I'm drifting in a peaceful sleep when I feel soft kisses trailing up from my neck to my jaw. A moan escapes my lips as I instinctively pull Adrian down on top of me, my body responding to his touch even before I'm fully awake.
Slowly, I open my eyes to find Adrian's silver gaze fixed on me, full of love and desire. "This is a big surprise," I murmur, my voice still husky with sleep. "Usually when I wake up, you're already gone."
Adrian's lips curve into a tender smile. "You won't have to complain about that anymore," he says softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
My heart swells at his words, filled with a warmth that spreads through my entire body. This feels like a new beginning for us, a shift in our relationship that goes beyond just the pregnancy.
<Gabriella's povIt's after 1 AM, and the house is pitch dark. I'm in my room, quietly putting on clothes. My heart's racing, but I'm determined. Tonight's the night I deal with Stella once and for all.As I'm zipping up my jacket, I hear the door open. I don't need to turn around to know it's Sebastian. He is the only one coming inside my room, Adrian wouldn't step foot in here to see if his woman and child is alright!"Where are you going?" he asks, his voice low.I don't even look at him. "None of your business," I snap.I grab my bag and head for the door, but Sebastian grabs my arm, stopping me. I try to pull away, but his grip is strong.
Daisy's PovThe moment we stepped back onto the Lockwood estate, I felt it - a shift in the air, an undercurrent of tension that set my maternal instincts on high alert. As a mother, I've always put my boys first, but now I found myself worrying about someone else entirely: Gabriella.Adrian's love for her had always been obvious, which made his recent behavior all the more puzzling. The way he treated her... it was as if she'd become a stranger in his own home. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.As the days passed, I started noticing things. Little details that didn't quite add up. Adrian's attention seemed to gravitate more toward Stella than his own girlfriend. It was subtle, but to a watchful eye like mine, it spoke volumes.
The day has been a whirlwind of emotions. This morning, I visited Lyra at the hospital, my heart heavy with worry for my still-unconscious best friend.Despite the circumstances, I couldn't help but imagine sharing my pregnancy news with her, picturing her excited reaction. The thought of her missing this important moment in my life brought tears to my eyes.Throughout the day, my phone has been buzzing with messages and calls from Adrian. Despite being swamped with work, he's made sure to check in on me regularly, his concern and excitement evident even through text. Each message brings a smile to my face, reminding me that I'm not alone in this.Now, as the afternoon sun slants through the windows, I'm getting ready to head to the clinic for my first prenatal visit. Ex
Adrian ushers the nurse out of the room so that we could have some privacy.Daisy smiles, a knowing look in her eyes. "Did you really think we wouldn't figure it out? The way you two look at each other, Adrian's sudden interest in Stella's appointments... It's clear as day."Mark nods, adding, "We've suspected for a while now. Today just confirmed it."I'm stunned into silence, my mind reeling. They know. They've known. And they... approve?Adrian wheels closer to me, taking my hand in a gesture of support. "Well," he says, his voice steady, "I suppose there's no point in denying it. Yes, Stella and I are together, and yes, this is our child."As we stand in the room, the tension is evident. Adrian's eyes narrow as he looks at his mother. "How much do you know?" he asks, his voice low and controlled.Daisy's eyes flick between Adrian and me before she responds, "It depends on how much Stella knows.""Stella knows everything," he
Three months later......I woke to the warmth of Adrian's body next to mine, a feeling I'd grown wonderfully accustomed to over the past three months. As my eyes fluttered open, I was greeted by his tender smile."Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, leaning in for a sweet kiss.I returned the kiss, savoring the moment. "Good morning, handsome."Adrian's hand gently caressed my swollen belly, now four months along. He shifted down the bed, his face level with my stomach."And good morning to you too, little one," he murmured, his voice full of love and wonder. "Today's a big day. We might find out if you're a boy or a girl."
