Perhaps a split second, the shock registered on my face. I was blank, my brain struggled as I couldn't quite comprehend what was about to unfold and what lies ahead. Being surprised isn't an emotion I've never taken well, I was taken a back to say the least. Generally, it was me shocking people and not the other way around.

But cleo, she is an exception.

She is my responsibility and I know she will need me more than ever on the situation at hand. Taking a step forward while she was still in between moving from time to time as she stares too hard on the mirror, figuring things out.

I carefully place a hand on her hip and like she was brought back to reality, she was startled by my action. But I flashed a small smile, gazing at her eyes as I try to reassure her by look of confusion on her face.

"I'm here, okay?" I briefly spoke with sincerity as I turn her around to face me.

She swallows nervously and does not say a word instead, her eyes were fixated on mine the whole time and as much as she tries to muster up a strong exterior, her eyes give away as they looked unsure.

I caress her cheek staring back at her, needing to show and remind her that I'll be with here throughout this time.

"Like I promised, I'm a man of my word Cleo ... I'm with you." I utter.

"I know." She smiles which came out forced and sad as he slowly lowers her head.

"Hey, hey ... babe. We will get pass through this, okay?" I lifted her chin with my fingertips until her eyes were back up on me again, speaking on a soft voice to at least try my best to comfort her.

"I'm anxious ... what if they'll find out? what are we gonna do? this is not just going to end well, fuck!" She exclaimed and she continued to ramble.

To make her stop, I put a finger to her lips and that seemed to take her attention as she did.

"I know ... it makes you anxious as fuck and so it does to me. But eventually they're going to find this out and we just have to think of a way to hold the truth until our baby comes out, I promised you Cleo I will not leave you on this." I spoke, a stern expression etched on my face.

And like it slowly made sense to her state, she lightly nods and tries to give me a small smile.

"Okay, I trust you on this." She answered.

But then a question came in thought and I wasted no time to ask.

"Do you ... regret things?" I asked, anxious than I was before as I wouldn't like to see myself as a failure in every way.

Her brows furrowed and a bit of disappointment showed on her features, she forces a laugh in disbelief.

"Of course not. I might be anxious but there's no regret. I knew what I came into theo, it's just that we are at the wrong situation. You're my stepbrother, its our parent's I'm worried at."

I must admit, the realization of truth is a slap of reality as I thought. But the point is, it was also the realization that Cleo, all along, was the source of strength that I was also holding onto. She was strong, persevering as she carried herself in any challenge that came along the way, I could totally say she's my other half.

"And you?" She spoke, her voice unsure as she asked back like she was doubting me that I might have the regret.

"Never." I respond as soon as I can.

I might be surprised and anxious but I was not afraid for there's no ounce of regret because since day one that I met her, I knew I'll be a part of her and heck, I will do anything that concerns her. While we absolutely knew what we came into and I willingly take full responsibility but if she ever doubts my intentions, I will definitely show her what I came here for because I promised to and I love her with all my fucking heart. And when the baby comes out, I would be the fucking best father and the partner she will ever have.

"Never, would I ever see you as a regret. You are a blessing and when this angel comes out, she'll be our sweetest joy." I expressed, slowly placing a hand on her belly.

Her eyes watered as she looks up at me with adoration and love. "I love you."

I sincerely smiled back and as a sign of my promise I place a kiss at top of her head. "I love you too."

Then I gently pulled her to my body, wrapping my arms around her as she cries and pours her heart out while I showered her with light kisses as I do my best to make her feel at comfort and be with her in such a hard time as we take on another challenge yet, again.

After she was at ease, she wanted to take some sleep because she felt tired and I suggested to accompany her as we carefully took the stairs while she jokingly complained that she could still do fine by herself. But I don't want to take the risk because her health was vulnerable, she was sick from time to time and her body was starting to decline any productive actions.

"Thank you." She muttered and yawn, looking at me with her eyes that were about to droop.

"It's my job to make sure you're okay. Will you be fine in here? I'll be quick." I replied, casually putting my hands in my pockets.

"Never been better." She softly laughs making a light out of the situation making me crack a smile on her response.

"I'd better get going, you stay safe." I spoke, lastly kissing her forehead as she settled in her bed and she utters a farewell back while I retreated, walking outside.

Headed to the company, the drive was short for I was trying to make it as fast as I can. I still have a few meetings and objectives to attend to and I felt the need to make it as quick and short because Cleo was waiting for me at home and not to mention she was feeling under the weather.

A couple of hours passed, I was finally done. A feeling of relief and success that I managed to keep my head above water from all the challenges that I have come to face these past months and the present. But to think of Cleo, just the thought of her makes me calm and reserved amongst the challenge of my everyday activities. Taking my car as I went to the nearest pharmacy, I bought a couple of pregnancy tests as she ordered me to, wasting no time as I head straight towards home.

Taking the moment to my advantage, I drove in a swift movement on the right amount of speed as I felt the thrill and enjoyment. As Chris and Celia informed me they'll be late, it had given us the time to spend the night and talk together to figure things out.

I arrived and too see that she was still in the same position, cuddled up with her light snores as she looked well and in peace. I smile at the thought, gently walking towards at her direction to avoid waking her up and giving her the time to rest but as if on cue that she could feel my presence, she slowly wakes up and her eyes were already staring at me.

"Hi." She cheekily greeted, a playful smile on her face.

"Hi, beautiful." I called back, flashing her a lopsided smile to which she giggled and blushed, as I felt satisfied to know that I made her happy and giddy.

"How are you feeling?" I questioned while I knelt down, placing a hand on her forehead to try and check up on her state.

"A bit better." She responds, never taking her eyes off of me.

As I felt her skin, her body heat was better than the first time I checked a while ago and by her situation at the moment, she looked better now.

"Can you be able to sit up? I'll help you." I spoke and suggested.

"Of course, I'm stronger than a horse at this moment." She playfully replied while I chuckle as a response and when she tries to, my arms were in a second trying to help her out as she rose from the bed.

She stood and our eyes met as she takes a deep breath, handing her the pregnancy tests that I bought because this was it, we were on to the first step to try to find out if she's definitely pregnant.

"I'll be right back." She uttered then approached the bathroom, slowly closing the door while I gave her a light nod for reassurance.

She was 30 minutes in and there was still no sign of her presence, the door was still and closed. While I was preoccupied by the thoughts that have raced into my head as I wasn't able to sit down and remain calm, pacing inside the room and frequently checking my watch, anxious to see the results.

Throughout the whole time I thought, these past few days were like clues that will eventually ended up in a big form of puzzle. The cravings and excessive eating, her tiredness and her regular sickness especially in the mornings and lastly her period's late. It all made sense, she was having the symptoms of what a pregnant woman would feel.

What felt like a minute of pacing around the corners of her bedroom, I took a seat and a deep breathe to somehow relieve the anxious feeling.

But when I did, it was just in time that the door opened, making me stop into a halt the nervous anticipation coming through.

She comes out and then closes the door and stays planted not taking a step towards me with an unreadable expression on her face. I rose from my seat, walking closer to her direction.

"What did it say?" I spoke, licking my dry lip from the anxiousness.

"I tried all of them, the 3 pregnancy tests." She said while I could not read the expression on her features.

"And?" I add, as she was about to tell the truth.

She gently hands me the pregnancy tests and when my eyes landed on the figures, they only had one visible red line which confirmed.

"Positive." And she beats me to it.

"I'm pregnant."

I'm going to be a father after all.