CHAPTER 30

Back at home, Nina had been feeling increasingly unwell over the past few days. She had been throwing up and experiencing strange sensations that she couldn't ignore. Deciding to get to the bottom of her symptoms, she bought a pregnancy test and locked herself in the bathroom to find out.

Her heart pounded as she waited for the results. When the two lines appeared on the test strip, indicating a positive result, her mind raced back to the night with Charlie exactly one month ago. Panic set in as she realized that the child could very well be Charlie's. Determined to avoid the turmoil and heartbreak of raising another child with Charlie as the father, she resolved to terminate the pregnancy before it went any further.

Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, deep in thought, she collided with Ralph, who was heading in to use the toilet. Ralph had just returned from work, looking tired but happy. His expression changed to one of surprise when he saw the test strip in Nina's hand.

"What's this?" he asked, grabbing the strip inquisitively before Nina could react.

Nina froze as she watched Ralph's face change from curiosity to awe and excitement. He looked at her, his eyes shining with joy. "Nina, you're pregnant!" he exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace. "We're having a baby!"

He lifted her up, twirling her around in his excitement. For a moment, Nina felt a pang of guilt. Ralph was overjoyed, believing that the child was his. She wanted to share his happiness, but the dark shadow of her suspicion about Charlie loomed over her heart.

As Ralph set her down, he kissed her forehead. "This is incredible news, Nina. I can't wait to start this journey with you." His enthusiasm was palpable, and he was already talking about future plans, how they would prepare the nursery, and all the wonderful things they would do together as a family.

Nina forced a smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil. "Yes, it's...it's wonderful," she stammered. She knew she had to make a decision quickly. The longer she waited, the harder it would be to deal with the situation.

That night, as Ralph slept soundly beside her, Nina lay awake, her mind racing. She knew she had to confirm her suspicions before taking any drastic action. The thought of confronting Charlie filled her with dread, but she needed answers. If the child was Ralph's, she couldn't bear the thought of ending the pregnancy. But if it was Charlie's, she couldn't bring herself to let the child be born.

The next day, Nina made an appointment with her doctor for a paternity test. She told Ralph she needed to go to the clinic for a routine check-up, and he didn't question her. He was too caught up in the excitement of becoming a father to suspect anything was amiss.

At the clinic, Nina explained her situation to the doctor, who understood her concerns and agreed to conduct the test. It would take a few days to get the results, but Nina felt a small sense of relief knowing that she would soon have the clarity she needed.

Back at home, Ralph continued to shower Nina with affection and plans for their future. His genuine excitement and love made Nina feel even more conflicted.

After a few days, the results were out. Nina received a call from the clinic, and her heart pounded as she listened to the doctor's calm voice on the other end of the line. When she heard the results, a mix of emotions surged through her.

"Nina," the doctor said gently, "the results confirm that the likelihood of the baby being fathered by Charlie is very high."

Nina felt her heart sink. She had hoped, despite everything, that the child could be Ralph's. The confirmation of her worst fears left her feeling numb and desolate. She thanked the doctor and hung up, sitting in silence for a long time.

***********
The next day at work, Ralph arrived early, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination. His new role as CEO of Clark Mason Group was a significant milestone, and he was ready to prove himself. The office buzzed with energy as he walked in, and staff members greeted him with smiles and congratulatory nods.

Throughout the day, Ralph immersed himself in his new duties. He attended meetings, reviewed company strategies, and spoke with department heads to get a thorough understanding of the current state of the company. He worked tirelessly, often losing track of time as he delved into the myriad tasks that came with his position. By the time the clock struck 6 PM, he was exhausted but satisfied with the progress he had made.

As Ralph began to pack up his belongings and prepare to head home, he heard a soft knock on his office door. Before he could respond, the door swung open, and his secretary, Clara, walked in. Ralph's heart skipped a beat. Clara was dressed in a scanty, transparent dress that left little to the imagination. Her outfit was entirely inappropriate for the workplace, revealing more of her body than Ralph was comfortable with.

"Clara, what are you doing?" Ralph asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He was taken aback by her sudden appearance and the boldness of her actions.

Clara closed the door behind her, a sultry smile playing on her lips. "I wanted to congratulate you on your first day as CEO," she said, her voice low and seductive. "I thought we could celebrate in a special way."

Ralph felt a surge of discomfort and anger. He had worked hard to reach this position and had no intention of compromising his integrity. "Clara, this is completely inappropriate," he said firmly. "You need to leave right now."

Clara pouted, stepping closer to Ralph. "Oh, come on, Mr Thompson. Don't be so uptight. We could have a lot of fun together."

Ralph stood his ground, his expression stern. "I said leave, Clara. This is not acceptable behavior in the workplace, and I won't tolerate it."

Seeing that her advances were getting nowhere, Clara's smile faded, and she turned on her heel, leaving the office in a huff.