《The baby swap》Chapter 12: New owner
Advertisement
It's been a week since I was discharged from the hospital. I haven't seen or heard from Alex ever since, I'm thankful for that.
Maybe he decided this wasn't worth his time. I must confess, I was surprised he gave up so easily. He seemed pretty determined. Not that I'm complaining.
I've been trying to rest and taking things easy. I've also been avoiding things that makes me stressed or lifting anything heavy.
I've only been at work when I was needed or had something to sign. I don't want to do anything that puts my baby's life at stake.
Today I was treating myself to binge-watching and snacks. I was taking another day off. At this rate I was starting to worry I'd get fat from food and not the baby.
I told Reina and Abby I'd be going to work so they wouldn't come to disturb me.
I had dedicated today for catching up on telenovelas.
I was laying on my couch in front of the TV, scrolling through the list of novellas. I especially loved Mexican and Korean dramas even though I didn't understand the languages.
I finally settled on a Mexican novella about drug lords and a girl who was trying to get through life. I found myself thinking of Alexandra, I guess I could relate to the girl, he both had a man trying to get the upper hand on us.
Usually, I'd gorge myself with popcorn but I've completely changed my diet.
I took a piece of carrot that I had cut into long strips.
I hated carrots, but I had to do this for my baby.
My phone rang on the coffee table next to me.
I hesitated not wanting to be disturbed.
The sound of my phone got louder and more annoying.
I sighed taking it from the coffee table.
Mr Lance's name popped up. He was my land lord. He owned the building of my Cafe.
What did he want?
We barely spoke unless it was about paying rent which I always paid on time.
I answered the phone.
"Mr Lance," I answered.
"Zoe," he said with relief.
"Is there a problem?" I asked.
"There is something important I need to discuss with you," he said instead.
He avoided the question. I hated it when people did that, it usually meant they had bad news.
Advertisement
"Should we meet at the Cafe," he suggested.
"Yes," I answered.
"I'll see you in an hour," he said.
He then hung up the phone. He didn't even ask if I'd be available at that time.
I removed my phone from my ear checking the time. It was 11:18. I put my phone back on the coffee table.
I had already showered and was dressed in my pikachu onesie. I just needed to dress into something more appropriate.
I waited until the remaining ten minutes of the episode had finished. Traffic wouldn't be as bad at this time, I'd make it on time.
I wore a floral dress with sandles. It was warm and sunny outside so there wasn't any use for a cardigan or anything to put over it
I sighed locking the door to my apartment, my plans to do absolutely nothing flushing down the drain.
I decided to take the stairs today, I needed to get some exercise in.
I walked through the parking lot to my car.
It took me nearly half an hour to drive to the Cafe.
Today the cafe wasn't cooped up like on weekends. I managed to get a parking space in front of the Cafe.
As I got out of my car, I noticed Mr Lance sitting in a corner table. He was sipping his coffee with a plate of biscuits on the side.
I walked into the cafe.
"I thought you weren't coming in today," Kayla said as I walked in.
I still haven't told my stuff the reason for my absence lately. How would I be able to explain to them I had an insemination without making anything awkward. I wouldn't be able to face them again. I figured it was best to wait until I could no longer hide my pregnancy.
"I'm meeting someone," I answered.
I walked into the corner Mr Lance's table was situated.
He had his head bowed down, staring at the menu.
He hasn't noticed I had arrived.
I cleared my throat grabbing his attention.
"I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long," I said pulling out a chair to sit.
"I just arrived," he answered. He let out a forced smile.
I sat down, facing him.
Mr Lance was in his late fifties, we owned a few buildings that he rented out. He inherited most of them from his father. He didn't charge a lot like most owners did, which was why I had managed to rent this building without a problem in the last five years.
Advertisement
"You wanted to see me," I stated getting straight to the point.
"Would you like some cookies?" He offered motioning to his plate.
"No thank you," I answered letting out a small smile.
He took a sip of his coffee. He was clearly trying to prolong this meeting. It made me more anxious.
"There is something I need to tell you," he said again.
I held my hands on the table paying close attention.
"I sold this building," he said.
My eyes widened in shock as I processed his words.
"There is a new owner," he continued.
"What?" I muttered confused.
I know it was impolite to say 'what' but I just couldn't help it.
"Someone else brought the building," he repeated.
"I didn't know you were selling the building Mr Lance, I'd have saved up to buy it," I said. Or gotten a loan.
This place was great for business. I'd have done anything to get it.
"I wasn't selling, someone simply made an offer I couldn't refuse. I'm sorry," he said.
There was a long pause for a while.
I'd have to start looking for another place to relocate, which could take months. I'd probably lose a lot of my customers. That is unless the new owner didn't have any plans for this building, maybe he'd allow me to stay.
"The new owner has agreed to give you a three months notice with no rent. If you want to continue here, maybe the two of you could come to an agreement." He continued.
Why is everything in my life suddenly going wrong? First it was Alex and now this.
"Can I get his contact details?" I asked.
