Hiding the Billionaire's Baby

Thalia’s POV.

“Do you have other cards, Ma’am?” The cashier, a teenager with disinterested eyes and a name tag that read “Amber,” gave me a sympathetic look that was quickly overshadowed by the growing impatience of the line behind me.

“N-No, I only have one credit card,” I said and smiled apologetically. “Let’s try it again.”

I stood at the checkout counter, my heart pounding in my chest as I swiped my credit card for the third time. I could feel the stares from the people behind me, hear the murmurs, and I knew they were all thinking the same thing: Why doesn't she have her act together?

“I'm sorry, it’s declined again,” Amber whispered, probably trying to spare me some embarrassment.

I fumbled through my wallet, hoping maybe a miracle twenty-dollar bill had slipped into a forgotten pocket. No such luck. Just as I was about to accept defeat and leave my groceries behind, a man stepped forward.

“Here, let me,” he said.

I looked up to see a man in an impeccably tailored suit and aviator shades. He exuded confidence and wealth, a stark contrast to my disheveled state. Without waiting for my response, he swiped his sleek black card and paid for my groceries. The whole interaction took less than a minute, and he didn’t even glance in my direction.

“Wait!” I called out as he turned to leave. I grabbed my bags and rushed after him, desperate to thank him.

He was already at his car, a gleaming luxury vehicle that looked completely out of place in the convenience store parking lot. He opened the door and was about to get in when I finally caught up.

“Excuse me,” I said, slightly out of breath. “Thank you so much for helping me back there. I don’t know what I would have done if—”

“Work harder so your bank doesn’t freeze your credit cards,” he said, cutting me off with a cold, assessing gaze.

I blinked, taken aback by his bluntness. “I—”

He slid into his car and closed the door with a decisive thud, the engine roaring to life a moment later. With a final, indifferent glance in my direction, he drove off, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, clutching my grocery bag and fuming.

Who does he think he is? I thought angrily. Just because he has money doesn’t give him the right to look down on people like that.

“Jerk,” I muttered under my breath, turning to walk back home.

When I finally reached my small, rundown apartment, I dropped the groceries on the kitchen counter and sank into a chair. My mind was still racing, but I knew I had to shake it off. There were more pressing matters to deal with, like finding a way to pay the rent and my sister’s tuition fee, Cecil, who was still at school.

“Thalia, you can’t let one bad encounter ruin your day,” I told myself, trying to muster some optimism. “You still have Caelum and you will see him later at work.”

**

"This is sick…" I hissed while still staring at my reflection in the mirror. "How am I supposed to get Dr. Robinson’s attention if I look like shit—"

"Who looks like shit?"

I dropped the mirror on the desk and turned to my side. My breath caught in my throat when I saw him standing there—the most handsome man I’ve ever known, Dr. Caelum Robinson.

"You’re heading home?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.

I swallowed hard. It wasn’t the first time we’d spoken, but damn, I couldn’t help melting under that intense stare. Who could remain composed under such scrutiny? I bit my lip. His eyes were undressing me, stripping away all my defenses.

Fuck. Just take me now, doc…

"Thalia, are you alright?" Dr. Robinson snapped his fingers in front of my face. "You seemed to be daydreaming with your eyes open. Are you getting enough sleep? Look at those bags under your eyes—they’re bigger than your eyes themselves."

I touched my cheeks nervously. "I-I… Maybe I’m just tired, doc…"

Dr. Robinson raised an eyebrow. "Do you take your vitamins?"

I hesitated. How could I tell him he was the reason for my sleepless nights? His voice alone was enough to send me spiraling into daydreams. I sighed. How could I confess to Caelum that I was hopelessly, madly in love with him?

"I-I don’t take vitamins," I mumbled. "I think I get enough sleep—"

"Everyone here at the Coroner’s Office needs vitamins, Thalia," Dr. Robinson interrupted. "Especially you." He pointed at me. "You look pale and skinny. Are you eating right? You’ve been working the night shift a lot. Take care of yourself, unless you want to end up on my autopsy table one day."

I shivered inwardly. I knew he was joking, but the thought of lying on Dr. Caelum Robinson’s sterile autopsy table, exposed and lifeless, sent chills down my spine. I didn’t want him to see my body, marred and dissected. But if that was the only way to get him to notice me, then maybe…

"Thalia Andersen, are you listening?"

I blinked twice, realizing I’d been staring at him, lost in thoughts of him. "Ah… yeah."

"Are you sure you’re alright?"

I nodded quickly. "Y-yes, doc." Glancing around the ID room, I noticed Lalaine suppressing a laugh from her desk. Heat rose to my cheeks. "I’m sorry—"

"Would you like to go home early? You don’t look well—"

"I’m fine, doc," I interrupted hastily. "I’m okay."

I couldn’t miss this chance to spend time with Dr. Robinson. It was our moment, just the two of us and the silent, lifeless body we were about to examine. I couldn’t waste this opportunity to let him know how much he meant to me.

