Chapter 21 You Can’t Hide Forever
–
But she couldn’t punch her now not when she was pregnant.
“Becky! This is too much! How could you hide your pregnancy from me?!”
Becky answered honestly, “Because you can’t keep your mouth shut.”
Ouch.
“The baby’s Xavier’s?”
“Of course! He’s the only man I’ve ever been with. It only happened that one night.”
Sharon’s thoughts instantly took a turn. She gasped. “You didn’t sleep with him after the wedding? It was just that one night when you drugged him?!”
Becky nodded. “We had separate bedrooms after marriage.”
“That bastard! Making you live like a widow! Thank God you got divorced!”
But as soon as Sharon finished cursing, something clicked.
“Wait a sec. When did you find out you were pregnant?”
“Before the divorce,” Becky said without hesitation.
Sharon nearly flipped. “Becky, are you insane?! Why would you divorce him when you were pregnant?!”
Becky shrugged. “What else could I do? Stay in a marriage like that forever? Live my whole life clinging to a man who doesn’t love me?”
“Well… I mean, you’re not wrong, but still
“I can raise the child myself.”
“You’re insane!”
“I’m not.”
“Do
–
you were pregnant!”
you think raising a kid is a game? Do you know how hard it is for a woman to do it alone?”
“I know, I know! Don’t worry, I’ve thought it through.”
“Does Xavier know?”
Becky shook her head. “And you better not tell him!”
“Why not? He should take responsibility!”
“If I wanted him to take responsibility, why would I have divorced him?” Becky sighed. “This child is mine. I want it. Xavier doesn’t like me. If he finds out, he’ll make me get rid of it. Sharon, I’m begging you —
1/3
keep your mouth shut. Don’t tell anyone.”
Sharon didn’t respond right away.
She thought Becky was being way too naive.
Becky looked at her seriously. “You know I don’t have any family left. I’m all alone. I just want someone of my own, someone who belongs to me. Sharon, please understand.”
Sharon stared at her for a moment, then finally agreed to keep the secret.
“Dracovia’s not that big. You know a lot of people. What if you run into someone?”
“I’m not planning to hide it forever. Just long enough to have the baby safely. One day at a time.” She added, “I’ll mostly stay around here, avoid downtown should be fine.”
–
. Becky even told Sharon about the one million Xavier transferred to her.
Sharon snorted, “Well, at least he has a shred of decency.”
Becky smiled contentedly. “It’s enough. These past few years at the Bolton place, I have to admit, Xavier treated me pretty well. Love just can’t be forced- he didn’t love me, and that’s that.”
Truth be told, the original Becky had stolen his innocence.
From another perspective, Becky could actually sympathize with Xavier.
“You’ve finally moved on,” Sharon said. “I’m happy for you. I told you from the beginning not to fall for him. It was never gonna end well. You didn’t listen – had to smash headfirst into a wall before you got it.”
Back then, Sharon had been against it all, convinced Becky was blinded by love.
Becky gave her a tight hug. “Thank you, Sharon.”
Sharon narrowed her eyes at Becky’s stomach. “Have you had a checkup yet? I’ve never had a kid, but my cousin has. There’s supposed to be a bunch of checkups, right?”
“Not yet. I’m planning to go this week.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Okay.”
Becky chose a nearby hospital for the checkup.
After the exam, she registered at the hospital for ongoing prenatal care.
The baby was healthy and developing well
–
she was relieved and happy.
Now that money wasn’t a problem, she felt completely at ease. All she had to do was wait patiently for the baby to arrive.
She and Sharon walked out of the hospital.
2/3
Suddenly Sharon groaned and clutched her stomach. “Ugh, can’t hold it here. I need the bathroom.”
Becky kindly handed her a packet of tissues. “Go ahead.”
Sharon took the tissues and ran back inside.
Becky sat on the stone steps outside to wait.
Then she heard a child crying.
She turned toward the sound.
–
my stomach hurts! Becky, wait
A little boy was squatting by the curb, sobbing his heart out. He looked about three years old, dressed in a sharp little suit like a tiny prince..
Becky looked around
–
no adults in sight.
She stood and walked over.
“Hey there, little guy. Where are your mom and dad?”
The boy lifted his head. His big, pretty eyes blinked at her, two fat tears hanging off his long lashes. His lips were red, teeth neat. he looked like a porcelain doll.
What a gorgeous kid.
–
Becky’s heart melted.
She crouched down and softened her voice.
“Can you tell me? Are you lost?”
The little guy looked wary. He wasn’t crying anymore, but he didn’t speak either.
Becky pulled out her phone and waved it gently. “Do you know your parents’ phone number? I can call them for you. Don’t worry I’m not a bad person.”
–
The boy said nothing. He just stared at her.
Becky wondered, Is he mute?
“Can you talk? If not, just nod or shake your head.”
Suddenly, the little boy spoke up: “You’re so pretty! Just like Grandma.”
10
®
3/3
