Love's Second Chance

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?.

Cherish walked out of the doctor's office in a serious daze, her mind reeling with the news. Pregnant? How manage? How could this be? She thought back to the night she had tried to forget. "If I had known" was all she could say.

As she walked home, a lot was going through her mind.

When she got home, Cherish sat down on the couch , trying to process everything. She knew she had to tell Richard, but she was scared. What if he rejects the baby? .

Cherish took a deep breath and picked up her phone. Immediately, she dialed Richard's number.

"Hello?" Richard's voice was so smooth. "Richard it's Cherish", she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey, Cherish. What's up? It's been a while" Richard asked, his tone casual.

"There's something I want to talk to you about. Are you home or should I go ahead here" Cherish said.

"What is it? Go ahead" Richard said, sounding impatient.

" Okay, um. ....I .... I'm pregnant " Cherish said, the words tumbling out of her mouth.

There was silence on the other line. "What are you talking about because I'm not understanding?" Richard asked, his voice cold.

"I'm talking about the one night stand we had together. I'm carrying your child" Cherish repeated. .

Richard laughed. "So you're trying to trap me because of my wealth. I know all these before now, Cherish"

His words stung her "I'm serious Richard, I'm not trying to trap you because of your wealth. Of course, you know I'm also from a very wealthy home. I'm telling you the truth"

"I don't believe you, you're a liar and a bitch" Richard said, his voice very firm.

Cherish felt tears streaming down the corners of her eyes "It's fine. This is no joke. I'm pregnant and need what to do"

" Did you need what to do? Go and flush out that bastard you're trying to trap me with.

" I should do what? Abort this baby? Richard, are you rejecting this child" Cherish asked amidst sobs.

Just then, he hung up. Cherish could not believe it.

" Hello... Hello..... Richard, are you there?

Cherish threw herself on the floor and started crying uncontrollably. She was almost screaming but remembered that her father was around. She reduced her voice and cried and cried till she was tired.

She sat on her bed thinking of what to do next. She decided to go and visit him, perhaps he would have compassion on her when he sees her and accept her and her baby.

First thing the next morning, Cherish prepared to pay Richard an unexpected visit. She arrived at his house and was afraid to knock. She managed to knock.

"Yes, who's at the door. Come in" Richard said, his voice sounding very excited. He was playing games when she came in. As soon as she walked in, his countenance changed.

"Good morning, Richard," Cherish said, her voice shaking.

"What's good about the morning? What are you doing here" Richard snapped.

"Richard, please calm down. We can handle this amicably. You hung the call, I guess you were busy or something so I decided to pay you a visit" Cherish said.

Richard took a deep breath "As you can see, I'm busy"

"Please Richard, this is your baby, don't reject and abandon your blood. You.....

" God forbid and point of correction, this is not my blood. Please I'm very busy, can you use the door" Richard ordered. There was surprise written all over Cherish's face. " Are you sending me out of our house, Richard? " Cherish asked.

" And if you don't leave in peace, I'll be forced to throw you out" He continued. Cherish could not believe her eyes and ears.

Can such a nice man she met weeks change to be a monster" Cherish thought aloud.

" See, Cherish I'm not interested in playing along with your game. Leave now"

Cherish felt she was punched in the stomach. "Game? You think this is a game, this is no game Richard" Cherish thought Richard was playing until he stood up from his seat. Richard rushed and carried her up, threw her up and locked his door.

"Arrant nonsense " Richard growled. Cherish didn't know what to do when the father of her baby had rejected her.

She managed to get to her house and a lot of things were going through her mind. Whether to keep the baby or abort the baby? Cherish was really in a mess. She thought about her father.

"What would he say if he found out she was pregnant? Her father is a disciplinarian, a no nonsense man.

As the days went by, Cherish tried to keep the pregnancy a secret but it was getting harder and harder. Her stomach was starting to show and she knew it was just a matter of time for her father to find out.

One day, Cherish's father called him into his room.

"Cherish my daughter, I need to talk to you about something and all I need from you is the truth" he said, his voice firm.

Cherish felt chill wash over her. "What is it, Father?"

"I've been seeing the changes in your body and have also been hearing rumours that you're pregnant" her father said, his eyes narrowed.

Cherish felt shivers were sent down her spine. "Dad, I. ..I don't know what you're talking about'

Her father sighed. "Don't lie to me, Cherish. I know it's true. Tell me the truth so that I can know where to come in as your father"

Cherish started crying. "I'm sorry, Dad"

Her father's face changed immediately, filled with anger. "You're sorry? You're sorry. You're a disgrace and have brought shame to this family, Cherish"' .

Cherish was filled with fear because she knows what her father can do. "Father, please"

Her father stood, his eyes filled with anger. "Get out of my house with that bastard that you're carrying. You're no longer my daughter. I disown you.

"Dad, please". Her father pointed to the door. "Get out" .

Her father went in and threw all her bags outside. Cherish sobbed non stop as she walked out of the house feeling alone and abandoned.

Cherish walked out of her father's house, tears streaming down her face almost entering her mouth.

" Where will I go ? She thought aloud. All her life, she had never felt so much rejected and abandoned this way. As she walked, Cherish wondered about the next thing to do with herself.

She eventually found herself standing in front of the Wood's family home. That was the last option for her.