The world seemed to stop. I felt the mug slip from my fingers, Daisy catching it just in time. My father? I looked at Daisy, seeing my own shock mirrored in her face.My father? I'd spent my entire life in an orphanage with Lyra, never knowing anything about my family."I... I don't understand," I stammered, looking from Anthony to Daisy and back again. "I grew up in an orphanage. I don't have any family."Anthony's expression crumpled slightly. "I know, and I'm so sorry for that. It's a long and complicated story, but I've been searching for you for years. I'd like to explain everything, if you're willing to listen."I sat there, frozen, a whirlwind of emotions running through me. All my life, I'd wondered about my
Adrian's grip on my hips tightens as the water continues to cascade over us. His voice, harsh and commanding, cuts through the steamy air. "You will not see your father again, Stella. Do you understand me?"Defiance rises within me. I refuse to be controlled like this. "You can't tell me what to do, Adrian," I snap, turning my head to glare at him over my shoulder.His eyes darken with a dangerous glint. "Is that so?" he murmurs, his tone icy. "It seems I need to teach you a lesson about obedience."Before I can react, he spins me around to face him, pressing me against the cool, tiled wall. His hands are firm on my wrists, pinning them above my head. The contrast of the hot water and the cold tiles sends a shiver down my spine."Adrian," I begin, but he cuts me off with a bruising kiss, his lips demanding and relentless. When he pulls back, his eyes bore into mine, filled with a possessive fury."You think you can defy me?" he growls, his voice low and menacing. "I'll make sure you u
As I descend the grand staircase, my cheeks flush warm with the memory of Adrian and me in the shower not long ago. The ghost of his touch lingers on my skin, and I have to take a deep breath to compose myself before entering the dining hall.Sebastian, Mark, Daisy, Gabriella, and Adrian are already seated as I approach the table. Just as I'm about to take my place, Gabriella lets out a sudden gasp."Oh!" she exclaims, her hands flying to her swollen belly. "The baby just kicked!"I watch, my heart sinking, as Adrian's face lights up. He moves quickly to Gabriella's side, placing his hand on her stomach. The smile that spreads across his face as he feels the movement twists something inside me."That's incredible," he murmurs, his eyes soft with wonder.I hate this. I hate seeing him so attentive to her, especially after what we just shared. The intimacy of our moment in the shower feels tainted now, and I struggle to push down the jealousy rising in my throat.Mark and Daisy flock to
Stella's Pov.I paced nervously outside the hospital room, my hands fidgeting with the hem of my jacket as the sounds of Gabriella’s labor echoed through the closed door. Adrian had gone in, of course. She’d asked for him to be there, to hold her hand while she brought their baby into the world. I bit the inside of my cheek, my mind racing. Gabriella had to have planned this. There’s no way she didn’t—having the baby now, just before Adrian and I were supposed to leave for the trip. She was always doing something to keep us apart.Such a bitch.I tried to shake off the thought, but it lingered, settling in like a bitter taste I couldn’t get rid of. I wanted to hate her for it. But more than anything, I hated how powerless I felt standing out here, waiting. Adrian’s going to be a father.A father.Pride swelled in my chest. I was happy for him&mdash
Sebastian's pov.I sat inside the room, checking my watch for the hundredth time. Any minute now, he'd arrive. Adrian's time had finally run out, and the Lockwood empire was about to change hands.A smirk played on my lips as I thought about Adrian, off on his business trip with Stella. How convenient. When he returns, he'll walk right into the shock of his life. Everything he thinks he owns will now be mine.My mind wandered to Gabriella, heavily pregnant with what Adrian believes is his child. Oh, brother, if only you knew. Soon, she'll be handing that baby over to me instead.I've always been jealous of my big brother, something that I'd never like to admit. How he'd always manage to be the favorite. Outperform m
I'm nestled comfortably in bed, propped up against a mountain of pillows, with Adrian's strong arm wrapped around me. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries fills the air, mingling with Adrian's cologne."Open up," Adrian says softly, holding a forkful of fluffy scrambled eggs to my lips. I oblige, savoring the taste and the intimacy of the moment.It's been four days since we arrived for this "business trip," though we've spent more time in this room than anywhere else. I can't help but smile, thinking about how attentive and loving Adrian has been. It's almost easy to forget the complications waiting for us back home."What's that smile for?" Adrian asks, his eyes twinkling with amusement.I lean into him, resting my head on his shoulder. "Just thinking about how perfect this is. How perfect you've been."Adrian kisses the top of my head. "You deserve to be pampered, my love. The three of you do," he adds, his free hand gently caressing my swollen belly.As if on cue, I fee
