Chapter 7: I’m Pregnant

Chloe’s POV

Since the incident with the ring, Rachel had been overly warm toward me, even helping with the preparations for the engagement ceremony. But I still couldn’t completely let my guard down around her.

Today was the day Trevor and I were getting engaged.

I stood in front of the mirror, examining my reflection. The burgundy slip dress hugged my figure, accentuating the slight curve of my belly from the pregnancy. Unless examined closely, it was barely noticeable. My carefully styled curls cascaded over my shoulders, and my makeup was flawless—subtle yet elegant.

Honestly, I looked stunning.

I reached into my clutch and pulled out the thin sheet of my prenatal check-up report, running my fingers gently over the paper.

Truthfully, the pregnancy had been a surprise. I’d been so focused on work that having children had never been on my agenda. But now that this baby had come into my life, I saw it as fate, and I knew I had to take responsibility.

I loved this little life growing inside me, unplanned as it was. Even if it meant slowing down my career for a while, I was willing to make that sacrifice. Moreover, abortion wasn’t a legal option in this country, not that I had ever considered it.

If Trevor found out about the baby, I knew he’d be overjoyed. He’d always wanted children. Every time we made love, he’d mention how much he wanted to start a family. This baby was his dream come true.

And today, on the day of our engagement, I imagined his excitement when I revealed the news. I could already picture him proposing to marry me on the spot, eager to give me a grand wedding. This baby would be my surprise for him.

Downstairs, I heard a flurry of noise as the guests began to arrive.

Tucking the report back into my clutch, I took a deep breath and stepped out of the room.

The small engagement party was warm and romantic, with flowers and balloons adorning the space. The air was filled with the scent of champagne and desserts.

Trevor stood at the center of the room, dressed impeccably in a tailored suit. Rachel was at his side, fussing over his collar.

“Don’t move! The collar looks better flipped out like this.”

“You’re so thoughtful, sweetheart,” Trevor replied, placing a quick kiss on her cheek.

The sight made my stomach churn. I reminded myself over and over that she’d be gone soon, and I couldn’t let the baby feel my anger. That thought alone helped me keep my composure.

Trevor’s eyes lit up when he spotted me.

He immediately came over, wrapping his arm gently around my waist.

“You look gorgeous, Chloe,” he murmured, his voice soft with a hint of nervousness as he leaned close to my ear.

“Thank you, darling,” I replied, keeping my tone light.

The guests showered us with congratulations, and I smiled warmly, responding to each one. My best friend, Luna Winter, stayed by my side, and so did Trevor, ensuring I never felt alone.

We made the rounds, toasting with the guests, and then headed back to the dressing room.

“Trevor, wait for me outside. I’m going to change into something more comfortable.”

But Trevor didn’t leave.

Instead, he held onto my hand.

“Chloe, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said hesitantly. “Rachel asked me to fake a marriage with her.”

“Fake marriage?” I stared at him, stunned.

“It’s just to deal with her parents. She’s pregnant but doesn’t know who the father is. It’s only for appearances. You know how complicated her situation is. I thought you might understand.”

“Understand? Rachel’s unmarried and pregnant, and you’re ready to throw yourself under the bus for her? Why does it have to be you who plays along with her ridiculous charade?” My voice cracked as the volcano of pent-up frustration and anger erupted.

“Chloe, Rachel’s in trouble right now. I can’t just turn my back on her,” Trevor said, glancing nervously at my expression. “Her situation is… delicate. Her parents trust me.”

“And what about me? What am I to you? Just some convenient toy you can pick up and drop whenever it suits you?”

“How can you say that? You know you’re the only one I love, Chloe. I’ve always put you first,” Trevor said, his face full of hurt as he reached for my hand.

I yanked my hand away and let out a bitter laugh. “First? Putting me first means sacrificing me to fulfill your ‘true love’ with Rachel?”

“Chloe, don’t go too far,” Trevor said, his tone sharpening. “I’m just trying to help Rachel. It’s a fake marriage, not a real one. She’s pregnant and needs someone to calm her parents down. That’s all.”

“Fake marriage?” I snapped, glaring at him. “Did you even stop to consider my feelings? Have you thought about what this would mean for us, for our relationship? What people will think when they find out? Do you realize that by doing this, I, the so-called official girlfriend, will be seen as the mistress in everyone’s eyes?”

Trevor froze, speechless, unsure of what to say.

At that moment, Rachel appeared, clearly aware of everything that was happening. With a carefree expression, she said, “Oh, Chloe, you’re taking this way too seriously! Trevor and I are just faking a marriage. It’s not a big deal. Why not just help us out?”

Trevor jumped in, eager to explain. “It’s really only to handle Rachel’s parents. They’re extremely traditional. Rachel and I grew up together, and the only way to keep them from blaming her is to say the baby is mine. That’s the only way they’ll let this go.”

“Enough!” I snapped, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Forcing my voice to remain calm, I turned to Trevor and said, “There’s something you need to know—I’m pregnant too.”

The room fell silent. The tension was so thick it felt like the air itself had stopped moving.

Both Trevor and Rachel stared at me, their faces frozen in disbelief.

“You… what did you just say?” Trevor’s voice trembled as though he was afraid to hear the answer.

“I said I’m pregnant,” I repeated coldly, locking eyes with him. “It’s your child.”

A single tear slid down my cheek as I held his gaze. My voice was firm, unyielding.

“Now, Trevor, tell me. Who are you going to choose? Me or her?”