The Other Man's Child

FIVE YEARS EARLIER.

Selene's POV.

"Congratulations, you are pregnant!" The nurse grinned, holding up a clipboard. "Your vitals are great, and your baby is healthy."

My heart pounded; for a second, it felt like the world spun around me. I shook my head. "I can't be pregnant; Rowland and I, we have always been careful."

Her smile faltered. "Well, these things do happen. Even when contraceptives are used, dear."

"Are you sure this is correct?" I asked, desperation in my voice.

"These might have been swapped?"

She shook her head. "Your name is boldly over the top; we don't make this kind of mistake, ma'am."

My head spun, for a second the walls closed in on Me.

I glanced at the report one more time. Hoping that when I looked at it again. It might have just been a mistake the first time, but that was it.

"Thank you," I managed to say, smoothing my skirt as I stood to leave.

My legs wobbled as I made my way out.

How was I going to tell my overly disciplined father that his eighteen-year-old daughter was pregnant by a boy she wasn't married to?

He would disown me and kick me out of the house.

He would never allow such a stain on his name. The most successful man on the block with a wayward child. That's what people would say.

"Take me to Rowlands," I said to Martini. Immediately I shut the door of the SUV, trying to steady my trembling fingers.

Martini was my personal driver. My father had hired him to keep tabs on me, so he made sure I went from school back home. But my little trips after school to Rowland's House were a secret between the both of us.

I leaned my head against the window; my mind spiralled.

"Is everything alright, ma'am?" Martini asked.

"I am fine," I replied, not looking up.

The car pulled up in front of the small building Rowland shared with his family.

"Wait for me; I won't be long," I said before spinning on my heels along the narrow road that led to the gate.

I stopped at the gate, poking my head through its railings because when I tried to shove it open, it was locked.

I spotted Rowland's brother Mark bent over with a spanner in his hand. He was twirling some loose bolts on his bike.

"Mark!" I yelled.

"Rowlands not here," he called out.

"Where is he then? I have called him several times, but he isn't answering."

He dropped the spanner and walked towards me.

"He's gone off to Mexico."

My chest tightened "Mexico!"

"What do you mean, Mexico!"

He flapped a towel over his shoulder. "He left Selene, and I don't think he's coming back."

A knot formed in my throat. Suddenly, the railings felt hot against my fingers. My hands flew to my tummy where life stirred.

I gasped for air, my heart shattering into tiny pieces.

Rowland and I had planned to elope together. My parents never approved of our relationship. They said Rowland was a poor church rat but I loved him either way.

We were curled up together in his bed when he brought up the idea.

"Selene," he ran his fingers through my hair, gazing into my eyes. "I can never imagine a life without you. I think we should run away together"

My heart skipped a beat.

"I mean, if you don't want to, it's fine." He added.

For a second the thought of being away from my family sent shivers down my spine, but as long as I was going to spend the rest of my life with him, I didn't mind.

A smile played across my lips "that's the craziest thing you have ever said to me Rowland, and I love it"

He grinned widely "That's my girl"

We were going to leave the next month.

Did he leave without me?

"When is he coming back Mark?" My voice shook.

"Look, Selene, he is never coming back" Mark said, "you have to take things easy, and really, I would advise you to move on with your life. It all just kind of happened. Take care Selene"

He turned and walked away. I stood frozen to the floor. My heart pounded against my ribs, the pasta I had eaten earlier threatening to spill.

What was going to happen to me? To my baby? How was I going to handle this. How would my parents take this?

I didn't go home; I went back to school. I needed to get myself together. I was Determined to keep the news to myself till I was ready or till I couldn't hide my protruding belly any longer.

But two days later, my father had called for me, furious and angrier than I had ever seen him in my entire life. He wiggled the test results above my head, with my mother sobbing behind him, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief while he spoke.

"What is the meaning of this, Selene?" His voice came out in thunders. I cowered in fear.

"I was going to tell you, I promise." Tears streamed down my cheeks as I struggled to find the right words that wouldn't provoke him further.

"You are not bringing shame to this family, Selene," he said through gritted teeth.

