The Runaways Groom

Chapter 1

ASHER'S P.O.V

Today is our wedding day, I thought it would be my best day, but it turns out that this is the worst nightmare of my life. I never thought that my own best friend and Diego would hurt me like this. It's so painful, they didn't just trample on my personality, they insulted and crushed it.

I'm like a puppet they're playing with. I was unaware that they were stabbing me from behind. But anyway, I am grateful to Anastasia, for admitting this. Because of his confession, I realized my stupidity.

"Sir, we are here..." said my driver. I nodded to him and looked at a small house, but it was enough for me and my future child.

Yes, I just found out the other day that I'm pregnant, I couldn't believe it, but this is what my doctor said. I rubbed my stomach and smiled.

I looked at my cellphone when Diego called. Instead of answering the call, I immediately hung up.

Again, my cellphone lit up. I thought it was Diego, but it was just papa. I answered the call.

"W-yet?"

"Where are you? Diego has been missing here for a while!" I closed my eyes tightly. Is he losing, because he can no longer get the inheritance? I laughed in my mind.

"I-I'm fine dad..." was all I could answer him and immediately hung up.

Only I and my driver know where I am now. I can't tell them yet. Maybe, when the time is right.

I got out of my car and Rafael immediately supported me.

"I will carry your things, sir..." he presented. I smiled at him, so he was immediately greeted. I just laughed and patted his shoulder.

"Thank you..."

As soon as I entered the house, the quiet atmosphere immediately struck me. It's refreshing, even if I'm not used to it, I'll train myself. Because from now on, only me and my son will be with me.

"Sir, I'll just put it here..."

I turned my gaze to him and couldn't help but smile when his cheeks reddened again. Because apart from being nice, Rafael is also handsome and white. So I can quickly notice the reddening of his cheeks.

It left and was going to take my other things so I continued walking.

With every step, I feel the weight of responsibility falling on my shoulders. I am no longer just Asher, the free and happy young man; I am now Asher, the future father, the sole guardian of the life yet to come.

I found myself in the living room, the furniture was neat and clean, a mirror of silence that seemed to emerge from every corner. It relieves worry, offers reassurance in the midst of nothingness.

I sat on the sofa and immediately felt its softness. I bought this house on impulse a long time ago. So that when Diego and I get married, we will live here. Far from the noisy city. But it seems that my plans will not happen.

I don't know what I have done and they will just stab me in the back like that. But maybe, this is also a plan of fate for me.

I can't even change the past, but I can choose how to move forward. I can choose to embrace this new phase of my life, face whatever challenges await with strength and courage.

I closed my eyes for a moment and gently rubbed my stomach.

"Daddy loves you so much, son..."

I don't know how long I slept. I just woke up when my cellphone rang. Diego, he called me again.

I just stared at my phone, until the call died.

Not again.

Taking a deep breath, I put my cellphone away, vowing to focus on the future, on building a life for me and my son, free from past ties.

And as I stand there in the silence of my new home, I know that no matter what challenges come my way, I will face them with courage, strength, and faith that a better day is yet to come.

This is the first time I wake up in my new house, I feel a strange peace around. If it used to be full of chaos and confusion, now the days seem to be passing by full of calmness and hope. Even though I'm adjusting to my new life, I'm making sure that I can get used to it.

I got up and looked out the window and noticed the beautiful view of the mountains surrounding our house. For the first time, I feel true freedom. This is the life I want, away from the chaos and noises.

I stepped into the kitchen, confident that each step was a step away from my past and toward a new beginning.

When I heard the faint noise of cooking in the kitchen, I slowly approached and caught a glimpse of Rafael who was busy cooking breakfast. I watched him for a while and slowly approached him.

"Good morning, sir Asher," he greeted me with a smile on his face.

"Good morning too, Rafael. Thanks for cooking breakfast," I said smiling at him. I laughed when his cheeks suddenly turned red.

"Ah, nothing, sir. It's your right to rest and take care of yourselves," he replied handing me a plate of food. His hand was still shaking. I don't know about Rafael, I don't bite.

I took the plate and immediately smelled the delicious smell of the food she cooked.

While eating, I realized that for the first time, each day seemed to make sense. It is no longer just passing time, but an opportunity to be filled with new experiences and dreams.

After I ate, I was the one to wash up what we ate. After I decided to take a walk around our house. The air of life surrounds me as I look at the beautiful view of nature.

After a while, I went back inside the house and immediately found Rafael cleaning.

"Rafael," I grabbed his attention.

"Sir?"

I approached him and patted his shoulder.

"Thank you for everything."

As the sun continues to travel higher in the sky, I am full of determination to face the future with courage and fortitude. Although it is not easy, I know that in every trial, there is a light waiting at the end of the road.

And at the end of that day, under the giant stars and peaceful night, I prayed that the heavens would continue to guide my path to a more beautiful and meaningful life.

A month, a month has passed since I started the new phase of my life. With each passing day, I felt more and more the change in myself and my worldview.

Rafael had no case when he found out I was pregnant. Because, nowadays it is common for men to get pregnant. Just like his brother, Casper, who is now happy in his life with his wife, Reagan.

As we headed to the OB-GYN clinic, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of nervousness and excitement. It was a new experience for me, something I never thought of going through as a man. But here I am now, walking with Rafael.

The clinic was bustling with activity when we entered. The women were sitting neatly in the waiting area, some putting down magazines while others were talking quietly to each other. I couldn't help but feel that I was different, the only man among women.

Rafael approached the reception desk, talking to the receptionist calmly. I was standing next to him, feeling a little weird but trying to calm down. Someone else looked at me, but it was a look of amazement and no hatred.

"Good morning, how can I help you today?" the receptionist asked thoughtfully.

"Good morning. We have an appointment with Dra. Martinez," Rafael answered.

"Sure, may I know the patient's name?" asked the receptionist.

"I'm Asher," I answered quietly, feeling a wave of nervousness wash over me.

After a while, Rafael motioned for me to follow him as he called us into the doctor's office. I took a deep breath, bracing myself for whatever was to come.

Inside, the doctor greeted us warmly and invited me to sit down. I followed, trying to ignore the people staring at me from the waiting room.

A few minutes passed and we were done. The doctor said that I just need to be careful, especially since my situation is unique.

"Are you all right, Sir Asher?" Rafael asked, his concern evident in his voice as we walked out of the clinic.

"Yeah, I think so. I'm just thinking a little too much," I replied, my mind wandering through different emotions. The child's grip is weak, so I have to be really careful.

"We're going to work together here, Sir. You're not alone," Rafael affirmed, his unwavering support giving me strength.

I couldn't do anything else but hug him. It stopped, but soon he rubbed my back.

"Thanks for everything, Rafael."

To Be Continued...