurant, feeling as though my feet were burdened with an unbearable weight. My mind was in disarray, grappling with the overwhelming task of fixing everything that had gone wrong.
The weight of my pregnancy added to the complexity, making it impossible to simply put everything back in its place. If only I could turn back time and undo that fateful night.
Suddenly, my phone pierced through the silence, indicating an incoming call from my mother. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself before answering her call.
"Hello, mom," I greeted, my voice filled with a mix of emotions.
"Are you already home?" she inquired.
"I'm on my way, mom," I responded, my voice tinged with exhaustion.
"I couldn't resist your Aunt's invitation to spend the night here. We haven't seen each other in ages," she explained.
"It's alright, Mom. Take your time and don't worry, I'll be fine at home," I reassured her.
"Alright, my dear. Take care on your way back. Goodbye!" she bid farewell.
Upon arriving home, I headed straight to my room. Collapsing onto the bed, I cradled my stomach, tears streaming down my face as I whispered an apology to my unborn child.
Lost in my thoughts, I drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened by the sound of my phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, I noticed an unknown number calling. However, deep down, I knew it was him. Without hesitation, I answered the call.
"Hello?" I uttered.
"Congratulations," he greeted.
I couldn't comprehend his words. Had this man gone mad? Why was he congratulating me?
"What are you talking about?" I asked, my confusion evident.
"I want to marry you," he replied straightforwardly.
My eyes widened at his words. Did I hear him correctly? Was he really proposing to me?
"Are you joking? Or are you trying to play a prank on me?" I questioned him.
"I'm serious, woman. I will come to pick you up tonight because my parents want to meet you," he responded earnestly.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. After hanging up, I pinched myself to make sure it wasn't just a dream.
Around 5 pm, I hopped into the shower and prepared myself for the evening. Before leaving, I sent a quick text to my mom, letting her know I was heading out first. It seemed like she wouldn't be able to join me since she mentioned she'd be home by 9 pm. She must be having a great time with her best friend, which is one of the ways she copes with the memory of my father. Even after all these years, she hasn't fully moved on.
As I stood in front of the mirror, making sure I looked presentable, my phone suddenly rang. Startled, I rushed out of my room, feeling a mix of panic and nerves. I had no idea how to face his parents. What should I even say? Should I confess that one night led to an unexpected pregnancy? What would they think of me?
Stepping out of the door, I spotted an elegant car parked in front of our house. As I approached, time seemed to slow down when a strikingly handsome man, dressed in a crisp white shirt, appeared before me. His voice caught me off guard, and in that moment, I realized I was completely captivated.