Ayen 🏵

Her eyes finally lifted away from their table once she hears him come back, blinking in surprise at the simple glass of chamomile tea he places down for her and a latte with the largest dollop of whip cream and sprinkled chocolate pieces for him.

Nonmc couldn't help the huff of laughter that came out of her, making him raise one eyebrow as he sat himself down.

"Sorry, it's just... that sweet treat threw me off."

His lips quirk up into a small smile, his hands wrapping around the warm mug.

"I may be a doctor, but sweets have always been my guilty pleasure."

"I see that." She nods with a smile of her own, taking a sip of her tea with a soft sigh.

There's a moment they both drink their beverages, warming their bodies up for the inevitable serious conversation. Zayne seemed to be ready as he places down his mug, speaking up first.

"I know I am asking the obvious, especially after your appointment, but I want to be sure. They're my child, aren't they?"

She mirrors him, putting down her glass cup.

"They are."

The answer was simple, a reiteration of her words back at the examination room. It still left much to be said.

"I feel I should apologize." He starts as he joins his hands together on the table, "Not for the act itself, as I said before I do not regret what we did that night. It's the fact that I didn't use protection. Even if I was drunk, I should have been more responsible."

She blinks in bewilderment at the sudden mention before shaking her head in quick dismissal.

"Oh, no, no. Zayne, it's not your fault. I mean, I never said or did anything about either. Perhaps the blame was both of ours."

"Yes, perhaps. I... didn't have such things on me regardless. It was an unexpected turn of events."

"It was. That's not something I bring to a work trip either."

Their comments brought a moment of laughter between them, some lightheartedness to make the conversation easier.

"I want to ask, and you may refuse if you don't wish to speak on it, but what of your fiancé? Or ex-fiancé, to be exact."

She sighs heavily, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure. I thought he would have gotten the point that I wanted nothing to do with him once I blocked his number, but he's been trying to find me at my work and home since then. I've been barely avoiding him, luckily. Still, it's... it's a lot."

His eyebrows scrunched together, worry and displeasure on his face. He didn't like her ex-fiancé at all, not one bit. How could he cause her so much stress after cheating on her?

"If you need help--"

"No, Zayne, that's the problem. I don't want to make you responsible for this, not when I'm making the choice to keep them."

"Nonmc, this was something we did together. I can't turn a blind eye to our baby, to you."

"I know. I know what you're saying. It's just... It's only a matter of time before I start showing. And if my ex keeps trying to find me..."

He follows the way her hand lifts up to her stomach, her fingers tracing over her sweater in idle circles.

"I don't know how long I can work at my job. My coworkers, they all knew I was engaged to him. If they find out it's not his, I..."

Her hand tightens around the fabric of her sweater before she lets her limb fall to her lap, almost in defeat.

"It'll only get worse if I don't do something about it. So I decided I have to resign from my job, move somewhere else he doesn't know about. Start anew, I guess."

"And... where do I factor in all of this?" He asks hesitantly.

"I don't know. I worry that this would only cause a scandal. Not just for me, but for you at Akso."

"You shouldn't worry about that."

Nonmc lifts her eyes to his, her expression torn with a multitude of emotions and thoughts going through her.

"I know, but I do. I'm sorry, Zayne. I just can't see myself doing that to you. I can’t force you to be a father when you have a whole life built for yourself, it wouldn’t be fair. I mean, this wasn't out of love. How can I take away your opportunity to find that later in life?"

It was his turn to look away, his joined hands tightening together. Was he feeling hurt from her excluding him? Concern that she wanted to do this alone? Or perhaps both.

"You're the only one who knows about this." She continues, "Not even my parents. Honestly, I don't know how they'd react if I did."

She leans forward, trying to catch his gaze as she gave him a pleading look.

"Please, Zayne, even if I have to be a single mother, I understand the consequences. I'm willing to make that sacrifice."

Zayne stared at her in contemplation, his lips set in a firm line. He understood what she was saying, understood the reasons why it would be better for them both, yet it didn't mean he liked the outcome.

To leave her alone in all of this, it was a pain he didn't want her to have. But she was adamant. And he didn't want to be the reason to cause her more stress.

He reaches one of his hands over to hers that was still on the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Then I will continue to be your primary care physician and help you with these appointments in the early stages of your pregnancy. Once you're further along, I can send you to our best obstetrician at the hospital to take over. If at least I could do that for you, I will accept that."

She exhales shakily, offering a small appreciative smile.

"I appreciate that. Truly."

"No matter what, nonmc, I will ensure your safety and that of... your baby. That is my promise to you."

"Thank you, Zayne."

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