Chapter 199 - One Hundred And Ninety-nine: A New Life
Maya's point of view
It has been a week since my newly improved relationship with Niklaus began, which in one sentence means; Niklaus has been cheating on Tina with me.
Its quite funny the cycle here: Tina and Niklaus first dated until I arrived and they broke up- not because I broke them up - and then, Niklaus and I commenced our journey together and the witch Tina barges in like the bitch she is and breaks us up successfully and now back to her again, I'm set to break them up - only this time, it's for revenge.
To Tina and I, this was more than just capturing Niklaus. It was more than a game; our pride was on the line here - May the best woman win.
"I get that you and Niklaus are in love with each other but what you both are doing is called an affair " Camille pointed out, "Maya, you're stepping on hot coals by dating an engaged man"
During the past week, she has been a constant company in my life and today, I finally moved out of that wrecked apartment into this incredible penthouse.
"Niklaus once belonged to me, she was the one who tactically took him away from me. I'm just returning the favor" I argued with her.
Well, Camille who was also my manager was the only person who knew about my "illicit" relationship with Niklaus after she had mistakenly caught us in the act in my apartment.
"Listen up here you dumbhead, do you dare compare yourself to Christina? That woman you contend with has power and money and she pretty much can get away with anything or buys them anyway. But what about you? No pun intended Maya, but you've got nothing! No money- "
"I have money" I was truly offended.
"Those few millions in your account would soon diminish if you don't invest it wisely and quickly and it's nothing compared to the billion Christina has," Camille crudely said.
Ouch, that hurt me, that woman doesn't sugarcoat her words at all.
She went on, "Maya, you're in show business and what does the audience want? Action! gossip! Drama! Those people don't care about your personal feelings nor would they sympathize with you rather they would chew you up once this information gets exposed.
"And I've told you, one more scandal and you're out of this industry. You have a chance to make it big with this movie, so make the right decision" Ahe ended her lectures,? finally
"These are the last of my things" I purposely changed the topic since it was getting increasingly close to home.
My eyes roved around my apartment, taking in the appearance. The penthouse has double-height ceilings and floor to ceiling glass windows with the terrace accessible to me. It was quite an eye-catcher since its elevated position offered a magnificent view of the city.
Elegant dark mahogany wood was used for the floor, providing heat in the rooms while the apartment was painted a soft mixture of gray and beige giving out a cool urban style look. The furniture was high-quality and the sofa was made of original leather; everything just spoke of luxury.
"Do all artists who sign a contract with you guys get an apartment like this?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Not all but those favored by the president," Camille said, giving me a usual look.
"Why are you staring at me that way?"
"What's going on between you and Eden," she questioned with narrowed eyes.
I was taken aback by her question but quickly composed myself, "I don't know what you're talking about?"
"You just gave me the same response Eden gave me when I questioned his reluctance to have dinner with you- that's the tradition in the company," She said.
"Well, who knows?" I shrugged," He must have a reason for that,"
Camille sighed and stared hard at me, hands on her waist, "Maya, I'm your manager and we have to be hundred percent honest with each other so I can do damage control when the time comes cause Christ! you are a ticking time bomb,"
"Fine, I kissed him," I finally confessed.
"You did what?!" She screamed at me.
"It was a mistake" I was quick to explain, "It was during that time in the hospital when I got injured. I was just depressed and angry over my life and I thought getting a backer would help me with my revenge and then there was Eden, he was really kind to me and I thought it wouldn't be bad to date him after all, I'm a single lady. So I took the initiative and kissed him and got utterly rejected.The end." I was breathless after my rushed narration.
Camille's mouth was agape, she pointed at the phone in my grasp, "Does Niklaus know about this?"
Uh-oh, I totally forgot about him, not that I meant it that way. I just didn't know Niklaus and I was going to get back together like this else I wouldn't have gone for Eden. Gosh, what have I gotten myself into?
"No, he doesn't," I answered.
"Then you better keep it that way sweetheart unless you want a war on your hand," She advised me.
I sat on the blush pink colored sofa, rubbing my face with my palms.
"Fine, that aside, you have an important interview tomorrow" She informed me.
"Interview?"
Camille explained " 'Finding paradise' has been garnering a lot of attention on the internet and so Innovative Media Records wants to feature you on one of their shows"
I frowned, "Why me? I'm not even the lead actress?"
"Lisa would be coming along too, hence there's no escaping this interview, Maya. After your first shoot tomorrow, the make-up team would have you dressed for the show. Just be prompt. Any question?"
"What should I be expecting on the show?" For some reason, I didn't like this surprising "interview" especially with all that's going on in my life.
"Umm" Camille pursed her lips," It should be questions about the movie and though they might ask some? personal questions, it should be subtle," she added," Don't worry, I'll make more inquiries before the show begins"
"Alright, thank you" I yawned," God, I feel so sleepy"
"Wait a minute!" Camile said with a force that startled me."That's the umpteenth time already"
"What?"
She walked over to me, scrutinizing me intently which made me quite uncomfortable.
"What is wrong with you, Camile?" I asked with a nervous chuckle. It was obvious that this odd regarding has reached a disturbing level.
"I've watched you lately, Maya. You have this strange glow, you yawn a lot and tire easily and not to mention the gagging and all"
Camille was one observant lady and nothing passes her sharp hawk-like eyes- that was probably why Eden hired her.
The smile on my face disappeared,
"What are you trying to say?"
"I should be asking you that, are you pregnant, Maya?" Camille looked me in the eye and asked that question.
I laughed nervously, "That's ridiculous. There's no way I'm - "
"When was the last time you saw your period?" She interrogated me.
I gulped," It should have been last week but I guess it's running -"
"It should have 'been'?!" Camille interrupted me harshly," Listen to yourself, Maya! You are not even sure!"
Nervous sweat trickled down my face and my stomach knotted while bile rose to my throat which forced me to sprint towards the toilet.
"Fuck this, I'm getting you a pregnancy test kit " Camille swore and left to go buy the test kit after she saw me throwing up in the toilet.
After Niklaus had asked that ridiculous question that night, I hadn't given it much thought since I didn't experience the vomiting save once when I was going through my role with Camille.
"Here, take this and do your thing" Camille returned almost immediately that it wouldn't surprise me if she had run all the way.
Camille didn't leave, she stood at the doorway and watched as I collected the urine in a clean container and dipped half of the absorbent pad into it for at least ten seconds - as directed by the manual.
That wait felt like forever even though it was just seconds. There was a great tension while I was a bundle of nerves.
"Check it" Camille ordered.
There was a huge lump in my throat as I checked the test strips only to discover a distinct and consistent colored line; my world came crashing.
My leg wobbled and I fell to the ground, disbelief written all over my face. I was pregnant, I was carrying a life inside of me.
In that short moment, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotion; shock, denial, anger, joy, and finally nervousness.
There was a new life inside of me when I was hardly managing my own Life. Oh my God, what was I going to do? I suddenly felt scared, there was nobody by my side.
No father to chide me for getting pregnant. No mother to assure me it was going to be alright and that she would support me; I was just alone.
"You're pregnant, aren't you?" Camille asked the obvious to which I slowly nodded.
"Great, wonderful!" She threw her hands up, "Niklaus is the father, isn't he?"
"Undoubtedly" came my firm and positive answer.
"What are you going to do?" Camille's gaze melted.
I shook my head," I don't know"
But one thing was for sure, I was going to love and train this child no matter what comes my way.
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