Camila's POV
Nancy stared at me, confusion written all over her face.
"Camila, who is Henry? And how is he the father of your child and not Matthew?"
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of the situation crash down on me all over again. The room suddenly felt smaller, suffocating. I sat down heavily on the couch, my hands trembling as they rested on my lap.
How did I let this happen?
I had slept with a stranger at Olivia's wedding. A man I barely knew. And now… I was carrying his child.
Nancy moved closer, her warm hand settling on my shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Camila? Are you okay?"
I turned to her, my vision blurry with unshed tears. "I… I don't know what to do," I whispered, my voice barely holding together.
"Who is Henry?" Nancy repeated, this time softer. "Tell me everything."
I swallowed hard. There was no escaping this now. She was my best friend, my safe space. If I couldn't tell her, then who else could I turn to?
Taking a deep breath, I began.
"After Matthew and I broke up, I went to Olivia's wedding, hoping to get my mind off things. I just wanted a distraction from the pain, from all the memories… from everything." I paused, my fingers gripping the fabric of my dress. "And then I met him. Henry."
Nancy tilted her head. "And?"
I felt heat rise to my cheeks, embarrassment creeping in. "He was so… charming. Handsome. Confidence. Everything I thought I didn't need but somehow wanted at that moment." I exhaled shakily. "One thing led to another, and we… We spent the night together."
Nancy's eyebrows shot up. "You had a one-night stand?"
I nodded, my shame evident. "And now I'm pregnant."
Silence stretched between us as she processed my words.
"So, let me get this straight," Nancy finally spoke. "You slept with Henry once, and now you're pregnant with his baby?"
"Yes," I muttered, my voice barely audible.
Nancy leaned back against the couch, exhaling sharply. "Wow."
I braced myself for judgment, but it never came. Instead, she asked, "Are you going to tell him?"
"I don't know," I admitted, my voice shaking. "I'm scared, Nancy. What if he doesn't want kids? What if he refuses to take responsibility? What if…" I trailed off, unable to voice my fears.
Nancy studied me for a moment before sighing. "He looked like a player, and you still slept with him?"
I bit my lip. "I was heartbroken. Vulnerable. He made me feel wanted, even if just for a night. I was also drunk… and I just—I wasn't thinking straight."
"And now you're pregnant with a stranger's baby," she mused, shaking her head.
I buried my face in my hands. "I know. It sounds crazy. But it happened, and I can't change it."
Nancy stood up, pacing the room. "Camila, listen. You can't just keep this from him. He has a right to know!"
"No!" I blurted out, my heart hammering in my chest.
Nancy stopped pacing, her gaze piercing through me. "What do you mean no?"
"I don't want to tell him," I said, my hands clutching my stomach protectively.
"Why not?"
I took a deep breath, meeting her gaze. "Because what I had with Henry was just one night. That's it. It wasn't love. It wasn't even anything close to a relationship." My voice cracked. "I don't want to force someone into something just because of a mistake."
Nancy's face softened, but she still looked conflicted. "But Camila, this isn't just about you anymore. It's about your baby."
Tears welled in my eyes. "I know. And that's why I'm making this choice."
Nancy sighed, crossing her arms. "Are you sure about this?"
I nodded slowly. "I don't love Henry. He was just a momentary escape from my pain. I don't even know what kind of person he is beyond that night. How could I possibly involve him in raising a child when we don't even know each other?"
Nancy frowned. "Okay, I get that. But what if he wants to be involved? What if he actually wants to step up?"
I hesitated. That thought had crossed my mind, but it scared me. What if I told him, and he rejected the baby? That would hurt even more.
"I don't want to risk it," I admitted. "I'd rather raise this baby on my own than give my child a father who might not want them."
Nancy sat beside me again, squeezing my hand. "I just want you to be sure you're making the right choice. Being a single mom isn't easy."
"I know," I whispered. "But I'm ready for it. I have to be."
Nancy was quiet for a moment before nodding. "Okay. If this is what you want, then I'll support you."
I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me. "Thank you, Nancy."
She smiled. "You're strong, Camila. Stronger than you think. And you're not alone in this."
I gave her a weak smile. "I hope so."
Nancy's expression turned thoughtful. "So… what are you going to do now?"
I took a deep breath, placing a hand on my stomach. "I guess… I'll raise my baby on my own."
Nancy studied me for a moment before breaking into a soft smile. "Then I'll be right here, every step of the way."