"There is no need, he said he'd contact you soon." He answered.
I suddenly had a bad feeling about this. First it was Alex threatening to take away my child and now I might lose my cafe. I couldn't help but wonder if he was responsible, could that be what he was doing in the last week.
"I'm sorry," he said apologetically getting up from his seat.
He took the last cookie from his plate and left a ten dollars bill on the table.
He patted my shoulder walking out of the cafe.
I can't believe be had just sold the building, and without any warning.
There was no way I'd be able to find a new building and still maintain the profit in three months. Moving would cost me a lot, not just because of the customers. The business was steady but any wrong move could lead to bankruptcy.
I took a few breaths calming myself down.
I didn't want to stress myself.
I needed think this through. I'd handle this a step at a time, without stressing myself.
I need to go home and relax before I fell ill again.
I waved Samuel goodbye along with Kayla who were across the room at the counter.
Katherine, came cleaning up the table, collecting the bill.
I walked out of the cafe.
I got into my car and drove straight home.
By the time I had arrived home, I was starting to feel a bit light headed. I just hope I don't faint again, no one would take me to the hospital.
Lately, I haven't faced much of the pregnancy symptoms. I seldom vomit in the mornings and sometimes in the evenings. I feel pretty much the same as always apart from the vomiting and now the dizziness.
I bumped into Mrs Thompson in the elevator. She was as chatty as usual. She could probably tell I wasn't feeling too well, I just hope I don't look as bad as I felt.
I unlocked my door then closed it behind me. I placed my keys on the hook.
I walked into my sitting room throwing my bag on the floor. I was going to lay down for a moment, I needed to rest.
"Surprise," A deep masculine voice said.
My heart leaped out of my chest in shock. The only one who had my house keys was Reina, she most definitely didn't have a masculine voice.
I looked up to see Alexandra comfortably sitting on my couch, holding a glass full of what looked like whiskey.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
: Tell me your thoughts on the story, I'd love to hear from you.
Advertisement
- In Serial19 Chapters
Requiem
What makes us human? Is it that we are concerned about the future? Is it that the past frequently haunts us? What drives us? What makes us do the things we do?What does it take to push us over the edge? What would we do after we have been broken and left for dead by the demons of the society? We fight back, tooth and nail, until there can only be one.This is the story of a man filled with sorrow. He was tested over and over, until he broke. He vowed revenge, and bathed in blood. He changed the course of entire nations. His life was the tree that held up the skies. His life was like the trunk, birthing forth infinite branches, each of them a future, a possibility, as he guided the course of entire nations. All the while, carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders, his soul seeking an end to his pain. Watch as he defies all odds and rises up to bathe in the blood of the world.This is a story about the human condition. There will be pain and intense suffering. This story about the tenacity of the human soul. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This will not contain any VR or Game elements. I would say this would be a typical work of High/Dark Fantasy.Criticism, no matter how brutal, is greatly welcomed. I only ask that you judge me fairly.Note:Artwork belongs to its owner and all credit goes to him/her alone. I claim no credit whatsoever.Edit1: The mature tag was added since a little swear language was used. For Now. Will see how the story progresses and warn about possible gore etc later on.
8 127 - In Serial45 Chapters
VERSACÈ
READ AND, FIND OUT🦋
8 97 - In Serial40 Chapters
Vincent & Ezra
Vincent Brunos is the Don of the families. Ezra Gallo is a shy girl. When Vincent meets Ezra by chance, he can't help but feel enthralled by the young girl sitting on a couch, reading a book.
8 392 - In Serial72 Chapters
Chasing Royalty
Not everyone wants to be a princess.Princess Carolina Ysabelle-Aurora Radieux Jenkins or as everyone knows as simply Princess Laura Jenkins would do everything to live an ordinary life even for just a few moments. All she wanted is to experience being free of everything that came along with being a princess, even if it means she has to be someone else. Everything was perfect, she became Vanessa Carter, got to New York safely, and even landed herself a job (thanks to her friend), without a hitch. That was until she realized she had to work for Nathaniel Westwood.Notorious for his arrogance, playboy personality, and ruthlessness to his rivalries, Nathaniel Westwood is the owner and founder of the Westwood Land Development Corporation. He is living the life of a bachelor, until he crossed paths with the green-eyed brunette, Vanessa Carter.Will there be a spark between the two? What would happen if Nathaniel finds out about the truth?
8 100 - In Serial30 Chapters
Beautifully Invisible #Wattys2019
Life was never easy for Lily. Being a maid her whole life, growing up without parents, and having an abusive queen as her boss has made her life miserable. She hides behind a shawl that she is confined to, refusing to let anyone in. What will happen when a stranger that she's grown up with shows her just how amazing she really is and helps her when no else will?
8 250 - In Serial50 Chapters
"Cause if you're falling in love, let me feel it.
Josie x oc | Cypress is a werewolf and Penelope's best friend.Takes place season 3&4 Idk read it:)Disclaimer: I own practically nothing, maybe Cypress.
8 88

