Chapter 4 Mia's Help

Lila's Point of View

My heart is racing as I stand motionless in Ethan's office. With a voice as rough as gravel, the frightful man with scars on his face glares at Ethan. Ethan is facing me, his shoulders rigid as if he were about to leap. I have no idea who this man is, but he gives me the creeps. Ethan does not look at me, and his green eyes are hard.

Ethan says in a sharp, low voice, "Marcus, not now." He has a distinct sound, almost like a growl. I grip my bag, wanting to run but being too afraid.

Marcus lets out a cruel laugh. "Ethan, you can not keep her hidden forever." I take a step back and bump into the desk as his dark eyes dart to me. Keep me hidden? What does that signify?

Ethan says, "Go," moving toward Marcus. They are prepared for battle, much like two large dogs. It is not just the baby that makes my stomach turn. I must leave this place.

My sneakers are silent on the ground as I slide past them. Marcus watches me go, his smile eerie, but Ethan does not turn. With my heart pounding, I hasten out of the office. Although there are many people typing and conversing in the busy hallway, it seems far away. Mia is essential to me. I must explain the situation to her.

With trembling hands, I ride the bus back to my new workplace. In my pocket, my phone buzzes. It is Mia. "Where are you, Lilia? "Are you okay?" she texts. "Meet me at work," I reply via text. Please. I am at a loss for words. I am confused about Vanessa, Marcus, Ethan, and the baby. It is excessive.

Mia is waiting outside the office when I arrive. She has untidy red curls and worried green eyes. She gives me a strong hug. "What happened, Lilia? You appear to have seen a ghost!

I yank her over to a peaceful nook near the vending machine. As I speak, my voice trembles. Regarding Vanessa, Ethan inquired. Then Marcus, this guy, walked in. Mia, he was frightening. Ethan can not hide me, he said. I have no idea what is happening!

Mia puts her hands on my shoulders and frowns. "All right, go more slowly. Who is Marcus?

"I am not sure!" With stinging eyes, I say. He looked at me as if I were in trouble, and he was large and scarred. Ethan behaved strangely, as if he were defending me.

Mia's eyes enlarge. Keeping you safe? This is crazy, Lila. You are also expecting! You must avoid such frightening men.

I feel my stomach flutter once more. "I understand. Mia, I am afraid. Ethan should not know about the baby just yet. What if he becomes irate? What happens if Vanessa learns?

Mia gives me another hug. "Lila, you are not alone. I am present. We will resolve this. However, you should avoid Vanessa and that Marcus guy.

My heart continues to race even as I nod. "How about Ethan? I work for him. I can not simply stay away from him.

Mia pauses to reflect. "Talk to him, perhaps. Find out why he is behaving strangely. But please, exercise caution.

I would rather not speak with Ethan. It hurts too much, his icy phone voice, his piercing eyes today. Mia is correct, though. I require answers. I inhaled deeply. "All right. I will give it a shot.

I return to my desk and try to concentrate on my posters. The flowers I am sketching now have drooping petals and a dejected appearance. Sarah smiles as she passes. Well done, Lila. The client thought your last draft was fantastic.

With an artificial smile, I say, "Thanks." Although I am happy for her, Marcus is always on my mind. He claimed that Ethan was hiding me, but why? What is it that Ethan is aware of that I am not?

I am at home that evening, eating noodles on my couch. My phone is silently resting on the table. Though I am afraid he will, I keep checking it in the hopes that Ethan will call. Every time I think about telling him about the baby, my throat tightens. What if he is against us?

Instead, I give Mia a call. I say, "I am freaking out," as soon as she responds. "What happens if Marcus pursues me? What if Vanessa introduces me to him?

"Lila, take a deep breath," Mia says in a soothing tone. "At home, you are secure. Please lock your door. We will come up with a plan tomorrow. You might be able to take a few days off.

Despite the fact that she cannot see me, I nod. Yes, perhaps. Regards, Mia.

"At any time," she replies. "That baby and you will be alright. I swear.

Feeling slightly better, I end the call. Mia always has something to say and is like a big sister. I smile at the little flutter as I touch my belly. I mumble, "We will be alright, little one." But I am secretly unsure.

I return to work the following day and try to be normal. Sarah assigns me a large advertisement for a toy company as a new project. I sketch joyful children and cheerful balloons, but my thoughts are elsewhere. I can not stop seeing Ethan's growl and Marcus's scars. I look at my pencil and shake my head.

I eat by myself once more at lunch, and my sandwich tastes bland. My phone is buzzing. Ethan sent the email. "I need you back at the main office tomorrow, Lilia. 9 a.m. It breaks my heart. Once more? Now what? I can not say no, even though I want to. I work for him.

I send Mia a text. "Ethan wants me to return to the main office. I am afraid.

She responds to texts quickly. "I will accompany you. Together, we will confront him.

Feeling more resilient, I smile. Mia is correct; we work as a team. My pencil is now moving more quickly as I return to my work after finishing my lunch. I am capable of doing this. I am able to confront Ethan.

I am lying in bed that night with my hand on my stomach. The flutter is more intense, as if my baby is greeting me. I grin, but then I consider the next day. What is Ethan going to say? Will Marcus return? I try to fall asleep by closing my eyes, but all I see in my dreams are green eyes and shadows.

Mia meets me at the bus stop the following morning. Her curls are bouncing, and she is wearing a bright yellow jacket. She puts her arm around mine and asks, "Ready?"

"Not really," I reply, grinning. I feel braver with Mia here.

We arrive early at the main office. There are not many people there, so it is quiet. My heart is racing as I knock on Ethan's door. His green eyes meet mine as he opens it. His hair is untidy again, and he appears exhausted.

He says, "Lila," in a softer tone than before. "Enter. Mia, you too.

Mia holds my hand beneath the table as we sit. Ethan looks at me as he leans against his desk. "Lila, regarding yesterday... Marcus is problematic. Avoid him.

My throat tightens as I nod. "What made him say you are keeping me hidden?"

Ethan seems to be concealing something as his eyes flicker. He says, "It is complicated." "Just trust me, okay?"

I want to trust him, but it's hard. Before I can say anything, the door opens. It's not Marcus this time-it's Vanessa. Her blonde hair is perfect, her smile sharp. "Ethan, we need to talk," she says, then sees me. Her eyes narrow. "What's she doing here?"

My heart stops. There's something in her hand-a small, shiny thing, like a knife. She steps closer, and Ethan moves in front of me again. What's she going to do?