Emma and Ava sat in the small living room of their apartment, the air thick with anticipation. The DNA test results were expected today, and Emma couldn't sit still. She clutched her phone, checking the screen every few minutes, waiting for it to ring.
"I have a good feeling about this," Ava said, trying to keep the mood light.
Emma bit her lip, a flicker of hope sparking in her chest. Ryan was a businessman. If the test came back positive, he would handle things with his usual efficiency. Maybe she wouldn't have to fight anymore. Maybe, just maybe, this nightmare would end.
The phone rang, making her jump. Emma quickly answered. "Hello?"
"Miss Emma," Leonard's voice was as emotionless as ever. "Mr. Ryan has asked me to meet with you at the coffee shop. Come immediately."
Emma exchanged a hopeful glance with Ava. "I'll be there."
"This is good news, Emma! Why else would his secretary ask to meet in person?"
"For real
"If it was negative, he would have simply sent you a text but a meeting means there's more"
"You're right Ava," Emma's eyes glistened. She was already excited.
She quickly grabbed her things and left, excitement bubbling within her. Emma could already picture a future where she didn't have to struggle. Ryan had promised to take care of everything if the baby was his. This was her chance at stability.
***
Emma entered the coffee shop, heart pounding. She spotted Leonard at the table they sat on the last time, but her excitement vanished when she saw the two uniformed police officers standing beside him. Her stomach twisted.
Leonard was on the phone. "…Yes, we'll proceed with the arrest. She wasted Mr. Ryan's time, and we do not tolerate such disruptions."
Emma's blood ran cold. Arrest? Wasting his time?
Leonard ended the call and turned to her. "Miss Emma." His voice was sharper than usual. "We have confirmation that the child is not Mr. Ryan's. In accordance with the agreement you signed, you are liable for damages. Since you failed to disclose the truth before taking the test, you will be arrested for fraud and obstruction of business."
Emma took a step back, panic clawing at her throat. "Wait—I didn't lie! I didn't know!"
"That's not Mr. Ryan's concern." Leonard motioned to the officers. "Take her."
Emma spun around and bolted out the door before they could react. She ran through the crowded streets, her breath coming in sharp gasps. She didn't stop until she reached her apartment, slamming the door shut behind her.
Ava rushed to her side. "What happened?!"
Emma collapsed onto the couch, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Ryan's not the father. And he sent the police after me."
Ava's face fell. "Oh, Em."
Emma wiped her eyes. "Michael had a vasectomy. Ryan isn't the father. That means…"
Ava's eyes widened. "that means neither of those two are the father of your kid. It could be Alex."
"Never!" Emma scowled.
"Okay, okay, careful… who's the next of the list?"
"Ethan," she said quietly.
Ava's eyes widened. "The married one?"
Emma nodded, dreading what lay ahead. "God help me," she murmured, already anticipating the storm that was about to come.
"Wow, I hope he's not the father"
"Me too but if not, I only have one option left and it's so unrealistic that he would believe me. I…"
"Shhhhh, don't speak that way. Be positive, text Ethan, see what he has to say"
Emma hesitated before texting Ethan. He was married. This was going to be messy. Still, she had no choice.
Ethan, I need to talk to you. It's important.
She stared at the message, fingers trembling, before hitting send. Minutes later, her phone pinged, it was a text from Ethan.
You disgusting home-wrecking whore. Stay away from my husband.
Emma's heart lurched. Another message followed.
I should expose you for the pathetic, desperate slut you are. Do you really think you can ruin my marriage and walk away? Try this again, and I will make sure you regret ever existing.
Emma dropped the phone, hands shaking. Ava picked it up, reading the messages with wide eyes. "Oh my God."
Tears blurred Emma's vision. "I can't do this anymore."
Ava grabbed her shoulders. "Emma, don't let this get to you. She's just lashing out. Ethan is probably a serial cheater"
But Emma was already pulling away. "No, Ava. I give up. I don't even know who the father is. I've been humiliated, rejected, and now threatened. I can't bring this baby into the world like this. I won't."
Ava's eyes filled with panic. "Emma, don't say that."
But Emma wasn't listening. She grabbed her phone, searching online for abortion pills. Within minutes, she placed an order.
Ava shook her head. "You don't have to do this. Please, think about it."
Emma turned away. "I've already made up my mind."
"Okay, but you have Daniel left to text, remember? The CEO guy? All hopes isn't lost until its actually lost"
Emma just shook her head, staring at pace and thinking of how to end the misery.
"I have to go to work now Emma, but I'll just do this and hopes he replies positively so that you would change your mind.
Ava picked up Emma's phone and texted Daniel, I am pregnant.
Hours later, the discreetly packaged pills arrived. Emma stared at them in her hand, her heart pounding. Once she took them, it would all be over. No more uncertainty. No more pain.
With a deep breath, she swallowed the pill.
Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, her stomach dropping at the message staring back at her.
My instincts were right. I want us to keep the baby. I will take full responsibility. Meet me tomorrow?
Emma's breath hitched. The room spun around her. She pressed a hand to her stomach, realization crashing into her like a tidal wave.
"Oh God… what have I done?" she started panicking.