Episode 4

Two months later.

I'm descending the university stairs when a severe bout of dizziness overtakes me, and I faint. Mom and Joshua are insistent, so I agree to a checkup.

With the results in hand, Joshua calls, asking me to come to his office. I go with mom, and as we enter, we take our seats.

"Nick, I ran the tests several times to be certain—your estrogen levels are high," he informs me. "Is that bad?" I ask. "This normally occurs in pregnant women. I also administered a pregnancy test, and it came back positive," he reveals. "What?" I gasp. "To be sure, we'll do an ultrasound. Lie down on the exam table," he instructs.

I sigh and recline while Joshua moves the device across my abdomen. On the monitor, three small forms become visible—a tear escapes me as Joshua turns on the sound, and the children's heartbeats fill the room.

"There are three," he says. "What will you do?" "They're my children," I respond firmly. "Son, I'll support whatever you decide," Mom assures me. "I'll keep them," I declare. "You'll need to speak with the father," Joshua suggests. "That's complicated," I explain, and fill in Joshua and Mom on everything. It was all so strange, and the father's identity remains unknown, but these are my children, and I love them.

For safety, Joshua records a different name on my medical files and we decide to move to my hometown. Joshua requests a transfer due to 'family reasons.'

In the town's hospital, the director is a friend of Joshua's, ensuring no issues with my appointments, and everything remains confidential.

Upon arrival, my grandparents, Camil and Oscar, have prepared everything for us.

I transfer to the local university and continue my studies online for safety.

As I browse social media, a news headline catches my eye: the renowned businessman Peter Sanders is engaged to Miss Jasmine Lemos.

"My children, unfortunately, we won't have your father with us, but I will give you double the love. You'll see," I reassure myself.

The announcement of my engagement to Jasmine goes public. She's a great friend, and this engagement is a ruse for us both.

I don't wish to marry, and she's involved with a low-class guy—a pediatrician. Her parents don't approve, and this facade benefits us all.

Since that night with the little devil, as I've nicknamed him, I've felt unable to be with anyone else.

In the town...

My pregnancy is proceeding well. The little ones are active; we know now they are two boys and a girl.

I continue with my online studies, my belly increasingly round. I rarely leave the house, which is stressing but best for my children.

Fortunately, I don't suffer much nausea, but my appetite is hearty.

Elsewhere...

I'm beset by vomiting and nausea, confounded by my condition and a sudden aversion to strong scents. Jasmine, her boyfriend Lorenzo, and Francisco joke that I look pregnant, triggering thoughts of my little devil. If men could get pregnant, perhaps I might have left someone in that condition.

Months pass, and the nausea subsides, yet I can't stop craving strawberry yogurt in the mornings. Pasta has become a favored meal, alongside chicken in cream, chocolate cake, vanilla and berry ice cream, and chocolate-dipped orange cookies—a delight. My friends laugh, noting my weight gain.

Back in the town...

As the babies' due date nears, to avoid complications, Joshua and Doctor Luis have prepared everything at home. They've set up a room for the births, planning a cesarean delivery. I'm a bit scared and sometimes think of Peter. I've wanted to tell him but he's engaged, seemingly happy with his fiancee. I'll never intrude on their relationship.

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