Chapter 5 Chapter 5

AUBREY CLINTON

As I sat next to Scarlet in the living room, I took a deep breath, turned to her, and looked into her eyes. “I have something to share with you, Scarlet” I said, keeping my voice calm and steady.

Scarlet's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned closer. “What is it, Aubrey? Are you alright?”

I smiled and gave a small nod. “I’m pregnant, Scarlet” I announced, the words coming out all at once without a pause.

For a brief moment, Scarlet’s expression was one of a shock, but then slowly, her face brightened with joy. “Oh my gosh, Aubrey! Are you serious? You’re really going to be a mom?” She exclaimed happily as she wrapped her arms around me before I even realized it.

A moment later after she released me, we locked eyes again. “But what are you going to do now? You’re planning to keep the baby, right?” she asked.

I nodded in response. “Yes, Scarlet, I’m going to keep the baby. I know this isn’t the perfect situation, but I want to handle this on my own. I’m determined to raise this baby and create a good life for both of us.”

Scarlet nodded, her eyes shining with encouragement as she smiled. “No matter what you decide, I will always be here for you, Aubrey. We’re in this together” she said while gently stroking the back of my hand.

I nodded back, a small smile appearing on my face.

For a moment, we both sat there quietly until she broke the silence and asked, “So, are you planning to find the child’s father and tell him?”

I quickly shook my head as soon as she finished speaking. “No, Scarlet. I don’t think I want to do that at all. He’s just a lowly gigolo, and I don’t want him involved in this. It’s best if he stays out of our lives.”

She nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. “I get it, Aubrey. You and the baby deserve much better than someone like him anyway.”

The rest of my day was spent getting ready for my interview for the next day.

•

The next day, I showed up at the Lockwood Empire right on time, holding my portfolio and feeling confident and ready. I was led into the meeting room, where the team manager hardly glanced up from his phone as I stood in front of him.

“Abby... Yes, yes, whatever, just take a seat,” he mumbled, ignoring my hand for a shake.

I mentally rolled my eyes, took a deep breath before sitting down. I’m already sensing some discomfort from his attitude. There’s just something about this man that felt off, but I couldn't quite figure it out.

I cleared my throat and started my presentation anyway. I shared my ideas for improving the team’s current cars and ensuring a top 5 finish in the next three major races. However, he kept interrupting me as I speak. 

Most of what he said came off as condescending. He wouldn’t let me finish even one sentence before cutting me off or telling me to round it up.

As if that wasn’t enough, he couldn’t stay still like a professional should, instead, he kept fidgeting in his seat and moving around like a little child.

Finally, he slouched back in his chair with his legs spread apart and started playing on his phone. The loud sounds from the game filled the whole room, showing me that he wasn’t paying attention to what I was saying at all.

I tried to ignore it and stay calm, determined to get my point across, but it became harder with each passing minute.

When I finally finished speaking, he snorted at me with a condescending look. “Stop exaggerating, lady. The team was ranked 17th last session. What makes you think you can just come in here and create a miracle?”

I felt rage immediately bubbling inside me, but I managed to stay composed and reason with him instead. After all, I was the one who needed this job. “I assure you, sir, that I can make a positive change. I’ve already studied the team’s data and know exactly what needs to be done.”

As soon as those words left my mouth, he scoffed again, a rude glimmer in his eyes.

He leaned forward, giving me a shady grin as he size me up and down. “Of course you do. I’m sure you will use those... qualities to achieve your goals.”

I tightened my fist, feeling anger boil inside me. “Excuse me?” I said, my voice shaking with fury.

He grinned, raising an eyebrow. “I’m talking about… those thighs… between your legs. You’ll definitely use them to get what you want, won’t you?”

I just can’t take this anymore!

I felt shocked, furious, and completely disgusted by his obvious sexism and disrespect. “Okay, that’s enough!” I snapped, standing up from my chair. “I won’t sit here and let you talk to me like that.”

He looked at me with a mocking expression. “And what are you going to do if I keep going?” He laughed, his voice filled with sarcasm.

I held his gaze, my eyes glinting with anger. “Believe me, I will do a lot if you don’t apologize right now,” I said calmly. “You enjoy looking down on women, right? Well, I will show you what a woman can do when she’s pushed too far.”

For a moment, he stared at me as if I had lost my mind before bursting into another mocking laughter.

“Apologize to her, NOW!” A voice suddenly growled as the door swung open. A tall, commanding figure walked toward us, radiating a strong sense of power and authority.

I turned slightly, and my heart skipped a beat when I locked eyes with him. Shock and embarrassment immediately flooded over me.

It was him!

The guy from the bar— the one nightstand guy!

The manager jumped up quickly from his chair, his face going pale. His eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled while trying to steady himself. “M-Mr. Lockwood, I-I didn’t know you would be c-coming here.”

Wait, what?

Mr. Lockwood?!!!

He’s the owner of LOCKWOOD EMPIRE?!!

HE’S MAXWELL LOCKWOOD?!

I thought anxiously while noticing that the manager looked like he might faint any moment from now until on. As for me, I felt a swirl of emotions- shock, embarrassed, and a touch of fear.

“Oh no!” I whispered to myself as panic began to set in. 

I’m pregnant for goodness sake. 

If he owns this place, then I’m in a big trouble!

What if he finds out about my baby? How am I supposed to keep this pregnancy a secret?!

I quickly picked up my portfolio, hoping to slip away unnoticed, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist, halting me before I could move any further.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked with a cold and commanding tone. “We still have business to talk about, don’t you agree?”

A chill ran down my spine as I slowly turned to face him, my heart pounding fast.