Chapter 42

"What's better is that you sign it so that our lives can be quiet; don't go any further because only you will be embarrassed; don't be selfish here. You cheated first, and now you won't let me be happy? Stop," Leandre said.
Jade's face is red with pain, but he doesn't care. Because he has lavished too much love on this woman, but nothing has come of it; instead, she has tarnished their marriage.

"I will not agree, and I will never sign it," Jade replied as she exited the office, slamming the door hard.

Leandre did nothing but shake his head. This is one of his regrettable choices. So he went back to his work when the door opened again, but he didn't bother looking because it could be Lexie.


"How's your life?" Nicholas's voice asked.
"It's you. You didn't even speak right away." Leandre answered while looking at his friend.
"Yeah. I felt bored in my office so I came here first. It's been a while since we haven't seen each other so I thought I'd visit you. How's life? You're getting more handsome as time goes on. How's your divorce going, okay?" asked Nicholas.
"Not yet. Jade came here a while ago and screams like an idiot. She doesn't want to sign the documents. She's making the situation even worse."
"Yes. Then you thought about when he left you." Nicholas said Leandre knew who he was talking about.
"I can not do anything."
"By the way, I saw her," said Nicholas so he looked at it immediately.
"Where?"
"In the city. She's already pregnant."

"What?" Leandre asked as he rose to his feet.

"Kidding aside, she has a pregnant woman with her and a man who is always holding her arm; I want to approach her and ask her why it is so easy for her to find another man when you and she just broke up," Nicholas responded.

Leandre shook his head but clenched his fists because he was hurt to think that he had been traded to another man. Alondra had moved in with Garret, and Dianne and Timothy were still there for her. And she must not forget to continue her studies online if she is to graduate. She hopes everything will be fine, but Leandre is married to someone else. But just because she has been hurt doesn't mean she has to give up. She will not give up her ambition to become a doctor.

Timothy gave her money to start a business, and she used it to open a boutique. So this is what she is doing now while studying online. She hopes her path does not cross with Leandre's. Despite Mathilde's constant calls to bring her home, she has yet to visit them in the province.
 She has no savings because her business is still in its early stages. Because she was also busy, she only hired one salesperson. When Garret is not at the clinic, he will occasionally look after the business. This is because he is a dentist. She was sitting in her office inside her boutique when she felt dizzy. She went out for a while, carrying her handbag.



"I'm going out for a moment, Harley. I'm just going to buy something for." Alondra said.
"All right, ma'am."

Alondra walks slowly, her head held high. She is still nauseous and sick. It's a good thing Garret's clinic is only a short walk away, or she would have collapsed on the road. She still wants to vomit. She went straight inside, unconcerned about the people inside the clinic because she was in a bad mood. A woman approached her.


"What can I do for you, Ma'am?" the woman asked.
"I'm looking for Doctor Garret," answered Alondra.
"He still has customers. Can you just wait?"
"Yes. Can I just wait in his office?"
"Alright. I'll just inform him."

Alondra entered Garret's office with a nod. The coldness of the entire office made her feel even worse. She dashed to the restroom when she vomited, but the food she had eaten did not come out. She vomited everything except for saliva. When she felt a heavy hand caressing her back, she felt relieved.

"What's the matter? Do you feel sick? What did you eat?" Garret inquired.

"It was a while ago. I wanted to vomit everything I ate, but all that came out was saliva, and I just left Harley there because I couldn't handle how bad I was feeling," Alondra explained.




Garret led her to the couch and sat her down. Garret looked at her intently.
"When was the last time you got your period?" Garret asked directly which made Alondra shocked.


She couldn't remember when she last had her period. She did not menstruate during her two-month stay at Leandre's house, and they had sex without protection. Is there a chance she's pregnant? Alondra had no idea her tears had started to fall.

Garret was certain of the symptoms because he asked her when her last period was. She understands that having a child is a blessing, but it is now too late. She has no idea how to tell her parents that she is pregnant and that the man who got her pregnant has abandoned her. She does not want their neighbors to criticize her.

"You didn't tell me we've been living together in the same house for a month, or if you have a boyfriend, but these symptoms I'm seeing make me doubt you're pregnant; just take a pregnancy test so we can find out," Garret said.

Alondra sat on the floor even though she was already on the couch. She became terrified because being a mother is not easy. And then how will her parents feel when they find out they will surely scold her?

"Stand up first, Alondra. You don't have to be afraid because I won't leave you. I'll be with you until you give birth to your baby. If you're worried about how your parents will react when they find out you're pregnant, give birth first, and then come home to your place. Leave the baby for a while, and I'll take care of it. So, whatever is on your mind right now, don't go any further with it. Let us work together to raise your child. "Garret stated.

