Megyn moved closer to her friend, who sat silently, clearly distraught despite her efforts to mask it. Cindy looked at her and smiled—a smile Megyn recognized too well. It was the kind of smile that hid deep pain.
Cindy never sought sympathy; her smiles always came naturally, even in sorrow. She had even smiled through her father's funeral, comforting others when she was the one who needed it most.
That day, Megyn had gently pulled her aside.
"Cindy, it's okay to cry. You just lost your father."
At that, Cindy broke down, weeping like a child on Megyn's shoulder.
"I don't know how to take it, Megyn. I don't know what to do," she sobbed.
She cried for a long while, grateful afterward that Megyn had allowed her to let go.
Megyn held her hands, silently offering comfort. They stayed like that until the speeches ended.
The party wrapped up around midnight. Guests slowly made their way out, though a few doctors lingered to chat. Among them were Benjamin and Evans, who joined the table with some colleagues.
Benjamin introduced his fiancée, Megyn, and her friend, Cindy.
Evans quickly added with a grin, "Cindy is my friend too."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, gently nudging her closer. Cindy allowed it. After all, they had agreed she would act as his companion for the night. Yet, she was beginning to see Evans differently. The gala had revealed a side of him she hadn't known—and surprisingly, she liked it.
As the hall emptied, Benjamin suggested they spend the night at his suite in the penthouse.
Cindy hesitated. Megyn, however, was fine with the idea. She trusted Benjamin.
"Cindy, we've had a long, emotional night. Let's rest. It's just a short ride up to the twenty-second floor."Benjamin tried to convince Cindy.
Evans nodded in agreement and said, "Besides, we should check your vitals. Remember, you fainted earlier."
It was settled.
They took the private lift to the penthouse. When Benjamin opened the door, the warmth of the space welcomed them. It resembled a luxurious three-bedroom condo. Each room had a double bed. The spacious living room held a seven-seater couch and a dining area. The walls were painted a soft orange, adorned with mounted pictures. A large TV hung on the wall, and the kitchen was fitted with a standing cooker, refrigerator, and neatly arranged utensils.
Benjamin returned with a first aid kit. Cindy sat down while Evans checked her temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. Her blood pressure was low. The two doctors exchanged looks, concerned.
Evans suspected the obvious, given what he knew of Jerry. He shook his head, silently confirming his fears. Benjamin noticed but said nothing.
"Cindy," Evans said gently, "when was your last period?"
Cindy didn't answer. Instead, she looked at Megyn, eyes brimming with tears, and nodded—giving her permission to speak.
Megyn moved closer, hugging her friend tightly. "All will be well, my dear," she whispered, before returning to her seat.
The room was thick with tension. Evans suddenly stormed out, heading to the lift in visible frustration.
Cindy looked after him, puzzled. "Why is he acting like that? He's not even my boyfriend." Then she added tearfully, "So what if I'm pregnant? Jerry promised me everything—including marriage."
Benjamin followed Evans, sensing trouble. He found him at the reception, demanding Jerry's room number.
"They checked out during the gala," the receptionist said. "They caught the last bus to Randi."
"Let's go back," Benjamin said calmly. "Cindy needs you."
When they returned, they found the girls in a panic. Cindy was on her feet, blood running down her legs, her face contorted in pain.
"I don't want to lose my baby! Help me!" she cried.
Megyn swiftly led her to the bathroom, helped her change into a nightgown, and managed to slow the bleeding.
When they emerged, two male nurses were already there with a stretcher. Cindy was gently laid down. An ambulance waited outside.
Megyn climbed in with her, while Benjamin and Evans followed by car, arriving at the hospital at 2 a.m.
Cindy was having a miscarriage.
The three friends waited until she was out of danger and sleeping peacefully before returning to the penthouse.
Benjamin woke around 10:30 a.m. Megyn was still asleep. He knocked gently and entered her room. They chatted for about half an hour.
"Princess, I have a surprise for you. Get dressed—something casual. You'll look great in anything from the wardrobe."
"Wardrobe? I need to go to my hostel room at change, then check on Cindy at the hospital."
Benjamin smiled. "That's your wardrobe, Princess. Everything you need is here. And don't worry—Cindy is fine. The hospital called. She's out of pain. And someone went early this morning to be with her."
Megyn blinked, realizing they were alone. "So, it's just us?"
"Of course. What do two people madly in love do when they're alone?" he teased.
"Let's get married secretly," Megyn said suddenly, seriously.
Benjamin laughed. "You're such a naughty girl, Gazelle!"But then his tone shifted. "You know, Princess, I would love nothing more than to have you as mine now. But let's wait. Let's honor God, your parents, and mine. It'll be beautiful to walk you down the aisle as a pure bride."
"And to a pure groom," Megyn added, squinting playfully.
"Yes, Princess. Trust me."
"You're right. I need to focus on my exams and graduation," she sighed.
"And I've got business and studies too. Now go get ready. Your surprise awaits."
"I'd still love to see Cindy, if this surprise can wait."
"We'll pass by the hospital first," Benjamin assured her. "But we need to move quickly."
They arrived at the hospital in just twenty-five minutes. Cindy was asleep, Evans sitting by her bedside, reading.
Once Megyn was assured her friend was okay, they left.
At the Hawi residence, all seemed normal—until Benjamin opened the door and shouted, "Surprise!"
In the living room sat Mr. and Mrs. Hawi, each beside a crib. Inside lay two peacefully sleeping baby girls—Becky and Betty.
Megyn gasped, tears streaming down her cheeks. The twins had arrived a week earlier via caesarean section, but Benjamin had kept it a secret.
They enjoyed brunch together. Though Mrs. Hawi still looked pale and ate very little, she was cheerful and happy to see Megyn.
Later, Evans called to say Cindy had been discharged and was recuperating at his home.
Megyn was not pleased.
She took an early leave and headed straight to Evans' condo. Inside, Cindy was being cared for by a housekeeper. Megyn pulled Evans aside.
"I'm not comfortable with this arrangement," she said firmly. "Cindy's vulnerable right now. I don't want any man—especially you—taking advantage of her."
"Megyn, I just want to help. For three days only. You're also under a lot of stress, and I have an extra room and help. Let me do this—please."
Overhearing them, Cindy called Megyn into her room.
"My dear friend," she said gently, "we've agreed. I'll stay here just until I recover. Then I'll return to the hostel. You have a roommate, and so do I. And Evans has been nothing but kind. I'm not interested in dating—not now, maybe never."
Megyn scratched her head, thinking. "Alright, Cindy. But please promise to tell me if he tries anything funny."
Benjamin smiled as he watched the intense look Megyn was giving Dr. Evans. Then he said reassuringly, "Princess, I'll make sure he doesn't lay a finger on her. Set your worries aside, my Gazelle."
"Benj, are you sure this is the right decision?" she asked, tilting her head slightly—a clear sign she was having second thoughts.
"Don't worry, Princess. Leave everything to me." He gently took her left hand, the one adorned with her engagement ring. It shimmered even more brightly in that moment. They locked eyes, completely absorbed in each other as if no one else existed in the room.
"Get out of here, you two lovebirds!" Evans called out, breaking the moment. Cindy chuckled quietly.
Megyn and Benjamin left together. On the way back to Hawi's residence, Megyn asked if they could stop by the clothing store to pick up some gifts for Betty and Becky—two children she already knew she would come to love dearly, just like her younger siblings.