The pregnant bride went stiff as a board when she spotted the groom’s dad. She never saw that coming…

Text me. Yeah, sure. Adriana waved him off and ran into the dormitory while the janitor took the door.

The girl from behind the glass partition sent Max an air kiss. He pointed to his smartphone. Once again, I reminded Adriana to remember to send him a message.

To which the girl nodded and smiled happily. On Sunday, Adriana woke up feeling dizzy and nauseous. What’s wrong with me? She thought.

I must have eaten too much. Yesterday evening, Max took her to a new pastry shop. There were such amazingly delicious cakes that the girl couldn’t resist and ate three of them.

The girl took a digestive pill, but she didn’t feel any better. She continued to feel sick. After lunch, Adriana began to sort through her textbooks.

Some of them needed to be returned to the university library. She looked at the calendar and suddenly realized that five days ago, she was supposed to get her period. The girl sat on her bed in a daze, afraid to even think about what that could mean.

Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Max. Adriana picked up the phone with shaking hands.

Hello, baby. She heard the gentle voice of her lover. Do you want to go for a walk? It’s beautiful weather today, and there’s a concert in the open air in the park.

I’m sorry, I don’t feel well. I’d rather stay home. Okay, feel better.

Do you need to buy some medicine? No, thanks. There’s a drugstore just down the street. I was just about to go there.

Ah, okay. But if you need anything or if you get worse, just call me and I’ll be right over. Thank you.

I love you. I love you too, babe. Adriana didn’t even realize how she’d gotten to the pharmacy and back.

Everything seemed unreal. She went to the bathroom and took the package with the pregnancy test out of the bag, shaking hands, opened it, and read the instructions. The few minutes of waiting seemed almost an eternity to Adriana.

She looked at the test and her insides shivered. Two strides. The girl sat down on the tile on the floor.

What was she going to do now? How could this be? She thought that that night in the hotel had long been left behind and forgotten as a terrible dream. But that monstrous mistake came back to her. Adriana repeated the test, almost not hoping for a different result.

And when she saw two strides again, she cried. I really am pregnant. She realized she wasn’t ready for motherhood, does not know how to explain to her parents what happened and where is the father of the baby and what to say to Max.

Adriana made an appointment with a gynecologist after an ultrasound and taking all the tests. The girl came to the appointment again. What are we going to do? We leave it.

Asked the doctor and looked at Adriana. The girl did not understand the question. Do you want to keep the baby or abort it? I don’t know.

Who knows? Girl, this is your child. Not my father was informed. Not yet.

Adriana was ashamed to admit that there was no father. Well, there is, but she knows nothing about this man except his name. Well, talk to him and decide together.

There’s still time until 12 weeks. In the meantime, let’s get you registered. Go down to the registrar’s office and you’ll be registered.

Adriana came out of the women’s clinic with exchange cards and a pack of referrals for tests in her hands. She was still in a daze. When she checked her phone, she saw 14 missed calls from Max and a lot of messages.

After that conversation on Sunday, Adriana had stopped answering him. She didn’t know how to talk to him now and look him in the eyes when she met him. The girl hesitated for a long time, but decided to call her friend to meet her at their favorite cafe.

She just didn’t know anyone else she could tell about her situation. What exclaimed Betty and other customers began to turn in their direction. You’re pregnant.

Can you yell any louder so everyone can hear for sure? And you smirked faster, girlfriend. Does Max know yet? No, of course not. I don’t even know how to tell him.

That’s the biggest problem. This is such a chance to marry a rich guy. Or do you think he’s going to be against the baby? That’s not the point.

The baby’s not his cookie, Adriana admitted. No, it’s not. A friend was stunned.

Wow. It turns out there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. Who else did you hook up with? You didn’t tell me.

Spit it out. I’m not embarrassed about it. That Adriana was silent, trying to gather her courage.

A client. But the one I went to the charity auction with. Wow, Betty.

You said you didn’t agree to sleep with him. Adriana cringed at the frank wording. I didn’t.

I wasn’t lying about that. But I was very drunk. The girl covered her face with her hands.

I woke up in a hotel room. Alone. And I don’t even remember how it happened.

He paid me, if that’s what you’re wondering. God, it was like I was in a soap opera. Betty finished drinking her juice in one gulp.

What are you gonna do now? Go find that client and get him to make it up to me. That way he’ll say I agreed to it. But you know, a grown man should know how to protect himself.

And be responsible in case of something. I’m not gonna look for him. He’s a complete stranger to me.

He’ll think I’m a fraud. But I’ll have to part with Max too. You’re crazy.

Just get an abortion. No. What are you doing? I can’t do that.

I’ve thought about it. But I can’t. Oh, Adriana.

Then tell Max it’s his baby. Yeah, I’ve known him for less than four weeks. How can that be possible? Don’t tell me you haven’t had one yet.

Adriana turned away and looked out the window with the cool rich guy. You’re all hand-holding. And with some strange man, she got drunk the first night and went to a hotel.

Don’t waste your breath. I feel bad enough as it is. If you want to keep this baby, you just have to seduce Max right away.

There’s still time. And then you can say he was born prematurely. I don’t think it’s possible to hide the doubt in her voice.

Adriana said, men don’t know shit about this whole women thing. Just go to the doctor. Don’t show your medical records.

What if it comes out later that I lied? That would be even worse. Well, when it does, then you can deal with it. No, Betty, I can’t do that.

I’m going to call Max and tell him we’re going to have to break up with the baby. I’ll manage somehow. And I’ll take one.

I’ll get a part-time telecommuting job. I still have some of that money left in my account. Oh, Adriana, if I were you, I wouldn’t let this opportunity go.

But you’re not in my place. Sadly, said the girl. Adriana couldn’t get herself together all evening.