I am Thalia Andersen, an autopsy assistant at the Toronto Coroner’s Office. Most people find my job creepy and strange for a twenty-four-year-old single woman. They think I should be in a more glamorous field with my innocent appearance, slender figure, and height. But for me, the serenity of the Coroner's Office is my sanctuary, especially since I found the man I want to spend my life with within its walls.

"The most critical part of the external examination is up next," Dr. Robinson said, finishing his inspection of the victim’s fingernails. "Did you collect any fibers or debris from under her nails?"

I looked up at him and nodded, hoping he could see the smile behind my mask. My eyes spoke volumes, and I intended to use that to my advantage. "I’ve taken them to the lab along with her fingerprints."

Dr. Robinson’s eyes crinkled in a smile behind his eye shield. "That’s why you’re my favorite morgue attendant."

I giggled. "You’re my favorite pathologist too, doc," I said loudly, the sound echoing in the autopsy suite. "Shall we turn the body?"

Dr. Robinson chuckled. "If you can flip this stiff body, why not?"

"I mean, reposition the body," I corrected myself shyly. "Are you planning to examine the rectum?"

"Yes," he replied, holding my gaze. "But perhaps you’d like to try swabbing? I recall you mentioned not having much experience with it—"

"Oh, right," I cut in before he could remind me of that embarrassing incident. "Sure, I’ll give it a shot now," I said as I prepared the swabbing tools. "I didn’t expect you to remember that."

Dr. Robinson laughed. "Considering the circumstances, it’s hard not to remember. Ready?"

My heart fluttered. Hearing the man of my dreams acknowledge me like this felt like winning the lottery. Maybe I was overreacting, but that’s how it felt at that moment.

"Could you assist in positioning the legs?" I asked politely, ensuring our eyes met as I looked up at him. "Rigor mortis is always a challenge," I added.

"Of course," Dr. Robinson agreed, chuckling. He looked away as he held the cadaver’s legs. "Stiff muscles make our job harder and the investigation as well."

I lowered my gaze to the cadaver’s genital area. His reaction disappointed me. Was he oblivious? Couldn’t he feel my attempts at flirting? The way he talked to me, it was almost like we were siblings. The thought of being Dr. Robinson’s little sister tore at me. I didn’t want to be his sibling—I wanted so much more.

Bending down to examine the labia, I noted even the muscles here were stiff. Despite this, I managed to swab the area.

"You should consider studying forensic science," Dr. Robinson suddenly suggested. "You’d make a great medical examiner."

I looked at him, holding his gaze. "You really think so?"

He nodded. "Absolutely. Don’t doubt my judgment."

I knew he was teasing. My colleagues often joked about my clumsiness and peculiarities during my first years at the Toronto Coroner’s Office. It never bothered me until Dr. Caelum Robinson joined our team. His presence added color to my life in ways I never imagined.

"Dr. Robinson," I said, placing a slide in a clean tray and focusing on the bruised face of the cadaver. "Could we talk after this examination?"

"Sure, about what?" he asked, his handsome face betraying no concern at my lowered tone.

I hesitated. "I-I have something important to tell you…"

Thalia’s POV.

“Just as I thought, the victim died from asphyxia due to strangulation,” Dr. Robinson remarked as we stood in the changing room, shedding our surgical garb. “The moment we opened the chest cavity and exposed the heart, I had a feeling.”

I smiled awkwardly, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it… I had to tell him how I felt now. I took a deep breath and turned to face him slowly. “Dr. Robinson…”

He looked at me with furrowed brows. “Hmm?” He began removing his double latex gloves. “You seem a bit off, Thalia. Is something bothering you—”

I didn’t let him finish his sentence. Instead, I grabbed his shirt collar and pressed my lips against his. He didn’t push me away, but he didn’t respond either. Taking his silence as acceptance, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

“Thalia, wait—” Dr. Robinson gently pushed me away. “Don’t do this.”

I felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over me when he spoke. As soon as I stopped kissing him, he stepped back, creating an invisible barrier between us that shattered my heart.

“What’s wrong with you, Thalia?” His voice was calm but surprised. “Why did you do that?”

“Wrong?” I repeated in a whisper, tears welling up in my eyes. Despite the pain in my chest, I forced myself to look up at him. “Caelum… I-I love you.”

His brows furrowed, confusion evident on his face. “Thalia… what are you saying?”

“I love you, Dr. Caelum Robinson.” My voice was firm, though tears began streaming down my cheeks. “I’ve loved you since the moment you walked into the autopsy suite and introduced yourself as the deputy chief’s substitute for the ongoing examination.” I wiped my tears and locked eyes with him. “Caelum, you’re the only medical examiner who’s made me feel valued in this field. You’re the only colleague who compliments my outfits, praises my work, and believes I could be a medical examiner too.” The ache in my heart intensified as I spoke. “Caelum, you’re the only person who sees my worth… you make me feel special and—”

“Thalia,” Dr. Robinson interrupted gently. “Thalia, I’m flattered by your feelings. They mean a lot to me, but—”

“But what?” I asked, though deep down I knew what he was going to say. Still, I clung to a sliver of hope. “But what, Caelum?”

