Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(122)

Emma Hasenfratz





I’m speechless. She is crazy, crazy, crazy! Way beyond any craziness I’m capable of! Damn, I can’t believe babygirl is getting engaged and having a baby. Fuck, she doesn’t waste time. While I was looking for some juicy details, this is definitely not what I was expecting.

“Wow.” That’s all I manage to say. “Well, in that type of sweatshirt, I can’t see anything. May I see under?” Petra knows I locked the door, so she stands and lifts up her loose garment. Holy moly! She really is pregnant! “Hmm, so far it just looks like you ate twenty big pancakes,” I reassure her. “But I agree, Van Dieren might ask you why you’re so bloated. Did he already bend the knee? I don’t see a ring…”

“No, not yet, and I don’t know why, Emma. It’s driving me crazy. Maybe his mother didn’t approve, maybe he found out about my pregnancy, maybe he just gave up… I’m so confused. I thought he was ready for this. Since my classes started, he has been going back and forth to Singapore with Dad, and we haven’t talked about it anymore.”

The more Petra talks, the more lost I am. I feel a sudden urge to light up a cigarette, but now that I know Petra’s secret, I decide to refrain.

I have an idea, but I’m 99 percent sure Petra will reject it. Nevertheless, I ask, “Have you considered… well… an abortion?”

“Of course not. I just came from an ultrasound. The baby is healthy and growing so fast. I want to keep it. We have all the means in the world to raise it. Alex is mature enough to be a father. He’s forty, after all.” Right, keep dreaming. Petra’s stubborn as always, but seriously, is Van Dieren ready to be a father? I know Petra is romanticizing the most important man in her life. She is delusional. Very delusional. After all, it’s not for nothing that I call her “babygirl.” Sometimes Petra can be as naive as one.

My heart keeps thundering nervously. “Well, if you want to have this child, then you should have it. It’s your call. But it’s a decision that might bring painful consequences…”

“Such as?”

Such as the harsh reality of life. I try to be gentle, but I’ve got to prepare babygirl for the worst-case scenario. “Well, such as Van Dieren breaking up with you, your dad disowning you… But don’t worry—there’ll always be a room for you here.” Petra takes it as a joke. But I mean it.

“They’d never do such a thing.” She thinks a bit more. “Right?”

I take a deep breath and search for the best words to explain as gently as possible what I have in mind. “Petra, relationships can only survive and thrive if both parties are honest with each other. And you’re basically betraying their trust. You’re about to get engaged to your father’s best friend and business partner, which is literally putting his relationship on the line for you. The only thing your dad’s asking in return is for you to graduate before starting a family.” I sigh. “If you don’t want to end your pregnancy, then the very least you should do is tell them the truth before they find out. I’m surprised the clinic hasn’t called your father yet.”

“Actually... I’ve been going there under the fake ID you gave me.” We fall silent, while Petra continues processing everything I’ve told her. “Do you think they will forgive me?”

I cringe at her question. “I’m gonna be straight-up honest with you, babygirl…” I don’t want to, but I’ve got to. “I don’t think Van Dieren will propose after you tell him.”

Petra gasps in terror. “Why? Just because I hid it from him?”

“No, because you lied to him and he made a promise to his best friend based on it. You know how serious Van Dieren is about keeping his word. Maybe you should talk to your father first…”

“Dad first? I think Alex will be easier to get on my side than Dad—after all, it’s his child too.”

“Hmm, just be careful. If you need anything, call me. These type of men freak out when things are out of their control.” I hold Petra very tightly for longer than usual. “You know I will always have your back, right?”

Petra smiles. “I know.”





Chapter 33





Bedford Hills, March 6, 2020

Alexander Van Dieren





I’ve pondered Roy’s ultimatum for over two months now. And throughout this time, half spent in Singapore, I know two things with absolute certainty: one, I love Petra more than my own self, and two, if I can’t marry her, I shouldn’t have her. I started this romantic relationship solely so I could spend the rest of my life with Petra, not as my goddaughter, but as my wife. If our relationship is doomed to never evolve, then we shouldn’t continue any further. And as Roy once said, she’s still so young—she has her entire life to meet someone else. I hate the idea that Tess Hagen will win, but that woman is so evil, she would do anything and beyond to destroy me, Roy, and anyone else if needed. The impact it’d have on Petra’s life, reputation, and health might be even worse than breaking up with her.

I invited Petra over to talk. A talk I never expected to have. I sent my driver to pick her up while I wait in my office with a Macallan in hand, the fourth glass of the day and it’s only three p.m.