rning out to be an

on to this child s

and I were bound to be the targe

sting of sharp tongues-I couldn't fathom subjecting my child to

nawed at me; it could have very well dashed

unleashing snowstorms fierce enough to cripple the city. Amidst that chilling cold, I was c

with the company, the doctor delivered a grim

isbelief when the doctor from ear

ne-in-a-million lottery ticket-a stroke

onumental decision about a

ther to keep the c

lings, an avalanche of work assignments desce

stry, I was perpetually at the beck and call

client meltdowns, I clung to the advice that a pregnant woman ought

rhaps, I had already de

ensated for his role and nothing more. Regardless of whether I

tation, I had blocked his number, s

ss demands, and upon completing all the p

I would have this child and dedicat

resolved to stand firm as a mother, shielding my child

a rare moment of peace in my office, poised to search for paren

ment tonight, and you're joinin

ng glasses, prompting me to unconsciously caress my stomach. "Benn

sence; I'll manage the drinking part for both of us," Benn

gatherings usually turned

client we're meeting tonight. Seal this deal, and you might just lan

bonus tugged at

scoundrel's face, feeling every bit the hero, but that h

ng grit and determination, unlike those silver-spo

her. I had made up my mind to keep the child, ai

eed, "Alright, Benny, you

b on some glamor, and slip into something stunning. We're m

Benny had graciously allotted me ha

ut transformative touch-up, and then retreated to my home for a meticulous makeup session.

sphere, the room brimming with an assortment of personalities. As soon as I made my entrance, all eyes snapp

er with warm familiarity. "Cathy, you've arrived just in time! Allow me to introduce you-this gentleman

admiration. "The tales of your prowess in advertising are legendary, Mi

n unsettling caress, his glance sliding toward a disquieting

ny cheerfully ushered me to Carl's side. "Cathy, do keep Carl

dn't Benny assured me that

he decided to trade my

liquor toward me. "I've heard about your legendary tolerance, Cathy. Come on,

a pleading glance at Benny for assistance. Unfortunately, Be

r capacity, Cathy. How about you take three shots to impress our VI

audacious, lining up more drinks for m

anger. Maintaining my job and my standing in

my predicament, had set

ny drink could endanger the child, especiall

required a pla

oor burst open once more, and a formidable fig

d almost raised the glass

f, and then cautiously tur

look, I fr

way of mixing thin

d with a hefty half a million over a month ago-strode into t

t, I felt utt

plans. To my right, Jaxton, the man I had scorned and who likely harbored fantasies of vengeance. It w

expression cold, emitting a palpable aura of "back off

ponder how someone could seamlessly transition from a

rowd straight toward me, like a knife through silk. It didn't

teeled myself, preparing to face w