LILY

 “Congratulations, Mrs. Wilson,” the nurse said with a gentle smile. “The test came back positive; you’re one month pregnant.”

 I felt a cold wave of shock wash over me, as if someone had dumped a bucket of ice water on me. My heart jerked painfully in my chest, and my lips parted involuntarily as the memories that led to this unexpected event returned to me like a violent wind.

 Robert, my childhood crush and husband with whom I was in a contract marriage, returned that night drunk and very happy; the reason was that the advertising company had secured a major advertising deal with one of the largest luxury establishments in the city.

 I knew he was drunk. I knew he wasn't in control of his actions. I shouldn't have let that night happen. But I've loved him so much for so long, and I couldn't resist him. I was willing to do anything for his satisfaction and happiness.

 For a long time, I'd longed for such intimate moments with him. Since we got married two and a half years ago, that was the most intimacy he'd had with me, so I got lost in that thought. I got lost in the heat of the passionate moment, and we both forgot to use protection.

 “Here,” the nurse said, handing me the test reports. 

 I swallowed a lump that formed at the back of my throat, my hands trembling as I reluctantly picked it up, still struggling to believe it was true.

 "Are you... are you sure this is right?" I tried to confirm as I awkwardly told the nurse, unable to stop myself from stuttering. "Maybe there was a mistake somewhere... maybe the test wasn't done correctly?"

 A single night of misguided passion couldn't have led to something as life-altering as a pregnancy. It was quick and fleeting. Perhaps it was another woman's pregnancy report that got mixed up with mine. But my name, Lily Wilson, boldly emblazoned on it as I glanced through it, betrayed that small hope.

 “Yes,” the nurse said, nodding firmly. “The pregnancy test was performed correctly. Every healthcare worker here is a professional. We don’t joke about something as serious as this.”

 Upon hearing that, the remaining pieces of my heart sank into my stomach. The day started like any other, but now everything has changed. This pregnancy will change everything.

 "Good luck with your pregnancy, Mrs. Wilson," the nurse said, placing her hand on my shoulder and giving me a small smile. "You're in a delicate state now. Don't overdo it, and be sure to come in regularly for your prenatal appointments."

 She said this before leaving me to be roasted in the flame of misery and despair that she had ignited.

 Jane, my best friend since childhood, who had come with me to the hospital for the check-up, burst into the room and took my reports.

 As she reviewed the contents, she gasped as she looked at me, her eyes widening and sparkling with excitement. "Oh my God, Lily! This is wonderful news! A baby! It's just what you and Robert need. A new beginning! I'm so happy for you!"

 Jane's smiles reached my ears. Her joy was contagious, but I didn't dare share it. 

 I managed a forced smile, stiff and unnatural. My mind was elsewhere, grappling with the harsh reality of the situation. My marriage to Robert wasn't based on love; it was a contract, a cold, formal agreement with clear and strict terms. One of which explicitly forbids children. 

 As Jane continued to talk enthusiastically about baby names and nursery decorations as we walked out into the hospital corridor, my mind drifted back to the stark, cold words on the contract the day I signed it: “NO BABIES, NO MATTER WHAT.”

 Tears pricked the corners of my eyes, but I quickly brushed them away, forcing myself to keep smiling and maintain a cheerful demeanor. This wouldn't have happened if Robert hadn't come home drunk that night. Now I'll have to pay the price for it.

 I couldn't let Jane see me in such a miserable state. She'd raise an eyebrow and feel bad because she was so caring and always shared my emotions. She didn't know my marriage to Robert was based on a contract. I never told her. And I didn't plan to anytime soon.

 She kept assuring me that this pregnancy would end my unhappy marriage and make Robert finally love me the way I deserve. What she didn't know was that this pregnancy would have the opposite effect. She didn't know it would be the nightmare of my life.

 I was breaking the contract with this pregnancy, and if Robert finds out, I'll suffer terribly for it. I mustn't tell him. He mustn't find out. I'll keep it from him as long as I can, no matter what I have to do.

 Halfway down the corridor, we unexpectedly ran into Robert. I was surprised to see him with another woman who was wearing a hospital gown, as if she were also going for a medical checkup.