UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN: A friendly advice

"Yap."

"I see. That might explain her cheerful demeanour in the workplace," he said.

"Really?!" I ask, making Blackson burst into laughter at my sudden response.

"You really are in love with this girl, aren't you?" With my cheeks burning with embarrassment, I bluntly request that if there is no significant information regarding the person in question, Blackson should refrain from speaking.

Resignedly raising his hands in surrender, he apologises and proceeds towards the guest room. "By the way...," he directs a comment towards me, stating, "I genuinely meant what I said about her appearing cheerful lately. Whatever you are doing to make her happy, keep at it."

-Shelley POV-

As I drop on my sofa, ready to devour my takeout, a call comes in.

"Hello, beautiful. How was your day?"

"Good. Just tired. How about yours?"

"I was unproductive today. I couldn't get anything done, all thanks to a certain someone who has been on my mind the whole day."

"Ouch, that must be frustrating," I said with a sarcastic smile.

"You have no idea," Ben says. "Anyway, do you have anything planned for this Saturday?"

"I am afraid I do. This Saturday, I received an invitation to lunch."

"You received an invitation to lunch?! Tell me, are there any rivals I should worry about?" Giggling, I reply, "Of course not. It's just lunch with a friend."

"Well, that's a shame. I was hoping to hang out with you, but that's okay. It can be rescheduled for another day."

"What are you doing now?" He asks. "I was about to eat."

"I guess I will leave you to it then. Have a nice day."

***

It's a scorching Saturday afternoon, and I'm meticulously perfecting my appearance as I get ready for an intriguing lunch date with a mysterious friend.

Seated at a table in the Papillon Restaurant, Miriam fiddles with her drink, lost in deep thought. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she did not notice me as I made my way to her. It was only when I called her by name that she looked up at me.

"'Shelley.' You are here. I am so sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment there. Please have a seat."

"Thank you." Miriam summons the waiter as I settle onto the chair across from her. We both placed our orders when the server came and as we waited, we caught up on each other's day-to-day lives.

As our meal was brought to the table, I couldn't help but notice Miriam's concerned expression. "What seems to be the problem? You appear distressed. Do you not like the food?"

She let out a sigh. "It has nothing to do with the food. I believe it has come to your attention that my dad has offered me to join him in business."

"Yes," I said as I picked up my cutlery to dig into the food in front of me. "I heard something about that."

"I also found out that my dad has stage 4 renal disease and is dying. He refuses to fight the disease and has accepted his impending death. Therefore, he desires me to serve him, making certain that I inherit everything before his demise."

"To make up for his long absence, he says he is sorry and wants to get to know me."

"Why do I have a feeling there is a but coming?" I asked.

"That's because there are. He can't make up for lost time. When I was young, I yearned for a father's love, yet it remained elusive. My Aunt Mary gave me both a mother's and a father's love, which I was content with. Why now. Do you think I should forgive him?"

As I take a long sip of my drink, I reflect on my strained relationship with my dad. "I wish I could offer advice, but given my own experiences, I think it's best for me to stay quiet. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make."

"I know, but I just want your opinion on the matter."

"Well, I believe it must have been hard for you not to have your father around when you were young, but he is here now. Despite his shortcomings, he wants to build a relationship with you. Many people have never experienced a situation like that - having their father acknowledge his mistakes and even make the effort to be there is a unique experience."

"I am not saying you should forgive him, but accept his effort. Let him be part of your life now. If you don't, and he dies, you may regret it. I mean, as you said, there isn't much he can make up for now, but at least you can enjoy each other's company. You never know; maybe this will encourage him to fight this illness. Studies have shown that the love shown by our close family can go a long way in encouraging others with illnesses to have hope in life."

"Right, you are. Surprisingly, I had never considered this before."She nods in approval. "For his sake, I shall endeavour to mend our relationship. And you know what? It might work out well for us. Especially now."

Taken aback I ask, "What do you mean, especially now?"

"Well, I think I am pregnant."

"'You think?' You are aware of the existence of a pregnancy test kit, correct?"

"Yes, I know, but it is hard to do so with Matthew constantly at home. If I am right, I want to surprise him."

"Doesn't he go to work?" I ask. "He works from home. He is a computer programmer."

I leaned in close, seemingly to shield our chat from prying ears, I added. "As I stepped inside, I could not help but notice the pharmacy immediately next to it. In the ladies' room, we can make excellent use of the pregnancy test kit, which is easily accessible at any drugstore. How about you take a stand?"

"Won't that be a bother?" Miriam inquires.

"Absolutely not," I assure her.

_

A/N: So, guys, what do you think? "Is Miriam pregnant?"