Chapter 23

 Priscilla's POV 

I looked out of the window as Max drove on the highway. Nelly's insults kept playing in my mind like a song on repeat. I don't know why God has given me a small heart; I can't easily forgive when I'm wronged, and I can't let go of my anger and hatred until I teach that person a lesson. However, what Max said made sense. Some people are not worth it. What if I went there and hit her? What if I got arrested? I can't just think about myself, but also about the baby I'm carrying in my womb. Would it be good for me to be sent to jail while pregnant?

"Let's not go there," I blurted out. Well, that was my final decision. Max was right.

"Thank you for listening to me, Priscilla. I know that you are angry and upset about what Nelly said, but fighting is never a solution. Sometimes you just need to keep quiet and watch, because the more you react, the more power they have to hurt you," Max explained, and I rolled my eyes.

"Max, I'm not like you. I don't let people walk all over me like some kind of doormat. I'm letting this go because of the baby. I can't do bad things while pregnant. I don't want to be a bad influence on the baby with my short temper. I want the baby to grow up with great values and a good upbringing. So I will try to hold my anger, just for the sake of the baby, not because I'm a peacemaker," I said, looking out of the window. Yeah, I'm doing this for the baby and that's all.

"I knew what you would say," Max mumbled under his breath, but I heard him.

"Did you say something?" I asked, frowning.

"No... I mean yes. Where do you want to go now?" Max asked, avoiding my question. I wasn't in the mood for arguing, so I decided to let it go.

"I'm not in the mood for anything today. I just want to go somewhere peaceful, like the beach or something," I said. Today, I was feeling down.

"You don't look like yourself today," Max said, and I'm sure he noticed.

"I don't know what's happening with me these days. I get upset easily, I cry even when there's no need. I mean, that's just not like me," I explained to him, hoping he might know why this was happening to me.

"It's pregnancy hormones. That's why your emotions are so high," Max said, and I sighed.

"Thank God that will be the first and last time I will be pregnant," I mumbled.

"First and last?" Max asked, and I could feel his eyes on me for a brief moment before he turned back to the road. "I mean, don't you want to get married and have your kids with the man you love?"

"I don't believe in fairy tales. Happily ever after only exists in fairy tales. God heard all my prayers by making us meet. I will raise your baby and give it a lot of love as if it were my own. I won't need to get married or date someone just to have a baby," I told him honestly. I'm truly grateful that I will get a chance to be a mother.

"I guess you are right," Max said, and I could feel hurt in his tone. "Love only exists in fairy tales, reality is harsh and painful. Just when you think you've found that special person, they go and break your heart when you least expect it, and that pain is so excruciating when someone you love betrays you."

"Shit happens sometimes. I've never been in love or a relationship, so I don't know how it feels to be hurt or betrayed by someone you love. But I know for a fact that where there's love, there's pain. It is a combination that goes together," I mumbled.

"You are right," Max agreed.

"I really can't believe we are agreeing on something. I mean, I don't like you and you don't," I said truthfully. I honestly don't like him for what he did to me; my heart is still filled with nothing but hatred for him.

"I don't like your attitude either. So I guess we don't like each other, but I don't hate you either," Max said coolly as if he hated me. 

 Max's POV 

Priscilla was already asleep when I arrived at the beach. Her peaceful slumber could be attributed to her pregnancy, as she looked pale and thinner than before. Despite her apparent disdain for me, she has embraced my baby as her own and is willing to raise it. I gently brushed aside a strand of hair that was covering her face, revealing her exquisite and innocent features. In my honest opinion, she is the most stunning person I have ever seen, surpassing even Nelly. However, her demeanor can be likened to that of a wild cat rather than a girl.

"Are you mistaking me for Nelly now?" Priscilla snapped me out of my daze with her stern tone. I quickly moved away from her, realizing I had unintentionally gotten too close.

"I'm sorry, I was... um... I was... You know," I stammered, desperately searching for the right words to say but feeling like a complete fool.

"You don't need to explain, I know that I'm more beautiful than your ex-wife," Priscilla stated matter-of-factly. Of course, she was, but there was no need for her to brag about it, was there? I rolled my eyes.

"Of course you are," I muttered. "We've arrived, but you fell asleep. I was trying to wake you up."

"I don't know when I fell asleep, I'm feeling so tired," Priscilla said wearily. She indeed looked exhausted, perhaps from crying so much.

"Let's get out of the car and get some fresh air. It might make you feel better," I suggested. Priscilla glanced at me with a strained expression.

"I'm too tired to walk. I don't think I can lift a finger right now," she replied tiredly, making me wonder if she was genuinely fatigued or just being lazy.

"Priscilla, taking a walk is important for a pregnant woman. You should also do some exercises to benefit both you and the baby," I advised. Priscilla frowned at me, her expression indicating that she wanted nothing to do with my suggestions.

"I don't think I can do that. I mean, I can't do any exercise or walk. I just want to sleep. I'm tired, and fatigue is taking a toll on me. Let's just go home so I can get proper rest," Priscilla said. We had come to the beach because she insisted on it, and now she wanted to go back home. Seriously?

"We can't go home without taking a walk, and I won't take no for an answer," I asserted. She needed to take a walk; it was for her well-being.

Priscilla narrowed her eyes and glared at me. I ignored her hostile gaze and got out of the car, making my way to her side. I opened the door for Priscilla.

"Come on now, get out of the car," I urged. Priscilla turned away from me, crossing her arms over her chest.

"If you force me to come out, I'm going to cry," Priscilla stubbornly declared, not even sparing me a glance.

"If you don't come out, I'll carry you," I threatened. She turned and looked at me.

"Fine," she muttered, her annoyance palpable.

As she closed the car door, we embarked on a leisurely stroll along the sandy beach. The weather was delightful and clear, with abundant sunshine and not a cloud in sight. The inviting blue sea water looked pristine and invigorating, tempting me to take a plunge. However, I quickly remembered that I hadn't brought a change of clothes, as this trip was spontaneous.

"I can't walk any longer. I'm tired, and the sun is burning," Priscilla complained.

"Just look at how breathtaking this sea is. Enjoy its beauty a little longer and continue walking. Besides, we haven't even reached the water yet," I calmly persuaded.

I was taken aback as I noticed a group of people approaching us with cameras. They were undoubtedly members of the media, but I couldn't fathom how they had become aware of my presence. This raised concerns, as they might start shooting Priscilla with questions, causing her to become agitated. Unsure of how to evade their presence since there were so many of them, I felt a surge of anxiety.