I felt my limit was surpassed three months ago.
I thought I was engaged to my life partner at 27. I had a wonderful career, a promising future, and family plans. All that changed when I informed Lucas I was pregnant.
His reply was icy.
“Are you serious?” he choked.
Nodding, I tried to keep positive. We will become parents.
He stopped talking. He left and never returned.
Told no one. Not my family. Not my coworkers.
My father, Benjamin, owned my employer. One of the biggest branches was run by my sister Claire. Nathan, her husband, was my supervisor and manager.
Too much was at risk. Too much judgment to risk. I moved out of my parents’ house and hid my pregnancy to safeguard the truth.
I’ve learnt that secrets usually emerge.
I was surprised when mine detonated.
In a team meeting. Nathan, seated at the head of the table, interrupted my report with that smug smile he often had when he felt he was smart.
“Well, well, Riley,” he grinned. “Heard you’re having a baby. Joining the mom club finally? Congrats.”
A few colleagues laughed awkwardly.
My cheeks burned as I smiled tightly.
“And here I was thinking you’d need a man for that,” he laughed, pounding the table.
Silence filled the room.
He leaned in. “Do we even know the lucky guy?”
I felt flooded with embarrassment. My hands tensed, but before I could respond—
The doors opened.
A young lady with a baby entered. Crying filled her eyes, yet she stood tall.
She was followed by Claire. Also my dad.
My pulse jumped.
“Naomi?” I whispered. Claire’s old assistant was readily recognizable. Kind, quiet, and afraid.
Claire moved to the middle of the room, expressionless.
“I know why Naomi left,” she remarked coldly. “Just like I know why Riley left.”
I froze.
“You forgot your journal,” she said. “On your nightstand. I read.”
The whole room seemed skewed.
“You’re carrying Nathan’s baby, right?” Claire said. Her voice cut.
Room-wide gasps.
But she continued.
She faced Naomi, who was holding her baby. “He’s her child’s father, too.”
Nathan appeared punched. Claire, please, I can explain—
“No,” she said forcefully. You lied to me. You lied to everyone. All done. You detest me.”
My steel-voiced father spoke out.
Nathan, you’re fired. Takes effect instantly. You must pay child support for both children or I’ll take you to court.
Nathan argued, but Benjamin lifted his hand to stop him. “Leave.”
Whispers abounded as staff left the room. Unsure what to do, I remained until my father arrived.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” His tone softened as he inquired.
Lowered my sight. I didn’t want to harm Claire. I worried you’d despise me.”
He breathed heavily. Riley, this isn’t your fault. Nathan benefited. Congratulations on standing tall.”
Claire approached. Her eyes were red-rimmed. I anticipated a smack or greater rage.
She hugged me instead.
“I’m devastated,” she whispered. No, not at you. We were broken by him. We’ll survive.”
A week later, my phone rang.
My father said, “Riley.” “I need a trustworthy department head. Your tenure with us is long. Will you replace Nathan as temporary director?
Unable to speak.
Are you sure? I requested.
He acted immediately. “Completely. Believe in you.”
Of course I agreed.
It was hard to assume his role. The murmurs persisted. I worked hard and kept my head up every day.
Best part? My kid will know their mother never gave up and had a family that supported her.
What about Nathan? He’s gone. A disappointing chapter in a promising narrative.
And Claire? We heal. Slowly but slowly. Even when life breaks you, strength shows through.
