Camila's POV
The next morning, Henry showed up, looking serious and well-dressed, catching me completely off guard. No usual morning greetings, just him, ready for something heavy.
"Good morning, Camila," Henry began, his tone earnest. "We need to talk. I care about you and want what's best, but I have to be honest. Please, just listen."
Still groggy, I sat up straighter, sensing the gravity of the conversation. He skipped over all the casual pleasantries that were serious.
"I'm not backing down from being a parent," Henry declared firmly. "This wasn't part of the plan, but I've come to terms with it. I want to make it work with you."
"What?" I blinked, my heart racing. "Are you serious?"
Without hesitation, Henry pulled out a velvet box and revealed an engagement ring. "I want to marry you, Camila. I know it's sudden, but I want to build a life with you for our child, for us."
Stunned, I tried to process his words. It was so unexpected. I searched his face for any sign of hesitation but found none.
"So… parental rights and marriage. What do you think?" he asked softly.
I stared at the ring, my mind swirling. "You're not giving up parental rights?"
"Absolutely not," he confirmed. "I want to be there for our child."
Taking a deep breath, I admitted, "Henry, this is a lot. A proposal? Now?"
"Timing is everything, right?" he replied, trying to lighten the moment.
But the weight of it all crushed me. "Henry, no," I said, steadying my voice. "I can't accept your proposal. I won't let you think you're doing me a favor. I could raise this baby alone, but you insisted on being involved."
"Camila, I want to be part of this. I don't want you to do it alone," he replied, a rare vulnerability in his voice.
I sighed, gathering my courage. "It's not about doing it alone. I won't enter a loveless marriage. I can't force you into this because of responsibility or fear of scandal."
"But—"
"No, Henry. I won't risk you resenting me or our child. I'm sorry, but I can't marry you. I'll raise this baby on my own terms."
Frustrated, Henry left without another word. Alone, I was left with the weight of our argument, determined to face the road ahead even if it meant walking it alone.
As I sat there, doubts crept in. The idea of marrying him just because I was pregnant haunted me. Memories of my past fears resurfaced. I had to make the right choice for both myself and my baby not out of fear or pressure.
A knock at the door snapped me from my thoughts. It was Nancy.
"Who is it?" I called out.
"Who else, Camila?" Nancy's teasing voice answered as she stepped inside.
"Just lost in my thoughts," I admitted.
She gave me a concerned look. "What's wrong?"
I sighed, unsure where to start. Nancy nudged me to open up, and so I did.
"It's complicated," I began, "Let me tell you about last night."
I explained how Matthew had shown up unexpectedly, wanting to fix things. But when I told him about the pregnancy and that the baby wasn't his he accused me of cheating.
Nancy couldn't hide her satisfaction at his reaction, muttering, "Serves him right."
But then I told her the real bombshell: Henry's proposal this morning. I confessed how overwhelmed I felt, and how I couldn't agree to a marriage without love.
Nancy comforted me, her voice firm yet kind. "You have to make the right decision for you and the baby not because of pressure."
"But what if I'm making a mistake?" I whispered.
"You're not alone, Camila. We'll figure this out together," she promised. "And about Henry… maybe if we talk to him, he'll understand."
As we sat together, the weight of my choices felt a little lighter. I still grappled with the future, but at least I wasn't entirely alone.
"Are you going to go home, like Noah suggested? You know family is important during pregnancy," Nancy asked gently.
I hesitated, thinking of my father's disapproval and my work.
"I get it," Nancy said, reading my mind. "Maybe there's a way to balance everything."
"My father's so traditional," I sighed. "He never approved of my career as an image consultant."
"You can't let his opinions control your happiness, Camila," she reminded me.
"I'm grateful to have you, Nancy," I said, truly meaning it.
"As for Henry's proposal, I still think you both need honest communication," she advised.
"I don't want to rush into marriage for the baby's sake," I confessed.
Nancy nodded in agreement. "I understand, but—"
"No buts, Nancy. I won't marry him just because I'm pregnant. I deserve happiness and this isn't it. He doesn't love me, and I don't love him either. It's not enough."
"And he's only doing this to protect his company's reputation," I added bitterly. "He's afraid the scandal will affect their stocks."
"What an ass," Nancy muttered, furious on my behalf.
"I just want to focus on myself and the baby," I said firmly.
"I think you should still consider talking to Noah," Nancy encouraged. "You don't have to go through this alone."
"I don't want to burden him," I admitted.
"Camila, sharing your struggles won't be a burden. It'll bring your family closer," she reassured me.
I nodded, feeling a spark of hope. "You're right, Nancy. I won't let Henry's fears cloud my choices. I need to think about what's best for me and my baby."
As I considered Nancy's words, I thought about reaching out to Noah. Maybe, just maybe, family support could help me face the road ahead.