Chapter 97: Lady CEO

ISABEL.

Bracing myself, I spoke softly, "Eric, it's not that simple. I have a really dark past." I swept off a strand of hair from my hair to the back of my ear.

Trying to ease the tension, Eric reached out for her hand, "What happened, Isabel? You can talk to me."

My gaze lowered, "I'm sorry, Eric. What I'm about to tell you... I'm truly sorry."

"It's okay, Isabel. Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

With my voice quivering, I confessed, "I'm pregnant..."

Eric's expression shifted from concern to confusion, "Wait, I don't understand. Are you saying you got pregnant from last night, or that you were already pregnant?"

A shuddering breath escaped my lips as I delivered my revelation. "The man I told you about... The one who left me for another, is Mavis, my step-brother. And I'm pregnant with his child."

The color drained from Eric's face, and he stared at me with disbelief, his mouth agape. "No... This can't be real. This must be some kind of twisted joke, right?

The weight of the truth sat heavily upon my shoulders, and I could only whisper my apologies. "I'm so sorry. But it's true."

"Unbelievable! You came to me, pretending to like me, all the while carrying your step-brother's baby?" Eric's words, laced with anger, hit me like a slap across my face.

The fact that I carried my step-brother's child while pursuing a relationship with Eric sent a wave of pain and shame coursing through me, leaving me speechless for a moment.

"Eric, please believe me when I say I never meant to deceive you or cause you any pain. Mavis left me emotionally broken and vulnerable, and in my desperation for affection and connection, I turned to you. It was a mistake, I know that now. But doesn't everyone deserve a chance at happiness, even after making a terrible mistake? I never meant to keep my pregnancy from you, I was just so afraid of losing you too. Please, try to understand." I pleaded with Eric, hoping that he would find it in his heart to forgive me.

Eric's chest rose and fell with a heavy sigh, his expression displaying a mix of anger and concern. "Your step-brother is a complete bastard for doing this to you. Leaving you to carry his child while he ran off with his ex? Who does that? That's despicable. You should involve your stepfather in this matter. Your mother may have checked out of the family, but your stepfather still has a responsibility to support you. You shouldn't have to face this alone." His words, though triggered by frustration, were also tinged with genuine care and concern.

"Eric, I'm scared and unsure of what to do," I confessed, my voice quavering as I took a deep breath to steady myself.

He turned towards me, a smirk playing on his lips as he reached for my hand. "Look at me. I was starting to feel like I had stumbled upon a real gem with you." His chuckle, though lighthearted, seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

"I'll take you back if Mavis isn't ready to secure a gem like you," he continued, winking at me as I forced a smile.

"How about you drop me off at my business premises before you resume duties for today?"

"Let's go," he agreed.

As we drove, I noticed Eric kept glancing at me, seemingly trying to read my thoughts. Finally, he spoke up.

"Funny, how you left Mavis at the hospital all by himself. He's your sweetheart, right? No matter what he's done, I know you love him. If he came pleading, you'd take him back in a heartbeat. Am I right?"

"Some questions are better left unanswered, leave that for fate to decide," I said, attempting to deflect his inquiries. "All I know is that Mavis humiliated me, and I'll repay the favor in a way he never saw coming."

Eric chuckled, "Someone has a plan brewing, eh? How far along are you in your pregnancy? You should register for antenatal care as soon as possible."

Eric maneuvered the car through the bustling streets, his gaze focused on the road ahead. The car glided smoothly as he made a left turn, expertly navigating the busy traffic. As we drove past a towering billboard, a captivating advertisement caught our attention, the colors and images vying for our focus.

But Eric remained composed, weaving his way through the cityscape before finally arriving at the TABOO TREASURES AND ALL WHATNOT Mall. It was my third time visiting and it looked even better now with all the fancy lights and designs.

He stepped out of the car, reached out for the door, and pulled it open.

Extending a hand, "Congratulations to you, Isabel. The latest lady CEO in town. I'm proud of you and I'm sure Mavis is sure to be as well." Eric praised me and I smiled softly.

"Thank you Eric but that's Mavis' business and none of mine. You have been a good friend and I'm sincerely grateful for your kind gestures," My tone remained neutral as I made it clear that Mavis' feelings were inconsequential to my accomplishment.

With a glint of admiration in his eyes, Eric continued, "You truly deserve it, Isabel. You are an irreplaceable woman and should Mavis ever fail to recognize your worth, I’ll gladly embrace the opportunity to claim a treasure he is blind to."

"Thank you, Eric," I replied, letting out a light chuckle. "Goodbye for now." With that, Eric's car reversed out of the driveway and swiftly drove out of the gate leaving me with a lingering smile.

Entering the Mall from the side door, I was greeted by my manager, Cruz, and his assistant, Sebastian. They had been instrumental in facilitating my business dealings and, as expected, were eager to offer their congratulations on my recent success.

Both men radiated warmth and jubilation at my arrival, poised to shower me with praise and celebratory remarks.

"Good day, Ms Isabel," Cruz began with a smile, "It's a delight to have you here today." Their surprise was noticeable from their facial expression. I knew they weren't expecting me to visit suddenly.

Nodding in agreement, Sebastian added, "The grand opening of the Mall has sparked quite a flurry of activity, and we've been busy keeping up with the demands and adjustments."

"Thank you," I said smiling at them. " That's excellent news Sebastian," I remarked. "I'm delighted to come in today, as I have some important matters to attend to." Sebastian offered to take the bag from me, while Cruz led the way to my office.

"Please, allow me to carry your bag, Ms Isabel," Cruz said, as we traversed the corridors. "I understand that your schedule today is likely to be demanding."