Gabriella's povI pace the length of my room, fury coursing through my veins. How dare he? How dare Adrian go on a two-week business trip with that homewrecker Stella while I'm seven months pregnant with his child? Our child. The audacity of it all makes me want to scream.My hand absently rubs my swollen belly as I try to calm myself. This stress can't be good for the baby, but I can't help it. Things cannot go on like this. I need to do something, and fast."Damn you, Sebastian," I mutter under my breath. His incompetence is infuriating. Instead of getting rid of Stella like he was supposed to, all he managed to do was come up with some half-baked scheme about a fake father.Useless. I should have known better tha
Stella's povI stir awake, my eyes fluttering open to the soft afternoon light filtering through the curtains. The first thing I see is Adrian's face, his silver eyes watching me with a tender expression that makes my heart skip a beat."Good afternoon, sleeping beauty," he murmurs, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from my face.I smile, nestling closer to him. "How long have you been awake?""Long enough to count every freckle on your nose," he teases, leaning in to place a soft kiss on the tip of my nose.I giggle, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him closer. Our lips meet in a gentle, lingering kiss that sends warmth spreading through my en
I watch Stella sleeping peacefully in my lap, I'm struck by a pang of guilt. I've been neglecting her, allowing Gabriella's manipulative tactics to come between us.When Stella uttered those horrifying words - that our relationship was over - it was like a bucket of cold water to the face. I knew then that I couldn't let her walk out of my life. Not without a fight. This trip to Italy is my chance to make things right.Two weeks to spoil her, to give her my undivided attention, to remind her how much she means to me. As we approach the airport, I gently wake her."We're here, baby girl," I murmur, brushing a strand of hair from her face.Her eyes flutter open, confusion giving way to excitement as she remembers where we're going. I settle into my wheelchair as we board my private jet, unable to take my eyes off her as she marvels at the luxurious interior."Wait," she stops before staring at me wide eye. "What about Lyra, what if they try to harm her while we're away?" She asks."Ther
Gabriella's face cycles through a range of emotions - shock, hurt, anger, and finally, a calculated blankness. Mark and Daisy exchange worried glances, clearly as taken aback as the rest of us.As for me, I'm frozen in place, my mind racing. A two-week trip to Italy? With Adrian? Away from all of this drama? It seems too good to be true.But as I catch Adrian's eye across the room, I see a glimmer of something - determination, perhaps? Or is it a promise of things to come?The shock of Adrian's announcement hangs in the air for a moment before Gabriella snaps out of her stupor. Her voice trembles with a mix of anger and desperation as she turns to Adrian."But I'm seven months pregnant, going on eight months!" she exclaims. "How am I supposed to cope alone?"Before Adrian can respond, Daisy steps forward, her voice calm and reassuring with a smile. "Mark and I will take very good care of you, Gabriella. You don't need to worry."Gabriella, however, isn't satisfied. Her next words make
As we pull up to the mansion, I can't help but blush, thinking about what transpired in that hospital room. The thrill of our encounter still lingers, but a part of me can't believe we actually did that.Adrian squeezes my hand reassuringly as we enter the foyer, but the moment is quickly shattered. Gabriella appears, practically launching herself at Adrian. She plants a kiss on his cheek, and I have to fight the urge to pull her away.But Gabriella's overzealous greeting isn't what catches my attention. The entire place is decorated lavishly - flowers, ribbons, and what looks like the setup for an elaborate celebration. In the background, I spot Mark and Daisy, their postures tense and uncomfortable.A sense of dread washes over me. What is this witch up to now?Gabriella turns to Adrian, her voice sickly sweet. "Your bed was so cold without you next to me this morning, darling and I've been calling you all day, where have you been baby?""I've been busy with work," Adrian lies.I gr
Adrian's eyes darken with intensity as he pulls me closer, his hands roaming over my back, sending shivers down my spine. The heat radiating off his body is almost evident.He leans in, his lips brushing against my neck, planting soft, lingering kisses that make my breath hitch. My hands find their way under his shirt, feeling the taut muscles of his abdomen. I push the fabric up, needing to feel more of his skin against mine.Adrian quickly discards his shirt, and I take a moment to admire the sight before me. He’s beautiful, every inch of him. His eyes never leave mine as he reaches for the buttons of my blouse, his fingers deft and sure. The fabric falls away, and his hands are on me again, caressing, exploring.“God, I’ve missed this,” he growls against my ear, his voice rough with desire. He cups my breast, his thumb brushing over my nipple through the thin lace of my bra, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to my core.I moan softly, arching into his touch. “Adrian...”His mouth