Chapter 2. Unexpected Encounter

Ellie's POV

"What?! How did that happen, Ellie?!" she asked curiously.

I never told her about my plan because I was sure she would not agree to it.

"I'll explain it to you in the office. Bye," I said, then I ended the call.

I looked at my watch. 

It’s almost dinner time already, and I don’t feel like cooking. I have maids who help with the housework, but they are all stay out, because I prefer to live alone. By now, they were probably done with their work. 

I often eat outside, which is why they don’t bother to cook my meals. They are usually done with their work by two in the afternoon.

I parked my car at a mall near my condo.

As I walked to a restaurant, I passed a boutique for babies.

I smiled and gently touch my belly.

My babies. If I were to choose, I would want my twins to be a boy and a girl. I want my son would protect his sister. I never had a sibling, and I always wished for an older brother.

"You want to go shopping, little ones?" I whispered to them.

I was very excited as I entered the boutique. The place fascinated me, and I wanted to buy everything they had in the store.

I like the dress and other pink items for babies. I also like the outfits for male babies.

It made me more hopeful about the genders of my twins.

"How many months is the baby?" a sales lady asked me.

"It's still in my womb," I told her.

"Do you already know the gender, Ma'am?" she asked me again.

I shook my head. "I'm only six weeks pregnant."

She smiled at me and nodded. "It would be better to buy plain white clothes for your baby for now. You can use them regardless of gender."

I nodded in agreement. "You have a point. I will do that, but I'll just roam around; you don't need to follow me. I'll call you if I need you."

She smiled and went to the counter. She took a paper and came back to me to give me the paper that she had taken.

"Here, ma'am. This list will guide you on the things that you should buy for your baby," she said in a respectful tone.

I smiled at her and nodded. I looked at the paper she gave me; it's a checklist for expectant parents.

Newborn basics, nursery linens, bathing and grooming accessories, feeding and nursing essentials, nursery furnishings, and travel—all are covered in this detailed checklist. It will surely help me as a new parent.

I put the checklist in my bag and began to browse the items in the store.

I selected some sleeveless shirts and short-sleeve shirts based on items I remembered from the list. I picked up six pairs, intending to buy more once I know the gender of my twins. This way, I can tailor their wardrobe more precisely to their needs.

I was engrossed in choosing clothes for my babies when I heard someone speak behind me.

"I didn't expect to see you again, especially in a place like this."

His voice was familiar. My eyes widened. Could it be him?!

I confirmed my assumption when he walked past me.

What on earth is he doing here?!

I opened my mouth to speak, but before any words could escape, I saw a girl wrap herself around his right arm.

My brow furrowed. Is she his girlfriend? What an unfaithful guy!

He already had a girlfriend, and yet he still makes a one-night stand?! Well, it's a trend here now, so I shouldn't be surprised, but I can't help myself to feel a bit pissed at him because the father of my child is a cheater!

Cheater is what I hated the most. 

I ignore him and continue to get some clothes. 

"Ignoring me?" 

I just rolled my eyes. He's shameless! He flirts with me right in front of his girlfriend.

"Hey!" He grabbed my arm as I tried to leave.

"Get your hands off me! Do I know you?" I said, irritation is evident in my voice.

His eyes widened, and he looked shocked.

"Are you serious? You don't remember me?" he said in disbelief.

"Really?" he asked again when I didn't answer.

He moved closer to me, so close that his face almost touched mine.

The girl beside him looked confused. Confused or stupid? Your boyfriend is flirting with me, yet you did nothing but stare at us.

"Do I need to remember you?" I asked.

I saw him smirk.

"I'm your first." He whispered.

I rolled my eyes. "So what? I didn't expect you to be that melodramatic."

"Oh, don't worry. I'm not. Just kind of a shock because most of the girls are like that."

"Well, I'm not one of the ‘most’ girls you are referring to," I answered him.

He took a step back and shook his head. 

"Wait. I'm so confused. Big brother, what is happening?" The girl finally asked.

My forehead creased. 

Big brother? So this girl is not his girlfriend?

I looked at the girl again. She was beautiful, and they resembled each other. Are they siblings?

"We shared something special. I thought we were close, but it looks like she doesn't remember me." He explained. 

Something special? Well, my babies are special, so I’ll go along with that.

"Oh, I see. But is that true? Don't you remember my brother? That's new!" I could see the amazement and disbelief in her eyes.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to pay for these," I said, showing them the things in my hand.

"Who are those for? Don't tell me— I thought you were safe?" His eyes widened.

I rolled my eyes. "Try raising your voice a bit more so everyone can hear you!" Note the sarcasm.

"A-are you-" 

I cut him off sharply. "Don't overreact, okay?! And if by any chance I were pregnant, did I come looking for you? No, right?!"

"I'm not overreacting, okay?! If you were pregnant, of course I should know because I'm the father of your child!" He said in a serious tone, his voice tinged with frustration and concern.

"For what? For you to accuse me of planning all this just to get you? No, thank you! I can raise my child on my own," I retorted firmly. I wanted to add that I have any plans to tell, but I chose not to.

"I don't care if you can raise our child or not. I'm still the father, so I have rights to that child!" he said in a menacing voice.

I moved closer to him. His expression was serious.

"Why? Have you taken responsibility for all the girls you've had sex with and impregnated?" I asked in a whisper.

"I always make sure to have safe sex except with you because you don't want to. So if I ever have someone I need to take responsibility for, it will only be you," he said, then smirked.

I suddenly felt irritated.

"Whatever. I'm not pregnant, so can you stop pushing this issue?! I told you I was safe that night. Can I go to the counter now to pay for these things?" I said after our argument.

I have no intention of admitting anything to him. I don't want to share my children with him.

He stared at me for a long time before slowly nodding.

I rolled my eyes at him and went to the counter.