"Dad, please, I am sorry." I clutched his feet. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen."

"We should have kicked that boy out the moment he stepped his dirty feet into this house." He frowned, pacing back and forth.

Mother wouldn't dare speak, not when he was in such a mood.

He glared at me with bloodshot eyes. His fingers curled tightly to his side trying to hold himself back.

"You are going to terminate that pregnancy. Right now!"

He held my wrist and dragged me up, pulling me with him as he walked towards the door.

"Careful Richard, she's still my child!" mum cried as she walked swiftly behind.

I turned and twisted but Father was stronger.

The ride to the hospital was quiet, I sat at the back as dad drove and mum sat beside him.

Mum glanced at father to make her final attempt at a plea "Richard could..."

His right had flew up "I don't want to here it Marie.."

I didn't dare make a sound. No one could ever calm him down when he was angry. Not even her.

I stared the message I had just typed, the cursor blinked beside it.

Rage surged through me, the unanswered messages I had sent to Rowland everyday in desperation stared back at me.

I hit the space bar till the message disappeared.

He was the reason I was here. The boy who promised me forever disappeared without a word, and suddenly I was the one left to bear the consequences.

Blocked.

At the hospital, mother did all the talking.

Dad only sat back arms crossed like he didn't want to be associated with me.

My chest felt heavy.

Seconds later the doctor delivered the news that changed my life forever.

"Aborting the baby would be very harmful, she might bleed out. Both mother and child could be gone" The doctor said.

Something broke within me. My only hope at freedom, gone.

Mothers voice shook. "We can't do it Richard. I will not risk my daughter's life for your selfish desires"

I couldn't meet fathers eyes.

He stood quietly and shook the doctor.

"Thank you very much sir" He finally said, and walked out.

My body trembled. I didn't know what awaited me.

Immediately we stepped into the house father turned to me.

"You are going to marry Mr Harold's son"

"No!" I yelled; my voice came out weaker than I intended.

"Yes, Selene, we won't have a daughter who has a child but no husband. A child born out of wedlock. Never!"

"Dad, please. I can't marry him. I don't love him," I begged.

"You should have thought of that before..." He raised his hand above me.

I flinched.

"Richard, no, please," Mother cried. She ran to him with quickened steps, clutching his hands in hers.

I looked up at him. I wasn't a daughter in that moment, just a problem he needed to erase.

"I have made my decision. We meet his family tomorrow.

With that, he stomped out of the room.

Tears trailed down my cheeks, I hugged my knees to my chest, tilting back and forth.

How could I get married to a stranger, carrying a child he didn't ask for-how could I survive this?"

"Mother, please, I am sorry."

Mother crouched beside me. The liquid from her eyes dripped into my sleeve.

"Oh Selene, what have you done?" she cried.

"Mum, please do something. I can't marry his arrogant son. What would become of me?"

"I won't allow him to throw you away, Selene." She wiped at my eyes. "No matter what, you are still our daughter. I will talk to him."

I nodded, but I knew, because once Father had made his decision, there was absolutely no going back.

One thing was certain, I would protect this child no matter what, even if it meant defying the world.

Selene's POV

My pleadings had fallen on deaf ears.

Mr Harold needed a woman for his son, and I was the perfect candidate. How could Father think selling me like this would fix everything? Did he not see me as his daughter or just a pawn to secure a deal?

After a week and one day, I stood at the altar wearing a white dress I hadn't picked myself.

Tom Harold stood across from me, a grim expression on his face. He looked like a man who never took risks-a man who carefully calculated and planned the next day's events.

We had only met a few days ago for dinner between our families. We sat around the table, and when Father introduced me to him as the daughter he was to wed, he only nodded and continued with his meal.

I knew I was in for a long run. We would grow to love each other. That is what I had told myself.

But now, as we exchanged our vows before the congregation, I wasn't so sure.

"Will you take Tom Harold as your lovely wedded husband, to love and cherish, in sickness and in health?" the priest asked.

I glanced around; Dad sat a few seats away, his arms folded across his chest. Daring me to spoil the plan.