Alondra slowly stood up and slowly returned to sitting on the couch.
"Thank you, Garret. My brain is messed up and I'm scared," answered Alondra.
"Everything will be fine."
Garret gave her water and she drank it. She just sat quietly and hoped that she was not pregnant. Garret left her for a moment to go out. A few minutes later he came back with cellophane and gave it to her.
"That's a pregnancy test. Just put a little urine on it, we'll know if it's positive if two red lines appear where you put your urine." Garrett said.

Alondra nodded and entered the restroom. Her hands were trembling as she carried the four pregnancy tests. She sprayed it with urine and closed her eyes. She had already worked up a sweat while waiting for the outcome. When she saw two red lines on the four pregnancy tests she was carrying, it was as if the sky had fallen on her. She spent nearly 30 minutes in the restroom. She had a cold and was in tears as a result of what she had seen. A knock on the door woke Alondra up, so she slowly walked out and handed Garret the pregnancy kit she was carrying.




"You're pregnant," Garret said with a smile.


But Alondra was not pleased. As a result, she hugged Garret. He would not abandon her, she knew. He will assist her until she no longer requires assistance. But he won't be able to keep the child hidden for the rest of his life if her parents find out. She is hoping that now that she has an unborn child, she will be stronger. And she was curious about Mathilde's reactions because she was sure she was disappointed. He was mortified because he had bothered her during work hours. She had noticed a large number of customers waiting outside earlier.



Alondra relaxed even though she still felt a little dizzy. Hopefully, she won't throw up so she won't disturb Garret. She is now just leaning on the couch while the owner of the office is outside. She is ashamed to take care of her because he is also doing a lot. He didn't look for a girlfriend because he wasn't ready for the responsibility, but he was taking care of her. It's happy to live in the same house with a person who is treated as a friend without the love of a lover for less complication. The day will come when she will also repay all of Garret's kindness to her. She thought of lying down on the couch until she didn't realize that she had fallen asleep. The cold thing that hit her face woke Alondra up from her deep sleep. She suddenly woke up to see a boy enter Garret's office. He was smiling looking at her and the cold thing resting on her face was an ice candy.
"Hey, do you need something?" Alondra asked.
"Nothing. I was just checking on you because the door wasn't closed and I saw you sleeping so I went in." answered the boy.
His cheeks are too pinkish as if it tastes good to be pinched. And what adds to its cuteness is the dimple on both cheeks.
"Why would you check on me? For sure your mommy and daddy are already looking for you?"
"I'm just curious since I thought we were the same age since you look younger than your age." the boy answered smiling.
"Really? Then, what would you see?"
"You about my daddy's age but my mommy is older than you. I think she is in her thirties or nearly forties. But she keeps on telling me that love is not about age gap it is always about feelings and compatibility." answered the boy.
Alondra laughed. It's like she's talking to someone her age.
"Did your mommy always tell you that?" Alondra asked.
"Yes. Is it wrong for people who are not the same age to be in a relationship?" the child asked innocently.
"It's not. And your mommy is right," answered Alondra.
"Thank you. I have to go out since my nanny is looking for me already. And take care of your unborn baby." said the boy.
Reason for Alondra's eyes to grow.
"Wait. Why do you know?"
"Of course. Because my mommy is a doctor of pregnant women and she always told me that when mommies get pregnant they are always lethargic and sleepy in their first month." the boy answered with a smile and continued to go out and close the door.
Alondra was left smiling. Smart child. She hopes that when her baby grows up, it will be wise and not go astray like her. The door opened again and Garret entered. It is obvious from his face that he is tired from dealing with customers all day.
"Did you sleep?" Garrett asked.
"Yes," answered Alondra.
"Aren't you tired of waiting for me? This is the first time I've had many customers. Maybe Princess Shania was lucky for me." Garett said smiling and took off his doctor's coat.
"Huh?"
"Your baby's name."
"Really? You thought of a name but it took a long time to come out." Alondra replied smiling.
"Leave me alone. I'm just happy now." Garrett replied.
"Why? Has the person you're courting answered you already with a crunchy yes?" Alondra asked and stood up.
"I haven't been courting and I'm not flirting with anyone right now," Garret answered and left his office.
So Alondra also followed while carrying her handbag.
"Are we going home?" she asked.
"Do you want to go home? We can go straight to the city to grab some fruits and maybe you want something to eat," Garret said.
Alondra smiled and nodded. She could truly say that Garret was the kindest person she had ever met. Soft-spoken and very honest. Even though she didn't ask, he willingly told her the truth. Alondra walked slowly as she followed Garret. He opened the door for her to enter. They first went to the boutique to check on Harley because it was getting late.
She saw many customers inside so she immediately went down.
"Take it easy, Alondra. Those customers won't leave." Garret told her as he followed her.
"We should look for another saleslady at least four since we can afford the salary," Alondra said.
"Yes, you should. Because I can see that Harley can no longer handle the number of customers."
An hour later all the customers were gone but Alondra felt sorry for Harley because she was too tired. So tomorrow she will start looking for someone else to be with her in charge. Maybe she put Harley on the counter as a cashier.
"What time is it there?" Alondra asked.
"It's still seven o'clock in the evening," Harley replied.
"Shall we close this?"
"Don't. Because there are many vacationers in the city now. Maybe someone will buy more. You know in a western city like this. People like to roam around the city twenty-four hours."

