Chapter 9

Kathryn’s POV

Seven months later…

“Au revoir, and great work everyone,” my professor gathered all of his things as he looked at us with vigor. “I’ll see you tomorrow, same time,” his eyes lingered my way. Nodding, I flashed him a smile before I sank into my seat, my huge belly protruding from the table as my classmates dispersed outside of the classroom. 

Life was never the same again, and I can say that I enjoyed the days that counted down to my twins’ upcoming birth, pulling all-nighters whenever exams came up, or just simply laying on the couch whenever I felt extremely sleepy throughout the day. 

At times, my mind would drift back to the days of my marriage, but seeing the results of my studies and moving to Paris quickly pushed those thoughts aside.

My divorce with Wilhelm was going smoothly, and I never heard another word from him again. 

I smirked. I mean, how could I? When I basically threw my old life away, and shielded my present from both his family and mine. 

It was the best decision I made so far next to moving to Paris and pursuing a degree in Hotel Management at the prestigious Paris Institute of Commerce. 

The only people I trusted, and knew my exact location were Emily and my old maid back in the Reinhardts’ villa, Anna.  

My hand went up to my belly as I reminisced about my life at present. Every single night, I pray that no harm will come to my twins once they’re born. And that proved true to this day, as I’ve not encountered a single complication of my pregnancy up to this day. 

Stretching my swollen feet, I was able to force myself to stand and walk several hallways to get to the university parking lot. 

I huffed out a breath once I got inside my car successfully. To be honest, it’s getting a bit harder for me to walk long distances without catching my breath. My huge belly makes it hard to see where my feet are as I walk the hallways of our university. But I loved what I was doing, and it made my heart happy that my twins were growing steadily and ready to meet me and this world. 

I was about to turn the doorknob of my room when Roland, my housemate, walked from the living room with a laptop in hand. 

When he caught a glimpse of me in front of my door, he stopped in his tracks and hurriedly placed his laptop on top of the counter. 

“Bonjour, Kathryn. You just came home?” 

I turned and made my way to him. “Yes. It’s been a long day, actually, because finals are finally coming up.” 

Roland has been a great help to everyone, especially to me, since I moved to this shared house a few months ago. I appreciate the simple things he did for me, from helping me carry heavy things, to helping me do laundry even though I insisted on doing it myself. 

Every now and then, too, he would ask me out to dinner whenever he felt I was free to do so. 

Truly, in the absence of people who would help me in this crucial time, Roland had been there all this time. I could even feel that he’s starting to care for my unborn twins as well, asking from time to time if I need assistance to be taken to the hospital during my prenatal check-ups. 

“Ah, no wonder you have bags underneath your eyes,” he pointed out after getting a good look at me. “How about we get dinner after you take a rest? I’m sure you already have a lot on your mind, now that your twins’ due date is getting closer.” 

I chuckled lightly. “I surely hope they won’t pop out during my final exams.” 

“If that ever happens, I’m only one call away,” Roland patted my shoulder and made a gesture to his ears. “I’ll run to where you are.” 

I couldn’t help but smile at him. “Thank you, Roland. I appreciate it.” 

Just when I was about to enter my room, Roland caught my arm and gently pulled me close to him. 

I gave him a puzzled look. “What’s wrong?” 

“Kathryn, I know how you’ll have a tough time raising your twins alone…” he avoided my gaze for a second, but his fingers never let go of my arm. “...that’s why I was thinking, do you mind if we raise them together?” 

I fully turned to him, eyes wide with shock. “Roland, I—I appreciate your offer, but I can’t accept it.” I stiffened at the way he touched me while Roland confirmed his assumption. 

“I’m not like him, and I will never be.”

I knitted my brows. “I—I don’t understand…?”

“Kath, he’s a bastard whose only happiness is his money.” 

I finally grasped who he was talking about. “I know that, Roland,” I managed a smile. “You can let go of me now.” 

“Kathryn, the dinner,” he reminded me.

“I’ll have something made for myself later. For now, I’d like to rest.” 

Roland nodded and let go slowly. “Just so you know, I couldn’t possibly be with anyone—not when the woman I like is next to me.” 

“Roland, no—” 

“Kath, I like you,” he continued, “I won’t beat behind the bush. You’re an incredible woman—” 

“I’m pregnant with another man’s children,” I said, out of breath, “how could you say that you like the likes of me? That’s impossible!” 

“I know my feelings,” he insisted, “and I want you to know about it. I don’t care if you have children. I could raise them as my own.” 

I took a step backward, disbelief showing on my face. “You don’t know what you’re saying.” 

“Kathryn—” 

“No, you’re wrong, Roland. What you feel is merely infatuation, or adventure. I don’t know what that is.”

Roland never broke eye contact with me. “If you’re not up to this, just tell me. I’m willing to listen.” 

“I’m sorry,” I blurted with zero hesitation, my heart pumping wildly in my chest as the words spilled out of my mouth. “I’m not ready for this. I don’t want you to wait—I don’t want you to hope that there will be a chance for us,” I suck in a breath. “Roland, I don’t want you growing cold, and end up leaving me in the long run. There are many women out there, and I guarantee you that you could find someone three times as good as you thought I could be.”

Roland’s eyes darkened as he took a step away from me. “But all of them are not you,” he said with an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry for blurting this out of the blue and causing you distress. Good night.” 

Even though Roland had already walked away, it hurt to see him leave when all I ever did was compare him to the one man who made my life miserable, when in fact, he was the exact opposite of who he’ll ever be.