I looked away and exhaled.

"Yes, I do."

The crowd cheered.

He took my hand in his and planted a light kiss on my fingers. So light I barely felt it.

His eyes never left mine.

The celebration passed in a blur. Soon, everyone was exhausted.

I walked hand in hand with Tom to the limousine that would take us to our new home.

But when I stepped in, Tom leaned into the car.

"The driver would take you home. Settle in before I get home. I have some business to attend."

My heart went weary. I had thought I would be able to share the joy of a newlywed couple with him even if it was a rushed one.

"It's fine," I replied, flashing a fake smile.

At home, I tore open the tiny box Mother had slipped into my hand a day before the wedding.

It contained lingerie. The type I had never worn in my entire life. I remembered her instruction.

"Wear it on your wedding night, darling; he won't be able to resist you."

I pulled it out and slipped it on, standing in front of the mirror, partly bashful at how exposed I looked, especially for a man who had never seen my body before now.

Rowland would have loved it. My heart ached. I sank on the bed.

I wondered what Rowland was thinking when he left.

Did he even think of me?

I sighed. "Pull yourself together, Selene. You have a husband now, and it's not Rowland. We have to make this work."

I waited on the bed I was to share with Tom. The clock ticked, evening turned to darkness, and soon I was asleep.

The sound of the door creaking open scared me.

I jerked awake. My body ached from exhaustion.

"Tom, you are back!"

He walked to the dresser. Pulling off his suit slowly.

My chest pounded.

I walked towards him, stopping close enough for my body to brush against his back, and wrapped my arms around him.

He turned around slowly to face me.

"Look, Selene. We were both forced into a marriage we never wanted by our parents. But I would take care of you to the best of my abilities. We shouldn't rush this."

My hands dropped, partly shocked and partly relieved at his decision.

"It's fine, Tom," I said.

His eyes trailed their way to my bosom. I caught the look of desire in his eyes.

I wrapped my arms over my body, suddenly feeling exposed. I scrambled for my robe and tried to cover myself.

"Wait... Don't cover up yet," he muttered.

Startled, I let the robe drop.

"Lie down," he commanded.

His eyes wouldn't even meet mine.

I lay on the soft sheets; my hands trembled.

My skin prickled as he climbed in as well.

He stripped my lingerie away from my body like a man who hadn't eaten in years.

I waited for sweet words from him, but they never came. He avoided my eyes completely.

His lips trailed my face, and soon he was inside me, moaning into my shoulders while I remained stiff with my legs spread apart.

This wasn't how Rowland and I did it.

Rowland was soft. He would kiss my feet and rub me all over before he started, but this was different.

I closed my eyes shut, waiting.

His moans grew louder and louder.

Then finally, he released into me and fell weakly on my chest.

Light snores escaped from him. His weight couldn't compare to the pressure I felt. My life had changed in seconds.

I took in a deep breath.

If this was the price I had to pay for my child, so be it.

But Tom was never going to find out the truth. If he ever did, it would ruin everything.

My reputation, my father's, and the life of the baby growing within me.

I had two weeks to make Tom believe this child was his. My chest ached. Could I survive this charade?

PRESENT DAY.

He was above me. His fingers gripped my hair while he thrust into me hungrily.

My hands were pinned to my side, with each movement making my head bob.

We had been going at it for hours, and now my body ached. I wanted him to stop; I had had enough.

"Tom," I whispered.

"Tom," louder this time.

But he didn't listen. He never did.

In the next minute he was done. He rolled over me, resting on his back, panting. I remained still. I waited to feel something. Love, ecstasy, satisfaction – but I felt nothing.

This had to be it. I mean, I was in my fertile window when I suggested we try tonight.

But yet again, it was still my fertile window some months before and the month before that.

He walked to his dresser. His muscles flexed with his each step.

He hadn't even acknowledged what we had done.

"You can go now," he said, without turning back. His voice was distant and cold.

That was it, my cue to leave the room like always.

"Can't I sleep here tonight?" I swallowed. "I really miss sleeping next to you."