"Hello, Cherish," Mrs. Woods said, opening the door. "It's been a while. How about your father? Why is he not with you? Neither did he tell me that you're coming. Hope all is well? Mrs Woods continued.

Cherish couldn't say a word, all she was doing was staring at Mrs Woods. Shortly tears started streaming down her eyes, she tried controlling it but couldn't and bursted out.

Mrs Woods was confused and cuddled her inside..

Mrs Woods allowed her to cry on her shoulders.

"Cherish, please talk to me. What's the problem and why are you here alone? She asked, this time her voice is firm but low.

Cherish hesitated, then took a deep breath.

"Aunt, please don't condemn me if I tell you what it" She said, amidst sobs.

"No, my dear. I won't.

Cherish heaved a deep sigh of relief.

"Aunt, my dad threw me out of his house and disowned me because I'm pregnant. I don't have anywhere else to go. Please help me ma.

"You're pregnant" Mrs Woods shook her head and stood for a few seconds.

"I have a lot of questions to ask you on how you allowed this to happen when you know that your father is a disciplinarian and wouldn't want to see you but that'll be later".

"Well, Come in. We can offer you a room and a place to stay.

"Thank you so much," Cherish replied, on her knees feeling a sense of relief.

As they were walking down to Cherish's room, Mrs Woods stopped.

"Cherish, I never knew you to be promiscuous. How did you get pregnant?

Were you raped?

Cherish was surprised hearing this from Mrs Woods as they've concluded about this.

"Aunt, I'm not promiscuous. I.....

I.......

Just then, an elderly man walked in .

"MW, (acronym for Mrs Woods). Please can I see you briefly" He said, his voice very low.

Mrs Woods signalled Cherish that she's coming.

"Mr Gerald, Greetings. Please what can I do for you? Wood had gone for a business trip and had not been around.

She quickly wrote her husband's number on a piece of paper and gave it to him.

The elderly man turned and left.

Mrs Woods rushed back to Cherish, forgot what he was asking her and took Cherish to her rCherish accepted her fate and started living with the Woods' family and what she started seeing things she never believed she will see but she was not bothered provided there was a shelter over her head and food for her and her baby.

Cherish was barely two months in that house when Mr Woods started making advances on her .

Impossible!!!!!.... For a pregnant woman?

It started when Cherish went to serve him food because his wife travelled and it was just both of them.

"Sir, your food is ready" she gently tapped him in the living room.

Mr Wood looked up and it was Cherish, his joy could know no bound.

"Oh! my dear. Thank you. Please come....come closer. Do you know you're too beautiful

Cherish nodded her head but did not say a word.

Mr Wood stood up from his seat and grabbed Cherish's waist trying to make love to her.

"Sir please stop this. I can't do this" Cherish pushed him away.

After that incident, Cherish kept to herself everything that happened and decided to move on.

The Woods family were very supportive to her. They all loved her and took her like a member of the family. Cherish healed from the depression she slipped during her father's and Richard's rejection. Everything was going so smoothly that she never believed she was not in her father's house.

One day, Mrs Woods took her to the market to buy her some items she would need to use and give birth.

"Cherish, dress up quickly. I want us to go the market* she said calmly

Cherish couldn't predict what they were going to the market to do until they reached the market. She could not believe her eyes.

While coming back, Mrs Woods met one of her friends.

"MW, it's been a while. What brought you to the market today? I thought you travelled." she asked.

Mrs Woods took a deep breath.

"I came to buy some items for my daughter. My daughter is getting married and will soon be a mother. I'm so excited " She said, wearing a very contagious smile.

That struck Cherish so hard. At one point she wondered what she meant by "getting married " and on the other hand, she was so happy she was once accepted after the incident of her father and Richard.

"Congratulations MW. Please once everything is set, try to get in touch. I"ll be available during her marriage" She responded, so excited.

"Congratulations darling" She said, turning to me.

I nodded and smiles

"Thank you ma"

They were showing me so much kindness but something kept telling me that I would have to pay for this act of kindness. That the kindness they woods are showing me is coming with a price.

As soon as this thought kept coming to Cherish over and over again, she decided to pay close attention to it.

Cherish is melancholy. She's very sensitive. Once she puts her heart into getting information or something done, she does it stresslessly.

After some weeks they came back from the hospital, Mrs Woods took her to the hospital to register her for her delivery.

Mrs Wood's doctor owns a very big hospital and it's one of the renowned doctors in New York.

"Doctor, how have you been? My daughter and I want to see you?

The Doctor raised his eyebrows

"I think I know all your children but I don't know this one. She's very beautiful" The doctor said, winking at Cherish.

Mrs Woods felt on top of the world and raised her shoulders

"Yes, she is. She's my lookalike and she's getting married. I'm overjoyed. She'll soon have a baby and I'll be a grandmother" she gestured.

The doctor smiled and shook his head.

"Please run some check-up on her to ensure my grandchild is fine".

Cherish was lost. Where are all these coming from?

Getting married? This was the second time she was mentioning it. Getting married to who?

Do they have plans for me to get married? If they do, I'm pregnant. Can't it wait till I have my baby?

Why is she calling me her daughter? Have she adopted me?". Something is off and I must find out" Cherish thought aloud.