1

CHLOE

“I'm pregnant,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

My heart pounded in my chest as I looked at Nathan’s face, frozen in shock. What was he going to say now?

“I was thinking…” I continued nervously, “There’s no need for us to hide this anymore. It's been years. I know how traditional your parents are. Even if they wouldn't ordinarily approve but now we can get engaged-”

“You. Bitch.”

I froze as I processed what he said. What?

Nathan looked up and my heart sank at his quickly his expression had changed. His eyes were narrowed, 

“You're trying to trap me,” he sneered. “You think a baby will keep me tied to you?”

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Disbelief filled me.

"No, Nathan. I—"

But he cut me off with a laugh, grating and bitter.

“We had a good run Chloe,” he said and my blood turned cold. 

“What do you mean?” I asked, dread filling my gut. Surely he wasn't saying…

“Don’t act dumb Chloe. I'm breaking up with you.” He said, voice cold and detached. 

“I don't want anything to do with you. We're done, Chloe. And if you ever breathe a word about our relationship to anyone, especially my parents, I'll make sure you're thrown out of this house for good. I'll ruin you.”

He turned and stormed off, leaving me alone in the hallway. I remained in place, too frozen to move.

He'd broken up with me. It felt like my world had been turned upside down.

Tears slipped out my cheeks. 

At this moment I couldn't help but recall what brought us together years ago, back to when we were kids.

After my parents died in a car accident, I was taken in by the Willis family, one of the wealthiest families in the entire country. Apparently, my parents were one of their best workers, so it was only right. 

That day, I was brought to live in their home with their twin sons. That was the day I'd met Nathan.

But it wasn't until years later that changed everything. Their fifteenth birthday party. I couldn't remember much of it thanks to the head injury I'd suffered back then, but I'd never forgotten the  feeling of being pulled away, of being wrapped in his arms.

I had woken up in the hospital that day and learned what happened.

I nearly drowned and Nathan saved my life. 

Nathan's actions that night sparked something within me. At first it was just a crush and then it developed into something deeper. Then one day he approached me.

Since then, we began our secret relationship. One that only made my feelings grow stronger. 

And yet, despite it being years, Nathan never acknowledged me in public, never held my hand or introduced me as his girlfriend. Whenever I brought it up, he always reminded me that I was nothing but a servant, that his parents would never approve.

It made me upset every time I thought about it. 

At first I could accept it but as the years passed I hated it. Hated how he could easily flirt with other women in the open but barely looked at me in public. Hated how we never talked about ourselves outside the bedroom. Hated how despite it being several years I was still his dirty little secret.

I always hoped that one day he'd change his mind, that he'd fight for us and acknowledge me as more than just a secret lover. And now…

My hand pressed against my belly.

When I'd done the test a few minutes ago, I was scared, wondering about his reaction.  I knew I had to tell him. There was no way I could keep this a secret after all. Questions had swirled through my mind.

Would he be angry? Afraid? What would he say?

Yet, despite my worries, hope bloomed in me. Surely he wouldn't be harsh. It was unexpected for both of us after all and he loved me in the same way I did him. 

And maybe… just maybe this was the push he needed. Even if his parents didn't approve of me, with a child, things could be different. 

Now, it felt like my heart had been completely shattered.

I closed my eyes and let out a shaky breath. The music from outside, so close yet so far still reached my ears.

No, this had to be a mistake. I had to talk to him…

Wiping my tears, I rushed out of the hallway , following the music and lights.

In the open hall of his mansion, Nathan's 24th birthday celebration was in full swing, the music and laughter filling the halls. Nobody paid me a glance as I stepped in, looking for him.

I needed to find him. To explain -

I stopped in place at the sight that greeted me. Amidst the crowded hall, Nathan stood on the podium. He was always breathtaking with his short blonde hair in a slick image.

He wasn't alone.

He smiled, his arm wrapped around a woman's waist. Not just any woman.

Jessica Kale's. I could recognize her anywhere. After all, she was my worst bully at work. 

He pulled her closer in a movement that made my heart squeeze. What was he doing with her?

"Ladies and gentlemen," Nathan announced, his voice booming through the room. “It's been a long time coming, but I'd like to introduce my fiancée, Jessica Kale.”

I gasped in shock and my blood turned to ice. Fiancee?

He smiled widely, eyes never wandering to me as he turned and kissed her on the lips. The room erupted in applause, but I stood frozen, my heart shattering into a million pieces.

This couldn't be happening.

But it was. On the podium Nathan seemed to bask in the praise, a smile on his face. Jessica did the same, her arms wrapped around him. It made me feel like I was suffocating.

Look at me, please, I pleaded, but he never once looked in my direction. 

That was my last straw. Hot tears slipped down my cheeks.

Without thinking, I pushed through the crowds until I reached the entrance and ran out of the mansion, holding back my sobs as I ran. 

My feet carried me on autopilot. All I could think of was the sight of Nathan with her and my reeled with questions. 

Why was Nathan doing this? He was engaged to Jessica?

Surely this didn't mean they had been dating. No, it had to be a mistake. He'd gotten engaged right after I told him the news. It wasn't a coincidence but out of anger. 

I still had to talk to him. Make him understand…

Lights flashed in the corner of my eye. 

I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice where I was going. Looking around, I froze in shock. I was on the open street.

And a car was driving towards me.

In a panic I stumbled backward, falling hard onto the ground as the car stopped.  For a moment, the sudden movement and lights blinded me until I heard the crunch of footsteps.

“Hey, are you okay?” a deep voice asked.

Dazed, I looked up to see a figure looming over me. Against the lights, I could see him.

I froze in shock, my eyes focusing on the face above me.

Sebastian Willis. Nathan's twin brother. And the man that nearly killed me years ago.