He didn't even look at me. "No."

"Why?" I asked.

Then he turned. "When you are finally able to give me an heir, then we can consider that."

"But you know it's not my fault," I winced.

"Then whose fault is it, Selene, mine?"

The room went silent.

"We would be going to see Dr John Tomorrow," he muttered.

I jolted up in bed. My eyes widened. It was like I had heard it from someone else and not him.

The last time I had suggested visiting a specialist, it didn't end well.

He had stood by the kitchen counter after breakfast, adjusting his tie for work.

I kissed Amira goodbye as I watched the school bus drive away.

I exhaled, wiping my hand over my top as I walked in.

"Tom, Sophie knows a very good doctor we could go see," I whispered; my voice shook.

Silence.

"We could run some tests, maybe even try IVF, and..."

He spun around, his fingers curled into a fist.

"What are you suggesting, Selene? That there might be something wrong with me?"

My chest pounded. "No...not at all. I would be going through a series of tests as well. It's just..."

"I am not doing any of that, Selene. Don't ever bring this up again." He adjusted his tie and made his way out the door.

I stood, frozen, surprised at his reaction. "I am sorry," I whispered.

But he already slammed the door shut.

I shuddered at the memory.

"Really?" I asked.

"Be ready by nine. I have a lot to do tomorrow," he said.

My lips parted to speak.

I wanted to tell him that tomorrow was our anniversary.

But then his phone rang.

He picked it up with the speed of light; for a second I wondered who was calling.

He smiled when he saw the number on the screen.

He never smiled like that with me.

"Hello. How are you doing?" He whispered into the receiver and walked towards the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Soon enough the sound of his voice got drowned out by the sound of the shower.

I sighed. I guess our conversation was over.

The next morning I called in the babysitter.

Amira stayed home; she was running a temperature, and I needed to keep an eye on her.

"Daddy! Can you give me a kiss?" Amira yelled, stretching her arms out to Tom before he walked out the door.

He leaned just enough for Amira to hear.

"Daddy doesn't do kisses, Amira. Meet your mother," he said.

I watched Amira's smile drop.

The babysitter did too.

"Hurry up, Selene," Tom said, then walked out the door.

I carried Amira into my arms and hugged her tightly.

"Daddy is just in a rush, sweetheart, but I would give you all the kisses you want." I planted kisses all over her face.

She giggled. "Stop, Mum, it's too much."

"You deserve it, my princess." I planted a kiss for the last time and handed her to the babysitter.

"Please take care of her; if anything happens, give me a call," I muttered.

"You have nothing to worry about, ma'am." She flashed a smile.

"Bye, Mum," Amira called out as I walked out the door.

"Bye, princess," I called out.

Immediately I got into the car. Tom rolled his eyes and started the engine.

"You pamper that girl Wey too much," he said.

"She's your daughter too, Tom," I muttered.

He said nothing, adjusting the rearview mirror as he drove out.

I turned the other way, looking out the window.

I knew it was a lie, but I wanted him to love her just like I did.

We drove in silence till he finally pulled up at the hospital gate.

Doctor John was a man whose face was greased with years of experience; he didn't talk much when we told him why we came.

Tom and I were taken to separate rooms for the examinations.

After the examination, we sat by the reception.

"Wait here; this might take a few hours," the nurse said before spinning on her heels and walking off.

Tom's phone vibrated again, another quick smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. I stared at my hands; they wouldn't stop trembling.

The room felt oddly cold.

I glanced at him, but he seemed oblivious of my unease.

"Tom?" I whispered.

"Huh?" he answered.

"Have you forgotten what today is?"

"What?" he muttered; he didn't even lift his eyes from the screen.

I sighed.

My chest tightened. "Did you really forget?"

"I don't have time for games, Selene," he snapped.

I swallowed the sting and leaned back in my chair slowly. "Never mind then."

He kept typing. Smiling and typing again.

We stayed that way for another hour.

Then finally the door swung open.

The nurse stepped in. Her expression was not giving anything away.

"Mr and Mrs Harold, you may come in; the doctor's waiting."