Chapter 01

I stare at the two red lines on the white strip I hold between my fingers. A smile spreads across my face as a wave of euphoria rushes through me. I blink, happiness swelling within me, thinking of Richard and how thrilled he’ll be to learn that today, we’re making one of our biggest dreams come true.

I’m pregnant. Pregnant with the man I love, who loves me back. Pregnant with a child who, I’m certain, will be the most loved in the entire world.

Richard has always told me he wanted to be the father of my child. That he dreamed of us building a big, close-knit family together, with countless children running through our backyard. Of course, the idea was exciting, but this wasn’t something we had planned to happen so soon.

I’m still finishing college, a young woman alone in the world, an orphan. I have no choice but to study and graduate to survive in this enormous city. Even though Richard is wealthy, I don’t want to rely on that. I want to start my career without his name being so closely tied to mine — something earned entirely on my own.

Still, as I stare at the two lines, I can’t stop smiling, wide and full of joy. I can’t help but think this child is lucky to have such a loving father and a mother by their side — something I never had.

I stand up from the toilet and quickly hide the test strip in my skirt. Smoothing out the fabric, I leave and head straight to the sink. I calmly wash my hands when the door opens beside me.

A tall blonde woman walks in. Her upturned nose and sharp eyes exude arrogance as she looks me over, but she smiles and winks at me while pulling out a tube of red Dior lipstick to touch up her lips.

She’s stunning, I have to admit. Blonde, tall, with curves in all the right places. Her symmetrical face, perfectly groomed blonde brows, and polished demeanor make her the kind of woman I could never hope to compete with.

“Good morning,” I greet her calmly, ready to step aside and leave the restroom.

“Wait,” she says.

I freeze, turning on my heel to look at her.

“You’re Rich’s secretary, right?”

Rich. The nickname makes me want to wrinkle my nose in disgust. Who does she think she is, calling my man that?

“Yes. Can I help you?” I ask, trying to keep my tone polite.

“Of course.” She flashes a broad smile. “Announce me. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“And who should I announce, ma’am?” I swallow my irritation, forcing the word ma’am out.

“Sidney Galloway, his fiancée.” She sighs contentedly, turning to the mirror. “What a beautiful day.”

I blink a couple of times before turning and leaving the restroom with quick, determined steps. When I reach my desk, I take a few deep breaths, feeling the tremors in my fingers.

She must be joking. She has to know who I am and is just trying to provoke me.

No! Richard would never do something like this to me. He would never deceive me, humiliate me, or break my heart this way... he couldn’t.

The red button on the intercom starts flashing beside me, and I blink a few times, swallowing hard. When I pick up the receiver, I can’t seem to speak.

“Can you bring me the papers on your desk?” he asks casually.

“Yes, sir,” I murmur.

I don’t give him a chance to say anything else. I hang up, stand, and grab the small stack of papers just as Sidney walks in.

“Please, have a seat, ma’am,” I smile. “I’ll deliver these to Mr. Hart, and then I’ll let him know you’re here.”

She nods at me with a flirtatious smile, sits down, crosses her legs, and starts scrolling on her phone. I open the door to his office and walk in, placing the papers carefully on his desk without saying a word.

Richard looks up from his computer and stares at me.

“Do you need anything else, sir?” I ask, noticing the crease forming on his forehead.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, his tone more concerned now, as his hands grab my waist and pull me to stand between his legs.

His grip is firm as he looks at me. “Your fiancée is outside,” I say.

I see the small smile on Richard’s face fade, his grip tightening slightly as his gaze hardens.

“I can explain,” he says, standing up.

“There’s nothing to explain, Mr. Hart,” I reply calmly. “I’m just your secretary.” I swallow hard and take a step back, freeing myself from his grasp.

“Melissa,” he calls after me, but I step back again, avoiding his hands.

“Should I let her in, sir?”

“No, not until we talk,” he says, stepping closer to me.

“Talk about what, sir?” I turn to face him, tears welling in my eyes. “About how our relationship was a lie?” His eyebrows lift. “About how you deceived me? About how you’re engaged to another woman who’s the complete opposite of me?”

I look at him, utterly heartbroken. It’s almost as if I can hear something inside me shattering into a million pieces. I can’t bring myself to tell him about the baby — I’m too afraid of how he’ll react.

No. He can’t know. He mustn’t... what if he asks me to terminate the pregnancy? Or worse, what if he demands custody of the baby?

No, that can’t happen... I can’t tell him.

“You owe me no explanations. I’ll let your fiancée in now,” I say finally, turning away and leaving the room quickly before he can say another word. “Ms. Sidney? You can go in. Mr. Hart is ready for you.”

She beams, standing up and smoothing her hair and adjusting her dress before strutting toward his office, her confidence practically radiating from her. I sigh, sinking into my chair and taking a deep breath.

I place a hand over my stomach and close my eyes, breathing deeply.

What are we going to do, baby?