Noah's Pov:
"Audrey?" I called out in surprise, and she smiled at me.

She had a baby with her.

I scoffed and walked out fully to meet her.

"What're you.... 
What're you doing here?" I asked, mostly looking at the pretty kid beside her.

"Good evening, Noah", she greeted instead.

"Oh... yeah. Good evening. How're you doing?" I asked.

"I'm fine. I just...sorry if I came without informing you. You know, I don't even have your contact anymore"

"Sure, sure. It's not a problem, Audrey. But the only problem I have now is that I'm about to leave the house. But you can come in; at least, get a drink before..."

"No, no, it's fine. I actually don't intend to stay long. I just...wanted to share something important with you," She said, and I felt a mix of curiosity and concern grow in me.

Now, I see. I was beginning to wonder why she'd paid me such a visit. 

"O...kay. What information?" I asked, and she smiled and held the baby's hand. 

"I...actually want you to meet Ella - my daughter. Our...daughter," she replied, and I furrowed my brows in confusion. 

Huh??

Our daughter?? What does she mean by that?

Huh?? I stared at her, gobsmacked, feeling my mind race to process what she just said.

"Actually, Noah, I'm sorry you're just getting to know about this. The truth is, when we'd broken up, I got to know I was pregnant. But at that time, you were already out of the country and...considering the way we'd broken up, I didn't want you to feel I was tryna draw you back or something. So...I left for Paris and decided to raise the child on my own. 

"I...never thought I'd cross paths with you again. But I guess destiny played its own part by bringing us together again. So...I felt it was necessary to open up to you".

I stared at her lips as she spoke, making me think she was just narrating a movie or something.

I found it so difficult to comprehend what she meant. 

Hold on; is she trying to say we have a child together? For real?

I scoffed and shook my head. 

"Aren't you...gonna say something?" She asked, and I felt cold shivers run through my spine. 

"Audrey..." I called with a disbelieving chuckle. 
"I...I don't know what to say. I can't believe this".

She smiled and hugged me.

"It's okay, Noah. I can give you some time to think over it. Thanks for listening to me," she said after the hug, and I just kept staring. 

I looked at the little kid who was just staring around.
Gosh! This is unbelievable. 

"Bye," she said, almost in a whisper, and finally left.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I stood behind the door and listened to their conversation; my lips dropped open in shock.

Noah has a child with her? With his ex??

Oh my God!

Conception gripped me as the thoughts dawned on me. 

They have a bond!! She has a child for him. For the man I'm supposed to get married to.

Oh God!

No; this is a dream. 

I heard her say bye to him and figured they were done, so I immediately rushed back to my room.

I ruffled my hair as I got in, feeling so confused, pained, bitter.

I didn't even know what to do.
I thought it was over between them? Why does there have to be a child? Why should this happen?

I paced around the room, my hands on my waist, tears threatening to drop from my eyes.

Noah has a child elsewhere. With his ex! 

Why does this have to happen?? Why???

The door suddenly creaked open, and I turned to see it was him - Noah. 

I quickly fought back the tears that were already on my lids as I looked at him.

And patently, I could notice the sudden rueful look on his face.

"I uh...came to check up on you. Are you done?" He asked, and I just shook my head. 
I was scared I might burst into tears while talking.

"Okay. You need to hurry up cause we're running pretty late," he further said. 

"Of...of course. I'll be done shortly," I managed to say with a little sniff, and he nodded and left.

As soon as I was alone again, I plonked myself on the bed and burst into tears. 
*
*
Ruby's Pov:
Tammy and I walked wearily along the dirty road, heading to a classmate's house to see if we could get some food.

We were so damn tired and hadn't even eaten since the start of the day.

"That Maxine is such a witch", Tammy cried. 
"No matter what, she should've shown us a little mercy".

I didn't say a word but continued walking. At that moment, I was too weak to even think.

"What do we do, Ruby? For how long would this go on? For how long?" She continued whining, but I still didn't say a word. 

She probably wouldn't understand.

But I can actually feel Maxine's pain. 

Suddenly, a car pulled over in front of Maxine and us, and I stopped walking.

She sniffed and wiped her tears while I stared keenly at the car, wondering why they stopped in front of us.

Immediately, the door opened, and my eyes lit up at the person who stepped out.

Whaaaaat???

"Oscar???" I shrieked.