blessed • stephen curry [sequel]

xxi. child's play

Stephen

I've been waiting for 15 minutes inside the cafe until Ayesha finally came looking like she was in the best mood ever.

I almost felt bad that I was about to ruin it.

"Sorry, I'm late," she said, smiling before she leaned in for a peck. I dodged it unintentionally and she furrowed her brows. "What's wrong?"

I offered an apologetic smile. "Sit down. Let's talk."

And she did. She had a visible worried look on her face as she sat across me.

"What's up?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Maybe I should do this some other time.

I wasn't ready for her to breakdown or whatever she'd be saying. I'm so stupid, we should have gone to a private place to have this conversation.

"Steph, what's up?" she reiterated, more impatiently. "Just say it, whatever it is."

I held my breath. Here goes crazy time.

"Ayesha, I'm gonna be a dad soon," I finally told her although I was nervous as I prepared myself.

But Ayesha sighed in relief and I was confused. "I thought you were gonna break up with me or something. Look, I know you're excited about having our baby but like I promised, yes you will be a dad soon if we keep trying."

The hell is she spouting...

"No, wait. That's not what I mean," I clarified. "You see, Arzaya's back in town and I found out that she's—"

"What?" She narrowed her piercing stare.

I touched her hand. "I'm sorry. I have to be with her again. We're having a baby and this is all I ever wanted."

I wish there was any other I could tell her where I wouldn't have to hurt her feelings that much, but the situation was unavoidable. Someone was going to get hurt and I'd rather keep that pain away from Arzaya.

Ayesha was balling her fist and I noticed how it was shaking from so much anger. Her eyes were all shiny from the incoming tears.

"When?" she asked through gritted teeth.

I chewed on my lip uncomfortably. "That night in New York."

She huffed. "You cheated on me?"

"I warned you already," I reasoned. "You know I love her. She's my life. If anything, being with you means I'm cheating on her."

Ayesha was smiling her anger to the point that it scared me more than the Conjuring ever did.

"How are you sure it's not Jackson's?" she questioned, smiling in sarcasm. "She's probably just trying to say it's yours because she wants your money."

"Don't even try to convince me otherwise. I'm sure about her. It's my baby," I said strictly. "I-I actually meant not pull out that night."

And if she was being logical about this, why would Arzaya want my money when Jackson was just as rich?

It really drove Ayesha to the edge because she was fuming. "You're happy that she's pregnant but you're so hesitant about having mine?"