"How? Harley's the only one here?" Alondra asked.
"Do you have a friend or cousin out there, Harley? Who doesn't do anything and doesn't go to school?" Garrett asked.
"Yes, sir. How many do you need?"
"I hope you can find four because you will be placed as a cashier at the counter and the rest are salesladies. If there is a man, get one as well so that we have a person to carry the stocks that are coming."
"Yes ma'am."
Alondra is happy with what she has achieved in life with the people who helped her. Even though she deviated from the path, she does not regret it because she can say that she is still lucky somehow. She has a big boutique that has a lot of expensive goods and branded goods so she is very thankful to Garret because he helped her. As well as Timothy and Dianne. Even though they have an ugly past, it didn't stop them from changing their lives and forgetting what was happening. After a few hours, Harley's relatives arrived, four women and one man. She faced them inside her office.
"Did you all say goodbye to your parents?" Alondra asked.
"Yes ma'am," they said in chorus.
"It's good. I'm just concerned that maybe you didn't say goodbye and you just came here. Maybe your parents will be here tomorrow with some guns or knives and they'll kill us." Alondra answered with a laugh.
"Harley has already explained to our parents so there is no problem," said Christine.
She already knew them by name because they introduced themselves when they arrived earlier.
"All of you are okay to work here? The salary is good and we offer stay-in for all of you so that we can assure all the parents that their children are safe in my establishments." Alondra said.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Don't worry about the daily needs and the foods. I'll cover all of that as free not in charge of the salary."
They all nodded in response.
"Is the back of this boutique okay for them to stay? We can renovate it and put it in two rooms. One room for Junie and the five girls are in one room." Alondra said to Garret..
"Yes. Your idea is good." Garret replied.
"Okay. We should eat dinner first."

"I'll buy it outside. You stay here first, Alondra." Garrett said.
After Garret left, many customers came in even though it was late at night. They take care of it first and Alondra goes to her office to rest. The pain in his head still hasn't gone away. The door opened and Harley entered with food.
"Eat now, ma'am," Harley said and put the disposable Tupperware on the table.
"Did Garret come?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Thank you, Harley. Are there any customers outside?"
"Too many. Even Sir Garret joined the entertainment."
Alondra just smiled. So he started eating so he could finish and help later.
Leandre saw Emerald and Cheska pass in front of him as he sat in the living room watching television.
"Where are you going?" asked Leandre.
"Somewhere. It could be in the city," answered Cheska.
"It's late at night. What are you going to do there?"
Cheska's eyes rolled.
"What can you do when you're in the city, Uncle? Of course, wander around and eat. Besides, it's eight o'clock in the evening, so it's okay. We said goodbye to daddy, he's also in the city. Don't you want to come with us? Don't be too late. You're stressed about your divorce because it's coming and will be signed by that bitch." Cheska said and left the house.
So Leandre had nothing to do but follow because he had nothing to do here at home. His mommy Lucille went with Uncle Leandre. The two greeted each other even though he still doesn't know the reason. Cheska raised her eyebrows when she saw him.
"All I thought you weren't coming, Uncle?"
"What am I going to do here?"
"So that's the point," Cheska said laughing and getting into the car.
Leandre followed suit. He didn't even bring a car because he wasn't interested in driving. The wind is cold, and the surroundings are dark. Leandre believes that his life has returned to normalcy since Alondra's departure. They arrived in the city an hour later. And Leandre noticed where they went first. Even at night, there are many customers in a boutique. He stepped down and followed them. They entered the house.

The area is large and under construction. He looked around at the clothing racks. People purchase branded clothing. And Cheska, unsure what to do, asks the saleslady where the stocks come from and who owns them. Leandre simply shifted his gaze.

It's great that the saleswoman is friendly and responds in some way. Alondra was about to leave because she had finished eating when she noticed the man whose body she recognized even though his back was turned to her office door. She was so nervous that it was a good thing she didn't walk out the door because Leandre would have seen her. Why does he go to this boutique when there are so many others? She shut the door and sat back down on the couch, clutching her chest.
Who is he with here? He slimmed down a little, allowing his natural beauty to shine through even more. She wanted to greet him as if nothing had happened, but she restrained herself, especially because she had carried his child. And she'll keep the child hidden for as long as she can because he's married to someone else and she doesn't want to get in trouble. Alondra had no idea her tears were falling.

She already missed him a lot a month ago. She wished she could hug him from behind and tell him that the two of them would have a child together, but she couldn't. She closed her eyes and sat down on the couch. She'll put her resentment to rest, and she's not sure why she became emotional today. Perhaps because of her pregnancy.