Chapter 1 Baby

“I love you, baby,” Eros whispered in my ear.

“I love you too, Eros,” I replied.

I waved as he climbed into his car. He had just dropped me off after our date, and I couldn't hide the overwhelming joy I felt. We did so many things today that we never got the chance to do when we first got together. He used to be swamped with corporate training at his family's company, and I was always tied up with school. Even though he’s four years older than me, the age gap never got in our way because we loved each other.

I met Eros through his younger brother, Erwan, who was my classmate and best friend. Erwan went out of his way to introduce me to his older brother. When I first met Eros, everything seemed fine, but he couldn't hide that magnetic aura that made girls swoon. It wasn't surprising, Eros was breathtakingly handsome.

Eros used to be a party animal and a heavy drinker. But ever since we got together, he stopped going to clubs and stopped chasing other women, completely unlike the stories Erwan used to tell me. Erwan once mentioned that between the two brothers, his older brother was a notorious playboy who never took a woman seriously. Yet, once he was with me, he changed. He avoided bars and clubs, giving up so many bad habits for my sake, and that made me truly happy.

I never expected him to change for me.

“Mommy!” I called out as soon as I stepped inside the house.

“Why are you home so late, Dana? Look at the time! Is that how a decent girl behaves?” she barked, confronting me immediately.

My heart thudded in my chest at the sharpness of her voice. Fear gripped me. I wasn't allowed to date because of my age. I was only nineteen and in my first year of college. On top of that, my family was extremely strict, especially with two daughters in the house.

“A-Ah... we were working on a group project at Jessa’s house, so I lost track of time,” I said, forcing my voice not to tremble.

I couldn't tell her the truth. If my parents found out, they would force Eros and me to break up.

I saw my older sister coming downstairs, taking a spot right behind Mom. She whispered something into Mom’s ear, prompting Mom to throw me a death glare. My sister rolled her eyes at me while continuing to whisper poisons into Mom's ear.

Mom stepped closer, and before I could react, the sharp sting of her palm slapped across my cheek.

“Don’t you dare lie to me, Dana! I have eyes and ears everywhere! Break up with that boyfriend of yours right now, because if you don’t, a slap will be the least of your worries!” Mom screamed at me before turning around and slamming her bedroom door shut.

The slap burned. I could still feel the lingering phantom impression of her hand on my skin. I caressed my sore cheek, and tears began to spill down my face.

“That’s what you get for being so full of yourself. Of all people, Eros?” my sister sneered, taking me by surprise. “That’s karma for being a home-wrecker.”

She turned on her heel and walked back upstairs.

Crying silently, I retreated to my room and locked the door. I wiped my face with the back of my hand and smoothed my hair. After taking a quick shower and changing out of my uniform into my pajamas, I grabbed my bag off the edge of the bed and pulled out my phone. I texted Eros about what had happened earlier.

From: Eros

Are you okay, baby? Did she hurt you?

To: Eros

I’m okay, she just gave me a lecture. We really need to be careful next time.

I lied. I couldn't bring myself to tell him that she hit me, so I just told him Mom found out about us.

From: Eros

Okay, baby. Next time, I won't pick you up near your school. By the way, about earlier... are you still in pain?

A wave of embarrassment washed over me. I had given him my virginity, something I had saved for nineteen years. I always wanted to give it to the man I loved and planned to spend the rest of my life with, and that was Eros.

We had done it inside his office, in the small private room where he slept whenever he was exhausted. To be honest, it still hurt. Losing one's virginity was no joke. But I didn't regret it; I gave myself to him completely.

To: Eros

Yeah, it still hurts a bit. But I’m fine, I can handle it.

It took a few minutes before Eros replied.

From: Eros

We’ll do it again next time ;) Just kidding! Good night, I’m going to sleep. Tomorrow’s another day for us, hopefully your family won't catch us again.

A small smile touched my lips at his text. Would there even be a next time? If we got caught again, that would be the end of us. Mom would force me to transfer schools if she ever found out I was still seeing him. But if we didn't get caught... I don't know. I couldn't predict where our situation was heading.

The next morning, I woke up early and went through my routine. When I walked down to the dining room for breakfast, my family’s eyes immediately fell on me. My sister rolled her eyes as she served herself a plate. I quietly sat beside her and did the same.

“What’s this story your sister tells me about you acting like a whore at school, Dana?” Dad barked before I could even take a bite.

“I’m not doing anything like that, Dad,” I replied softly, kept tame by fear.

“As if,” my sister muttered under her breath. I heard it loud and clear.

Dad nodded slowly at my response, and I quietly resumed eating. I genuinely couldn't understand why my sister kept sabotaging me. When she had a boyfriend, I never snitched on her to our parents. I even made up excuses so she could meet him back then. Now, she was throwing me to the wolves.

“Just a warning, Dana,” Mom chimed in while eating. “If you ever end up pregnant early, you better find another roof over your head because I will throw you out of this house.”

My fork froze in my hand.

Eros and I had been intimate last night. He hadn't used protection, and he had come inside me. Mom's words felt like a bucket of ice water poured over my head. Please, God, don't let anything have formed.

I gave Mom a faint nod.