He stiffened and paused. His gaze darted down to her belly and his hand fell away.
"I'm carrying his child."
Rolling away from him, Ava pulled the blanket over her body and wrapped it around her, tucking the heavy fabric under her arms.
"I'm sorry. At first I thought to keep it from you, but I can't."
She saw a vein in his neck ticked with a hint of rage.
"You intended to deceive me into thinking the child is mine?" His voice was as cold as ice.
"I'm sorry, Magnus. I didn't want to lie to you. I just... I was afraid I would lose you if you know the truth. But I can't keep it from you anymore."
Jaw tensed in a grim expression, his gaze lifted to her face.
"How many we
Ava gasped, momentarily at a loss for words. She never thought that Magnus would have spilled this out."You don't need to worry. I want nothing from you. I made a mistake and I'll bear the consequences myself. It has nothing to do with you.""Don't be so inconsiderate, Ava. It's not only about you and me. You shouldn't refuse me if you care enough to give our child its right to legal existence.""And what do you mean by that?""Marriage. It's the only way. We have to get married real soon."Marriage. The word itself or the fact that he still insisted on trying to delude her, stunned her. But she was no fool. She wouldn't trust him an inch."You wouldn't want to marry a woman who had given you a child. What makes you think I will believe that you would marry me f
"I believe there's some mistake here. I assume Miss Banks is experiencing some misleading symptoms, but she is definitely not pregnant.""What?! But... my period is almost three weeks late, and I'm usually pretty regular." She blurted, completely shocked of the unexpected outcome."There are many other reasons for missed or late period, Miss. It's actually quite common among women of your age. In your case, I suspect a sudden weight loss that might throw off your period. I suggest you come back if you still haven't gotten your period in two weeks."Saying nothing in response, Ava looked away in shame. Aware of her perturbation, Ashton promptly said, "Doctor Engelbert, this is a very personal and private matter, and it will have to remain confidential. Do you understand?""We'll take good care of it, Your Grace." The doctor bowed solemnly. Mrs. Engelbert who was standing beside her husband lowered her
"Easy, it's me."She froze at the sound of the deep, familiar voice. Immediately the intruder removed his hand from her mouth and turned her around to face him."It's alright, it's alright..."Ashton said as he cupped her face with both hands. Too shocked to respond, Ava offered no resistance when he pulled her into his arms and cradled her tenderly against his chest."I can't stop thinking about you, about what happened yesterday. I came to tell you I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry."For long stupefied seconds, she was dazed by his unexpected appearance, and his drastic change of behavior. She remained still with one side of her face pressed against his chest. His heartbeat pounded beneath her ear, reverberated through her as it had been when he held her after they had made love. The memories, and the pain of it, filled her with sudden anger. She twisted free from his embrace, but he caught at her wrist, hold
With a shocked gasp, Ava pulled away and slammed the door shut but Roger was faster. Quickly he wedged his foot against the door and pushed heavily forward. The door swung open, sending her staggering back several steps. The next second, his hands shot out to grab her neck, his fingers digging into her throat so deep she couldn't breathe, gulping for air like a fish washed ashore. Obviously pleased to see her in pain, Roger shoved her over the wall and followed after her, pinning her against the stout bricks with his weight."Do you miss me, love? Don't say no because I do. You look so ravishing I can take you here and now. I've missed you that much."He squeezed her breast through the thin fabric of her gown. His hot, fetid breath struck her skin as he grunted lustfully into her ear. Turning away her head in disgust, she wondered how she had let him kiss her several times in the past. She shrieked when he ripped the top of her gown, revealing her white,
A steely voice intruded the scene and Ava's knees almost buckled from shock and relief. She turned to see Ashton standing in the middle of the street a distance away from them. There was a commanding air about him that others inclined to obey him at once, for Roger's grip on her instantly loosened.Sending thanks to Heaven for sending her help just in time, Ava twisted free, scrambling clumsily toward her rescuer. With her hands tied behind her back, she had difficulty maintaining her balance. Quickly stalking toward her, Ashton caught her just before she fell on her knees, his hands firm and protective as they closed around her, but he said nothing. He remained silent after a while, and she tilted her head to look at him.His handsome profile turned away from her, his eyes were locked on Roger, flashing with a dangerous gleam. He pushed her gently aside, behind the shield of his tall figure. Peeking from behind him, she watched Roger standi
"You've done enough to taint our family name. For goodness sake! I can't believe you're bringing this filth into our house.""Uncle Carl, I will thank you not to accost my guest."Ashton countered, meeting his uncle's gaze and refused to back down. His uncle's eyes, burning hot with rage, piercing him like fiery swords, but somehow the older man restrained himself from lashing out.Amidst the heated tension, a small cough suddenly drew their attention back to the door, where the butler stood with lowered gaze."Beg your pardon, Your Grace.""Yes?"Ashton answered sharply, eyes still fixed on his uncle."The Duke of Livingston has come to call."Ava felt her stomach turn over at the mention of her father's name. She suppressed an urge to run and hide behind the sofa. Across the room, Lord Carlton and Lady Cecily exchanged alarmed glances.
"Jeez! I can't believe this is happening."Polly's face twisted into such a comical expression as she hissed the words. In front of her, Ava stood before a cheval glass, watching her reflection in the mirror."Neither can I."She replied, trying to suppress her nerves, but the strain of the upcoming event showed on her face. She had resigned herself to her reality. She had braced herself for whatever the future has in store for her. At least, she'd been spared the most terrible fate.At the moment she was in one of the guest room in Vermont Manor and she'd just done getting ready for the wedding. She'd arrived early in the morning with her father, for it had been agreed the day before that they would be heading to the church from this place.A simple coronet of baby's breath was attached on top of her Honiton lace veil, and a short white kid gloves with her initials embroidered on it wrapped her hands. Sinc
"Mother is ill?"Ava's heart fell abruptly at the unpleasant news."I'm afraid so, but don't worry, sweetheart. I don't believe it's something serious. I've sent a message to London yesterday. Soon as she knows that you're fine, I think her health will improve quickly."Her father soothed her with gentle reassurance.All the way to the church, Ava was occupied by thoughts of her mother. It never occurred to her that her runaway would cause her mother to fall sick. She really wanted to see her mother immediately, but since she was getting married in less than one hour, she knew that things were going to be different from now. All decisions in her life would depend on her husband, and she wasn't sure if she could get his permission in that matter. Halfway through the ride, Ava was no longer able to suppress her emotions."Father, do you think I still have a chance to see mother again?""Of course, swee