I shake my head, thinking about Tanya’s carefree spirit. She’s always a little too trusting, especially with men. I’ll have to see if her invitation for coffee is connected to her boyfriend, Artem.
With those thoughts, I shuffle to the bathroom, shower, and crawl into bed. In the morning, I feel a bit better and ask Khmylevych if I can work from home. He grumbles but agrees. I decide to meet Tanya later; a change of scenery might help.
It’s still chilly out, so I dress warmly in a cream velvet suit with palazzo trousers and a white turtleneck. After a light makeup touch, I open the taxi app and head out.
Tanya chose a café on Market Square. I enter and soon spot her, a bright smile on her face that instantly lifts my mood.
“Hi!” I hug her and kiss her cheek. “You look like you’ve got good news.”
“I do!” she replies, linking her arm through mine. “But let’s sit first. You look... off.”
“Thanks,” I chuckle, appreciating her honesty.
We enter the café, leaving our coats at the check. The vibrant design, with its glass roof and greenery, creates a cozy atmosphere. Tanya leads me to a table, and a waiter quickly arrives.
“I’ll start with mulled wine,” I say, and she orders champagne, clearly in celebration mode.
When our drinks arrive, I ask, “So? What’s the news?”
“Here it is,” she says, raising her glass. “I’m pregnant.”
My jaw drops. “Oh dear God! Congratulations!” I stand up, tears welling in my eyes.
I’ve secretly dreamed of having a child. After Max left, I thought I might never get that chance. I’d been to the clinic, learned that conceiving might be difficult. Max and I had talked about kids, but now... it felt impossible.
But this is Tanya’s moment, and I can’t let my own feelings overshadow her joy. I swallow hard, forcing a smile.
“Tanya,” I say slowly, “you’re pregnant. Why the champagne?”
“A couple of grams won’t hurt,” she shrugs. I want to protest, but I know she’s an adult.
“Fine. But tell me more—who’s the father?”
“Artem, of course,” she beams, sipping her drink.
“Of course,” I tease.
“He took the news well. Said we should get married too.”
“God, how romantic,” I joke, but she laughs, unbothered.
“Who needs romance? It’s about the baby now. I’m just glad he’s stepping up.”
I’m stunned, understanding her perspective. If she loves Artem and they’re having a child, then romance might not matter as much. Still, I wish her genuine happiness.
But then Tanya’s eyes widen, and she glances behind me.
“Milana”
I turn, my heart sinking. After a month apart, seeing Max again feels like a punch to the gut. He’s with a beautiful brunette, his gaze just as hungry and passionate as it used to be with me.
It hits hard.