Chapter 53 Mentorship Program Expands
"If Gerald is aware of the pregnancy and has been watching her carefully, what else does he know and how long until he makes his move?"
Zephyra stares at the text. The image. The risk.
Her palms shake. The smartphone nearly drops.
"Kairo." Her voice breaks. "Look."
He reads the message. His face is going white. Then crimson with fury.
"He has been watching you." His voice is dangerous. "Following you."
"He knows about the baby." Zephyra's hand moves to her stomach. Protecting. Terrified.
Kairo calls security without delay. Shows them the message.
"Trace this number. Find him. Now."
The head of security researched the picture. "These photos were taken on Monday. Three days ago."
"He's been near." Kairo's jaw clenches. "Too near."
They added more security. Double the guards. Set up extra cameras.
But Zephyra feels violated. Not safe. Watched.
Gerald is accessible. Searching for her. Knowing her secret.
The next morning, they decide to inform Percy and Elara.
If Gerald is aware, they want their family members to be aware. Protected.
Intimate dinner at the estate. Just the four of them.
Zephyra is apprehensive. Exhausted. The stress is showing.
They gather inside the eating room. Casual. Comfy.
"We asked you to come here for a reason." Kairo starts. Takes Zephyra's hand.
Percy and Elara exchange glances. Curious. Worried.
"We're pregnant." Zephyra says simply. "Twelve weeks. Due in March."
Silence. Then an explosion of pleasure.
Percy jumps up. Hugs Kairo fiercely.
"You are going to be a fantastic father." His voice thick with emotion. "I'm so happy for you."
Elara wraps Zephyra in her hands. Crying.
"You're already changing lives through mentorship." She says. "Now you'll create a new life. It is stunning."
They have a good time. Toast with sparkling cider. Share ultrasound snap shots.
But then Zephyra shows them Gerald's text.
The pleasure dims. Replaced with a problem. Fear.
"He is threatening you?" Percy's voice hardens. "The baby?"
"We do not know his intentions." Kairo says. "But we are taking precautions."
"Tell us what you need." Elara's face is fierce. "We will do anything."
"Just be aware." Zephyra says quietly. "He's dangerous. Unpredictable. Watch yourselves too."
They promise. Vow to be careful. To help shield her.
The information remains inside the circle of relatives. Close circle only.
Public announcement planned for after the first trimester ends.
However life doesn't pause for pregnancy or threats.
The mentorship program needs attention.
Applications have tripled. Fund needs increase. Decision required.
Zephyra reviews numbers with the program director.
"We need more staff." The director explains. "More coordinators. Extra sources."
"Hire them." Zephyra would not hesitate. "Whatever we want. Make it take place."
"And your involvement?" The director asks cautiously. "With being pregnant?"
Zephyra's jaw sets. determined. Fierce.
"It does not change anything." She says firmly. "I am still running this. Still committed."
That night, Kairo saw her at her table. Working late again.
"You need relaxation." He says gently. "For you and the baby."
"I need to work." She does not look up. "Women do not stop being capable due to the fact they are pregnant."
"I know that." He kneels beside her chair. "But you are under a threat. Under stress. You need to be cautious."
"Growing an infant does not mean stopping work." She meets his eyes. Defiant. "Ladies do both. I will too."
He studies her face. Sees the dedication. The fireplace.
He doesn't argue. Knows better.
"I understand you will." He takes her hand. "Just promise me you will ask for assistance when needed?"
Her expression softens. Thankful.
"I promise." She kisses him. "We are a team, keep in mind?"
"Exactly." He pulls her close. "crew Lione-Draven."
The program expands unexpectedly.
International chapters launch. London. Paris. Tokyo.
Zephyra's vision becoming international motion.
Women assisting women. Globally. Powerful.
Media coverage intensifies. Her profile is growing.
Invitations pour in. speaking engagements. Interviews. Conferences.
She accepts selectively. Carefully. Strategically.
Then the large one arrives.
International women in business convention. Predominant platform. Large visibility.
Keynote speech about the mentorship system.
Two thousand attendees. Global press. Industry leaders.
She accepts right away. Without hesitation.
"This is huge." Percy critiques the invitation. "This puts this program on the sector level."
"Exactly why I am doing it." Zephyra is already making plans for her speech.
The convention is in two weeks. She'll be ten weeks pregnant.
It's still early. Still manageable. Still hiding it.
She writes the speech. Practices. Refines. Perfects it.
But as the date approaches, her body rebels.
Morning illness intensifies. Worse than before.
The day of the conference arrives.
She wakes feeling lousy. Nauseous. Dizzy. vulnerable.
Rushes to the toilet. Vomits violently.
Kairo holds her hair. Rubs her again. Concerned.
"You can not do this today." He says. "Cancel. put off."
"No." She wipes her mouth. Determined. "I have committed . I will manage it."
"Zephyra—"
"I said no." Her voice is steel. "This program matters too much."
She gets prepared. Forces food down. Takes anti-nausea remedy.
Wears a power suit. Hides the exhaustion. Paints on self assurance.
The conference venue is packed. Two thousand women. All watching.
Behind the scenes, she grips Kairo's hand. Breathing deeply.
"You do not have to do that." He says one last time.
"Sure I do." She kisses him. "For each woman out there who needs to hear this."
Her name is announced. Applause erupts.
She walks on stage.Smile fixed. Shoulders returned.
The lighting is blinding. The crowd is massive.
She reaches the podium. Takes the microphone.
But walking on the stage, she feels dizzy. Microphone in hand, hundreds of faces watching, she grips the podium to steady herself, and as thousand women look forward to h
er to speak and the room tilts dangerously around her, can she find the strength to deliver the most important speech of her life or will her body betray her in front of the whole industry?