Page 50 of My Bestie's Billionaire Dad

I pause.

"Just some nausea and a little cramping at night..."

But my thoughts continue.

Oh, and let's not forget the part where I've started talking to the little peanut in my belly, asking him or her for advice. You know, because a fetus would totally have all the answers to my messed-up life. Yeah, I guess you could say things are a bit... irregular.

And sleep? What's that? Oh, you mean those few hours of rest between tossing, turning, and trips to the bathroom because apparently, my bladder has shrunk to the size of a pea.

And don't even get me started on my food aversions. The mere thought of my favorite chicken noodle soup now has me running for the bathroom.

But hey, other than that, everything is perfectly fuckin' regular.

"That all sounds pretty normal! Regular meals can help keep nausea at bay. So, try and eat small meals often, okay?"

The warmth and concern in her voice are comforting to my pessimistic attitude and for the first time in what feels like ages, I feel a little hope. I know she's trying to help. I should be grateful.

"I'll try."

"You've got this," she replies, the sound of her smile evident in her voice. "Oh, and Maya, congratulations. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey. It may not always be easy, but it's worth it. And we are by your side the entire time, okay?"

The call ends, leaving me in silence. I hang up, cradling my stomach.

I'm going to be a mom.

Oh my God. I'm going to be a mom.

I run my fingers over my stomach.

For the first time, instead of thinking about the drama of being pregnant, I think about who this baby might become. Would they have Hunter’s stubbornness or my sass? Would they have his piercing eyes or my wide, infectious smile?

I'm going to be a mom and despite the chaos of my current life, the realization fills me with warmth. I let out a soft, shaky laugh, my hand still resting on my belly.

As if the baby was speaking to me already, my stomach growls.

I'm hungry.

Again.

As I drive up the street, I spot a cozy Italian restaurant I've been dying to try and stop in. The smell of garlic and tomatoes hit me as I walk in.

I make my way to a secluded table in the back of the restaurant and I freeze. An all too familiar face hits me from a nearby booth.

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

It's Christy. Hunter's ex-wife and Kaitlyn’s mom.

She notices me and a cruel smile stretches across her face as she walks toward me.

"Well, if it isn't the office clown." She stands, staring at me with a predatory look in her eyes. "I've seen the tabloids, darling. Care to share what's going on between you and my ex-husband?"

My heart pounds in my chest. The last thing I need is to deal with her. But I'm not about to let her intimidate me.

"I think you have me mistaken for someone who cares about your opinion."

Christy's lips curl into a smirk, her eyes look like a Disney movie witch. "You are so naive. You think you can just walk into the business world with your little degree and a cute figure? You're just a child playing in a world of sharks." She steps closer, her perfume sickeningly sweet. "And let's be honest, you're not really here for the job, are you? You're here for the money, for a sugar daddy, and Hunter happened to be the easiest target."

I freeze.

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