“Thalia, I care about you deeply, but only as a friend…” His voice was sympathetic yet decisive. “I’m sorry, Thalia.”

“Maybe you’re mistaken,” I pleaded desperately. “Maybe you’re just confused, Caelum…” My voice cracked, and fresh tears streamed down my face. “Can you please think about this?”

He shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry, Thalia. I’m in love with someone else, and we’re getting married.”

**

“HEY, Thalia, what’s up?”

I glanced to my side and saw my sister, Cecil, approaching with her scooter. She was dragging it along, and I couldn’t help but notice it seemed a bit small for her voluptuous figure.

"Hey, what’s wrong with your bike?" I asked with a playful eye roll.

Cecil laughed. "Come on, how many times do I have to tell you that Star is not a bike? He’s just a scooter," she said, pointing at her vehicle. "He’s too small to be called a bike, you know?"

"I meant a bicycle, not a motorbike," I clarified, shaking my head. "So, what’s wrong with Star?"

Cecil, my half-sister on our mother’s side, had been with me since she was born. Our mother tragically took her own life due to post-partum depression when Cecil was young, leaving me to raise her from the age of fourteen. I worked hard to support us both through school and college, all while trying to provide a stable future for Cecil.

"Star’s out of gas," Cecil sighed. "I was on my way to get some, but I don’t have enough money—"

"I gave you an allowance, didn’t I?" I furrowed my brows.

"I used it for some school projects," Cecil replied with a frown. "Sometimes I feel like quitting college. It’s so much pressure; I can’t concentrate on my part-time job."

"Don’t even think about quitting, Cecil. Education is important. How will you get a better job if you’re not a college graduate?"

"I want to start a restaurant," she smiled. "I’m studying business management for that—"

"Then finish your degree," I interrupted, pulling out my purse. "Here, go fill your tank. I’m tired."

"You’re always tired," Cecil muttered as she took the money from me. "Have you been crying? Your eyes look swollen."

My heart twisted. "The formalin stung my eyes," I lied, taking a deep breath. "Hurry, I just want to get home."

I stood outside the Coroner’s Office entrance, our usual meeting spot after Cecil’s classes when I worked the morning shift. The gas station was nearby, but it felt like an eternity before Cecil returned. Seeing the convenience store beside the gas station, I remembered the man who paid for my groceries and left me with an insult. I sighed. Does having a lot of money could make you arrogant?

Minutes later, a familiar black sedan emerged from the Coroner’s Office’s parking lot—Caelum’s car. As it passed me, our eyes met, and I felt tears threatening to spill. The car slowed momentarily, but it didn’t stop. I silently hoped he would get out and talk to me, but of course, he didn’t.

"Why would he?" I muttered bitterly, biting my lip to hold back tears as I turned away from Caelum’s car.

"Let’s go, Thalia," Cecil’s voice broke through my thoughts. "Are you okay?"

I sniffed. "Yeah."

Cecil gave me a sharp look, turning off her engine to face me. "You don’t look okay, Thaliana."

I shook my head. "I’m fine, Cecil." I hopped onto the scooter behind her and held onto her waist. "Let’s go. I want to eat hot and spicy noodles."

"We’ll swing by Lucy’s flower shop, right? Her mom packed dinner for us," Cecil said as we crossed the road toward our friend’s shop near the park.

Glancing at my watch, I noted it was just past six, still early. "Yeah, I got her message too. Let’s go there—"

"Wasn’t that your colleague’s car just now?" Cecil interrupted.

"Where?" I looked and spotted a black sedan. "I don’t think so. That’s not on his way home."

Cecil chuckled. "So you know where your colleague lives, huh?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Of course, he’s my colleague—"

"And he’s a he?" she teased.

"Stop it, Cecil," I said, feeling embarrassed.

We stopped at a red light, and I noticed a white sedan pull up beside us. My heart started racing. I quickly glanced at the license plate, but before I could see it clearly, the window rolled down, revealing Caelum’s familiar face. I nearly jumped in surprise.

"H-Hi," I managed to say, looking away. "Cecil, can you beat the red light?"

"I don’t want to die," Cecil whispered back. "What’s wrong? Why?"

"Nothing…" I squeezed her waist tighter.

"Really? Then why are you squeezing me so hard?"

I wanted to slap her, but I just needed the light to turn green. It felt like an eternity before it finally did. I didn’t want to talk to Caelum or even see him after what happened in the changing room. It was so embarrassing; I considered quitting my job. But I couldn’t. Cecil was still studying, and I was the one paying for her tuition.

"Thalia," Caelum called just as the light turned green.

Cecil drove forward, but Caelum’s car pulled alongside us again almost immediately. "Is he following us?" Cecil asked, slowing down.

"No, don’t stop—"

"Thalia, can I talk to you for a minute?" Caelum’s voice cut through the traffic, blocking our way and causing horns to honk impatiently.