Chapter 1 THE PARTY

THIRD PERSON POV

Cherish Harper, a young lady being frustrated and troubled by the issues in her family decided to attend a lavish party so that she can forget some things.

"Cherish, are you ready yet?" her friend, Sophia called out from the living room.

"I'm coming," Cherish replied, taking one last look of herself at the mirror before heading out.

Actually, it was Sophia, Cherish's friend that invited her for the party. She accepted because she was in her depressed and frustrated state.

As they arrived at the party, Cherish was shocked by the grandeur of the venue. The room was filled with wealthy and influential people.

As Cherish and Sophia made their way to the crowd, Cherish's eyes met with a handsome young man standing by the bar. He was very charming and tall which had always been her speck.

"Hi, he said, wearing a dazzling smile. "I'm Richard Moore".

"I'm Cherish Harper" she replied, taking his hands.

As they chatted/engaged in a conversation, Cherish found herself drawn so much to Richard's confidence and charisma. They laughed and joked. Before she knew it, the night had slipped away and she did not plan staying through the night but found herself standing outside with Richard.

"I had a great time tonight," Richard said.

"Me too" Cherish replied,

"Would you like to continue the night elsewhere? I want to spoil you tonight"'

Cherish hesitated, then took a deep breath. She was not sure of what to do but because she was already liking Richard, she nodded, and Richard took her hand and led her out of the party into the night.

As they approached Richard's hotel, Cherish began to feel the way she had not felt before. There was this sense of unease.

"Was she really making the right choice?" she thought aloud.

"Richard, please hold on, I don't know if this is a good idea," she said, standing in the doorway.

"Come on, Cherish. Just one night that'll last for a few minutes. Nothing attached. I mean no strings attached"

Cherish took a deep breath hearing from Richard. His words can sweep you over your feet. She nodded in agreement, stepped into the room into Richard's arms.

As the night wore on, Cherish lost herself in Richard's touch. At a point she felt shy because she did not know Richard from anywhere.

"Hey... feel free. I can't hurt a fly. I won't hurt you. Let's enjoy ourselves" Richard rubbed her hair.

Cherish heaved a deep sigh of relief and nodded in agreement.

One thing led to the other, and another and another. From mere kissing and rubbing, they had sex.

Immediately they were done, it was as though scales fell from Cherish's eyes. She felt as though she was under a spell and regretted ever doing such abomination.

Before she could wake up, Richard had left, leaving her with his phone number in a written note.

Cherish managed and carried herself home. Something in her kept telling her that she's in for something bigger than she could explain but she waved, focusing on things ahead because she wouldn't want to land herself in a state of depression.

________

Cherish lived a reckless life when she was a bit younger. She slept around with men both for money and pleasure. She had a series of abortions which later damaged her womb, confirmed by many doctor that she won't be able to carry a child unless a miracle happens.

This made her decide to turn a new leaf leaving her former lifestyle and being a good girl. That was why she felt so bad after having sex with Richard.

Four weeks later, Cherish started feeling sick. She thought it was what she could handle but the symptoms persisted. She went to meet her doctor.

"Doctor, I don't know how I'm feeling for weeks now. I've been taking medications but instead of getting better, I'm getting worse" Cherish complained, holding her cardigan very strong because she was cold.

"Alright. Let's check your temperature" The doctor adjusted himself with his thermometer to check her temperature.

"Miss Harper, have you run a pregnancy test?" The doctor asked, his voice very low and firm.

Cherish's countenance changed immediately.

"Pregnancy? Doctor, I can't be pregnant. As a matter of fact, I'm very single and don't have a man in my life so there's no way I'll be pregnant. Don't bother running the test, it'll be of no use" Cherish explained.

The doctor smiled and shook his head.

"You can't teach me my work young lady. I insist to run a pregnancy test"

Cherish nodded in agreement.

The doctor went ahead and ran the test. Cherish was anticipating the result.

After about 30 minutes, the doctor came out with the test result.

"Congratulations, Miss Harper. You're one month pregnant" He said, so excited.

Cherish felt like she had been punched in her stomach. She doesn't know whether to cry, scream or shout. The expression on her phone was one of a confused person.

"Doctor, please you're wrong. I insist you check the name in the test result to be sure that I'm the person" Cherish said, amidst sobs.

"I know how you feel, Miss Harper. But I want you to accept this child with your heart. No matter how the pregnancy happened, children are a gift from God" The doctor tapped her back, encouraging her.

Cherish started sobbing uncontrollably but decided to hold herself because she was in the public.

"Okay sir " She nodded, picked up her phone and turned to leave.

"Miss Harper, let me say this: Do everything possible to keep this pregnancy from Mr Harper else you're dead. I know your father too well and knows what he can do. You can now go" The doctor explained

Cherish was very shocked to hear that from their family doctor.

Is he trying to calm the situation or worsen it?

She has not yet recovered from the news and he's talking about her father.

Did he want to involve her father and what would be his reaction?.