Chapter 3 UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES

Isabella stared at the screen of the phone, which felt heavy in her hand. Her heart briefly skipped a beat as Sebastian's name appeared on it. Perhaps she had hoped for this call or had been anticipating it. In any case, it didn't make picking it up any simpler.

She answered, taking a deep breath. "Hello?"

Sebastian said, "Isabella," in a smooth but distant voice. "I looked at the headlines. I believe we should speak.

Her heart fell. Was he calling to explain or to apologise? She didn't know, but the way he spoke her name made her stomach turn.

"Speak? "About what?" she enquired, attempting to sound calmer than she actually felt.

"The evening. "What happened between us?" he said, his words measured, as if he were picking them out one by one. "I want to avoid any miscommunications."

Isabella's thoughts were racing. She was aware of this. After last night, he wasn't prepared for anything significant. Why had he called, though?

Before she could stop herself, she blurted out, "I'm pregnant, Sebastian." The other end was silent.

A long silence fell. The wait was excessively prolonged. As Isabella awaited Sebastian's answer, her heart raced in her chest. His voice, colder than she had expected, finally broke the silence.

"I understand," he said in an emotionless tone. Isabella, what do you want me to say? I informed you that I am not the type of person who wants to be in a relationship.

He slapped her with his words, their coldness piercing her more deeply than she wished to acknowledge. Even though she had anticipated this, it still hurt to hear it from him in such a casual manner.

He went on, "I'm not sure what you're expecting from me." "What you wish to do is up to you. This job is already difficult enough; I won't make it any more so.

Isabella felt even more alone after hearing the words, which seemed dismissive and final.

Isabella stood there as he abruptly ended the call, the weight of his indifference beginning to weigh on her. "I'm not prepared for this." She pondered whether she would ever hear from him again as his words replayed in her head.

Isabella hung up the phone with shaking hands. Even though the conversation was shorter than she had anticipated, she still had more questions than answers. Could you please confirm whether the incident took place? The shock of being pregnant weighed her down like a burden she couldn't shed.

Now what had she done? She wasn't ready for a child or even for the type of relationship Sebastian had just turned down. She had always prioritised her career and future, but suddenly, everything seemed to be unravelling.

The sound of her father's voice on the other end of a voicemail interrupted her thoughts. "You're wasting time, Isabella. Return to your work. The business transaction cannot wait.

His voice solely focused on the stress of the unfinished work, not on her well-being. Nothing seemed to have changed. However, everything was different now.

Isabella gazed at the phone she was holding, wondering how she would manage to juggle the demands of the business, the baby, and the man who had left without saying anything.

Isabella attempted to carry on with her life as if nothing had changed a few days later, but in reality, she was unable to stop thinking about the phone call. Her mind was racing with ideas, uncertainties, and perplexity. The outside world appeared to have gone on without noticing her internal conflict.

She was trying to escape the pressure by walking down the street to clear her head when she saw a familiar face. Claire, an old coworker from her first post-college job, was there.

Claire's face brightened with recognition as she exclaimed, "Isabella!" "Whoa, I never thought you'd be here."

Isabella tried to be normal by forcing a smile. "Hi, Claire. It has been a long time.

After exchanging pleasantries, Claire abruptly changed the subject. She said, "I heard the news," as her tone shifted to one of conspiracy. "Congratulations! Sebastian must be ecstatic.

The words penetrated Isabella with a sharp edge, causing her to freeze. Despite her stomach clenching, she managed to utter, "What?"

"You were unaware?" Claire gave her a startled look. Social media has widely shared this information. At the gala, we saw you two together. He must be really involved.

Isabella's mind raced. She had assumed the evening would be private, but now she was a part of a public show. There was nothing she could do to alter the fact that her life and decisions were publicly visible.

Claire said with a knowing expression, "I'm sure he's thrilled." Isabella, however, was overcome with dread and could only smile weakly. Was Sebastian merely another man who had left, or was he actually involved?

Isabella felt the burden of the circumstance pressing down on her later that night as she sat with Charlotte. Isabella wasn't entirely sure whether she should confront Sebastian and tell him about the pregnancy, as her friend was pushing her to do. His coldness shook her, leaving her uncertain about her desire for his involvement.

Isabella said quietly, "I am uncertain about whether I can handle this situation." I'm not even sure if I want him to be involved. He expressed that he wasn't prepared for this.

Charlotte gazed at her, worry shining in her eyes. But this is a life, Isabella. The present is not a decision you can make alone. You must consider the future and ensure that you are not working alone on this.

Isabella inhaled deeply as the decision's weight weighed heavily on her. She was capable of handling the situation alone. Perhaps it was time for her to continue doing things the way she had always done them.

Isabella said in a shaky voice, "Perhaps it's time for me to decide for myself." She had to take charge of her life, even though the future was uncertain.