Page 17 of The Grumpy Billionaire Baby Daddy

"Okay, I have the perfect idea. What do you say you stay at my house and give birth to the child? Then take care of the baby for six months before we part ways. Of course, I am going to compensate you any amount you wish so you can continue your life however you want it."

She rubs her chin, staring into the distance.

"What?"

"There's one problem."

She clanks her fingers and takes another sip of her drink.

"Where do I tell my parents I'm off to? Actually, a million problems. What about your family? Your mom? She knows my mom."

I gulp the rest of the punch and set it down, rubbing my chin.

"About your parents, can't you tell them you're going for something? I don't know."

"You do realize we're talking over a year, right?"

An idea falls through, and I snap my fingers.

"That's it! Do you have any plans for study? How about you tell them you got a scholarship to study? Or even a job. There are so many excuses if you search hard enough."

She shifts uncomfortably in her seat. It's a lot, I know, but we don't have that many options. Nothing is ever going to be the same.

"Too much. Too much," she says, closing her eyes like she's dizzy. Her breathing is loud and labored. I let her process it, the quietness between us stretching into minutes.

"About my family, I'll handle that, leave it to me."

I let the silence linger between us some more without taking my eyes off her.

"So, do we have a deal?"

She lifts her fingers to her mouth, and starts to chew her nails again. She's staring at the table, but I can tell her thoughts are all over the place.

"D… Does this mean I'll essentially be hiding?"

If this is going to be successful, it means no one has to find out about her or the baby. The part with Eva is still going to be a tough nut to crack. How do I get married to Eva and keep the baby without anyone finding out? I didn't factor in that part. What if she becomes a hindrance? What if she tells her dad, and he calls off the deal with me? I adjust the collar of my buttoned-up t-shirt. It's suddenly hot out here. Fiona waves her hand over my face.

"Hello? You here?"

"Yes, unfortunately, you'll be hiding. I'm sure you'd also not want anyone to see you pregnant, especially not your parents. It also means your movement might be restricted. No going out, and all."

She exhales.

"One stupid decision and I'm going to pay for it with one year of my life. In the next life, I hope I become a man."

She grimaces and chews her fingers.

Looks like it's a bad habit of hers.

I can't tell if her statement was supposed to be a biting remark or genuine grief over the major life change she has to endure for over a year.

"How soon can you leave your house?"

"Honestly? As soon as possible. Next week is fine. How do I get to your place?"

"Don’t worry about that. I'll come pick you up myself, Tuesday next week. I'll come after work, be ready by 6pm. Send your address."

She nods, and sags against her chair, gulping the last of her drink. The expression on her face is difficult to read. A tear drops, and she turns the other way, sniffing. I stay quiet, unsure of what to do or say. How do you comfort a woman who's mourning the life she used to know? After some time, she turns back to me like nothing had happened.

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