2
500words
"Sophia!"
James hugged her,weeping with joy—actual tears.
My steps slowed down,and in the end I stopped five feet away from him.
In three years,James rarely showed any emotion around me.
And now the famously stoic Manhattan prince weeping and crying in front of Sophia.
I couldn't name my feelings.
Jealousy?Envy?
Suddenly,nausea surged.I bolted to the bathroom.
After vomiting violently I was about to stand up,but another wave hit me.
Finally when it subsided,a wild thought struck.
Was I pregnant?
James was potent—one night,and it worked.
"What did you eat that gets you vomiting like that?"
James's voice startled me from behind.I instinctively covered my stomach.
He couldn't know I was pregnant—he'd force an abortion.
"Nothing. Maybe it’s just the weather’s gold these days."
"Congrats,Sophia's awake."
"Stay with her.I'm leaving."
I didn't leave the hospital,instead I headed to Dr.Wilson's office.
Tests confirmed I was pregnant.
Dr.Wilson,holding the report,looked grave.
"I recommend terminating the pregnancy immediately."
"The fetus will drain all your nutrients.By the time you deliver,the tumor will be uncontrollable and inoperable."
I shook my head silently.
I had no choice.I had to give birth to a child.
Leaving the hospital,I called James's father.
"Dad,you've got a grandson."
His voice lit up with joy.
"Wonderful,well done!The Harpers have an heir now!"
"Don't worry,I'm arranging getting support now for your father's orphanage.You just rest—my grandson must be perfect."
Hanging up,I touched my stomach,staring at passing cars,feeling momentarily lost.
Was it right to bring this child into the world?
He would have a loving grandfather and wealth.
But also a father who hated him. And he would have no mother
Days later,Sophia was discharged.
James bought her an apartment and he came home even less.
I was grateful that Sophia was awake.My morning sickness was extremely severe—nausea would hit me even at simply the smell of food—and it would've tipped James off if he weren't distracted.
After another bout of vomiting,I staggered out of the bathroom,leaning against the wall.
"You're vomiting again.Need to see a doctor?"
I hadn’t expected James to be home,he stepped forward to steady me.
I smelled feminine perfume on him,saw a red kiss mark on his white collar.
"It's fine,my stomach’s always like this when between seasons."
"Not with Sophia?Why're you here?"
I subtly pushed him away,walked over to the sofa and sat down.
James fetched water from the bar,handing it to me.
I sipped slowly.
"Can't neglect the lady at home too long.Dad might get suspicious."
I swallowed the water.
Your dad doesn't care about you anymore—his mind's on his grandson.
Nausea hit again.I closed my eyes,trying hard to hold it back.
Thankfully,James's phone rang.
A sugary voice said:
"James,come keep me company.It's so quiet,I'm scared."
I opened my eyes,meeting James's gaze.I mouthed,Go.
The moment he left,I rushed to the bathroom,vomiting so hard that I felt like I was going to throw up my guts.