She walked around the room, finding one thing to do and another to do. The girl had already decided that she would talk to the guy the next morning. But suddenly Max called herself.

She stared at the phone for a long time, hesitating to answer the call. Hey, baby, how are you doing? Hey, what’s wrong? Do you sound sad? He asked. No, I’m just tired.

I decided to do the assignment they gave us for the vacation. Studying is important, of course, but you should pay attention to rest. That gentle, caring tone.

Tears came to Adriana’s eyes. She really loved Max. And the thought of a forced separation made her heart clench.

My father received an invitation to the Philharmonic for the performance of a famous symphony orchestra. He can’t go, so I’m inviting you. The concert will be on Saturday evening.

Adriana gathered more air into his chest and exhaled. I’m sorry. I can’t go with you.

I understand, baby. If you’re tired, you really should rest in a more peaceful environment. Then what day can we see each other? I’ve missed you so much.

I’m afraid we can’t see each other anymore. Max, I want to break up, which the guy didn’t immediately realize. Wait, Adriana.

I don’t understand what happened. I did something wrong. But can you just tell me? No, it’s like this.

You’re wonderful, and I’m grateful for the time we spent together. I’ve really had a lot of fun with you, but this is about me. I don’t want to continue this relationship, so I suggest we break up before it goes too far.

On our last date. That’s not what you said. Things are different now.

I’m sorry, Max. I’m really sorry. I think you can easily find someone better than me.

Adriana pressed the red cancel button and added Max’s number to her blacklist. After that, the girl fell on the bed and cried bitterly. That evening, Betty chose her outfit especially carefully.

She looked herself in the mirror, expensive branded dresses, intricate hairstyles, light evening makeup, shoes, of course, on stiletto heels. Everything, in her opinion, looked perfect. The girl snorts.

Who did I work so hard for tonight? She asked her reflection. God, Betty, I think your standards have dropped. The phone rang.

The contact was saved by Betty as a cheater without a Ferrari. The girl didn’t bother to answer the call, but picked up her purse and jacket and walked out the apartment. A bright yellow Lamborghini was waiting for her downstairs.

Seeing it, Betty rolled her eyes. She walked around the cars and sat next to the driver. Ethan was wearing his now familiar black jacket with a t-shirt and jeans today.

Where shall we go? You choose. The girl turned away to the window. You might not be able to afford what I suggest.

Probably spent all of it on the rental car, so I get to choose. Ethan smiled slyly. Betty turned to the guy, squinting his eyes.

There was clearly a catch in his words. Half an hour later, the girl regretted that she had let things go. Ethan had taken her to a place on the outskirts of town where she could park close to the shore, and now, holding paper bags of fast food, was walking down the rocks toward the water.

A disgruntled Betty stopped next to the car. Even if the girl wanted to walk up to the shore, she couldn’t. She was in stilettos.

Is this that kind of revenge? Asked the girl as Ethan walked back to the car. Do you want me to break my legs? Revenge? You’re right. But will do without broken legs, replied the guy.

Ouch, shrieked Betty. When Ethan picked her up in his arms and carried her, what are you doing? Saving your legs and heels, laughed the guy. Betty blushed at how tightly he held her against him.

After a minute, Ethan set her down on the sand by the water. The concrete slab was already covered with snacks, coffee cups, and soda cans. I don’t eat this stuff, Betty said, sitting down on the edge.

It’s got a crazy amount of calories. It’s your right, Ethan said, to take a bite out of the hamburger. We poor artists don’t have a choice.

Betty looked around. They were alone, but judging by the number of abandoned bottles, this place was frequented, which wasn’t surprising. The view from here was marvelous.

The scarlet sunset was already burning. Dusk was thickening and the burning lights of the city on the opposite shore were getting brighter. A cool breeze ruffled her hair.

Betty shivered as she shivered from behind her plowed jacket. She glanced at Ethan, who was appetizingly, yes, and gave her hamburger. Alright, what else you got there? The guy laughed and handed the girl a bag of fries.

She picked up on a few slices and sent them into her mouth. I’m just hungry. I’m not going to be able to eat at a restaurant tonight, by the looks of it.

How do you know that all of a sudden? I have a restaurant next. Oh, come on. Betty waved her hand and unwrapped the hamburger, which seemed the smallest.

After dinner on the beach, Ethan drove Betty to an old building in the center of town. What are we doing here? The girl inquired warily. Don’t worry, I’m not some maniac.

I just wanted to show you my workshop. We had to go up to the top floor on foot. There was no elevator.

Betty once again cursed Ethan to himself. When she picked out her shoes today, she hadn’t imagined she’d be in for such an ordeal. The guy opened the door and invited Betty to enter.

The girl was amazed. Stepping over the threshold, she found herself in a large room. The walls that were painted with bright colors.

On the floor were sculptures made of metal and wood. Some of it was hidden by cloth. Other paintings were sent against the walls.

In one corner stood a sofa, a dresser, and next to it a table and several antique chairs. Bend their legs from the high ceiling, decorated with moldings hanging luxurious crystal chandelier. In this room, the antique and modern were surprisingly harmoniously combined.

Come on in, you can keep your head down. Nudged Ethan frozen on the threshold of the girl. If you want the bathroom, the room, it’s to the right.

He pointed to an orange door that one might not immediately notice. In such a chaotic environment, Betty decided to take advantage of the offer. When the girl returned to the room, Ethan had already managed to get the wine out, arranged the fruit, cheese.

All this he put on the table, covered above with a tablecloth. Please, he invited the girl in. Betty sat down on the couch and looked at the guy suspiciously.

Is that so? Have you been seducing your sitters here? No, there are no models here. Ethan laughed. I’m an abstractionist….