Clause 7 : on no account should children be brought into this contract, the result of which would have dire consequences.

Guess what Vivian Cross did?

Vivian Cross was once at the top of the society's scale until unfortunate events took place and she lost all that she had except one.

Desperate and in need of help, she lunges herself into an unexpected contractual loveless marriage with a man she once had the hots for but does true love really die?

And when things go awry and she is forced to pick between a life of luxury and a forbidden baby, what does she do when she realizes that the man she thought was just distant actually doesn't want her and to prove it, brings his first love back into the picture knowing fully well that it would hurt her beyond reasoning.

This game of cat and mouse, will it go on forever or will Nate Stuart finally realize that he had all that mattered in his home?

1

“Congratulations, Mrs. Stuart. You’re ten weeks pregnant,” the doctor announced, flashing me a genuine grin that reached her crinkling eyes.

Her words hit me like a bomb, a cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

Pregnant? How? This can’t be!

“I’m…carrying a child?” I stammered, the words heavy on my tongue. My heartbeat pounded so loudly I could hear it in my ears.

“In fact, the baby is in perfect condition,” The doctor confirmed, each syllable stretching out as if in slow motion. “Your husband must be proud.”

She closed the file with a satisfied nod, but her words blurred together.

Blood drained from my face, my hands turning cold as ice. The room spun slightly, and I gripped the edge of the examination table to steady myself.

All other sounds in the room faded into the background as one name rang out in my mind: Nate.

The smell of latex gloves and astringent hand sanitizer wafted through the air, making my stomach churn. Memories flashed back to the one night he came home drunk. Had I missed one or two pills? Even in his drunken state, I was certain he'd used protection…

How could I be so careless?

The door burst open, jolting me back to reality. Tracy rushed in, her worried gaze darting between me and the doctor.

“I came as soon as I could. What happened? Doc, is she alright?” Tracy’s voice was frantic as she hurried to my side, grabbing my hand for support. She looked back and forth, seeking answers, but the lump in my throat robbed me of my voice.

“She had a fainting spell, but it's normal during early pregnancy. She and the baby are fine,” the doctor said patiently, earning a gasp from Tracy, whose eyes widened as she surveyed me.

“Oh my God! Vivi? You’re pregnant! I-I’m so happy for you!” Tracy gave a broken laugh, her face lighting up with excitement. But her joy only made me feel worse.

She had no idea of my situation. She didn’t know that I couldn’t be carrying Nate’s child.

Not now. Not ever.

“Vivian! Do you realize what this means? You and Nate have been blessed with a do-over!” Tracy exclaimed, her happiness stark against the dark cloud looming over me.

“What better way to rekindle a marriage than with a baby!”

Tracy’s excitement filled the room, but all I could hear was the pounding of my own heart. I forced a smile, my mind screaming in silent protest as an image popped behind my eyes:

CLAUSE 7: On no account should children be brought into this contract, the result of which would have dire consequences.

“Nate would be so happy!” Tracy concluded, snapping me to reality.

Nate would be anything but happy. He was going to be furious!

“Let’s get you an Uber. I’m guessing you didn’t drive?” Tracy suggested. I nodded numbly as she left to arrange the ride. I rose from the bed, holding back my tears, and quietly letting myself out.

Just outside, I had barely crossed the threshold of the hospital room when I nearly bumped into someone.

“I am so sorry—” My words choked in my throat as cold eyes burned into my skull.

My eyes darted to the left, and my sorrow multiplied.

“Mr. Stuart?” I managed to say with more composure than I felt.

My husband!

Nate held her arm tightly, his body protecting hers in a way he never did for me. The woman gave me a dirty look as I forced a smile.

“Funny bumping into you here. What are you doing here?” I asked, keeping my voice despite the jealousy bubbling inside.

“Who are you to ask him that?” The woman beside Nate sharply asked. Her voice oozed confidence in its low, husky manner.

I turned, plastering the fakest smile on my face when my eyes met the woman’s, and I froze.

Shit!

Was that Eve?? The Gossip Queen from my first year in high school?

Seeing her perfect face that looks like it hadn’t aged a day was a massive punch in my guts.

Then self awareness followed. Unconsciously, I tilted my face away from her before she would recognize me.

It was important, to my fast dwindling self confidence and my marriage contract that she wouldn’t realize who I was.

My eyes trailed downwards, following the perfect way her hand slotted into Nate’s.

So the rumours were true—Nate had somehow reunited with his high school sweetheart who just happened to be my former classmate.

I stretched my lips further, wiping my shock and hurt as suddenly as I'd felt them.

Eve was Nate’s fiery first love in highschool, a relationship that had everyone talking. Their breakup had made even bigger waves, shrouded in silence so dense that all I ever heard were whispers. Now, office rumours painted their reunion as a timeless love story, leaving me feeling as though I was walking on eggshells with him.

“Forgive me. I’m his secretary. I was just visiting my mother," I said, feeling the need to explain my presence. I even extended a friendly hand for a handshake.

The dirty look Eve gave me was so condescending and insulting, I felt myself shrink in size. Luckily, she didn’t show any sign of recognizing me. Infact, calling myself Nate’s secretary was what had caught her attention instead.

She slapped my hand away like it was threatening her.

My eyes widened and they slid to Nate’s, foolishly waiting for something.

What had I been expecting? That he would reprimand her for being so rude?

“Nate, please, the doctor,” Eve pouted, ignoring me. Nate smiled slightly and kissed the top of her head. Without a word, he bypassed me, leading her away while my world dissipated into a charred mess.

Tears stung my eyes as I ran to the nearest bathroom, barely containing my emotions.

I was secretly pregnant and married, under the guise of another man’s name—a man who didn’t see me as a person with feelings.

The past few days suddenly made sense now, his cold demeanour, the late nights, that lipstick on his collar one time.

Eve was back and she was making it clear who Nate was in love with.

What chance did I have against a woman who had the keys to Nate’s heart? A woman so high and mighty that over the years, Nate had been spellbound with her, denying everyone else a space in his heart.

I let out a broken sob as my heart sank.

If I didn’t stand a chance, what chance did a forbidden child have?

I picked up my phone, dialled Tracy, and lied for the millionth time that Nate had come to pick me up and I was on my way home. My eyes were swollen and puffy from crying in the bathroom.

Leaving the hospital ward, I headed to a place all too familiar to me, one Nate didn’t know about and would never visit by accident. The warm smiles of the nurses greeted me, offering a small comfort as they escorted me through the sterile corridors to an unnoticeable room, my mother’s room.

Machines beeped rhythmically, a stark reminder of her fragile state.

As I entered, the smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils. There she lay, so still, her once vibrant face now pale and gaunt.

I sat beside her, gently taking her frail hand in mine. I lifted it to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her cool skin. “Mom,” I whispered, my voice breaking. Tears blurred my vision, but I held them back, refusing to let them fall in front of her, not as it would matter anyway since she was in a coma.

How pained would she be if she could see her daughter choking in sadness that she couldn't control. She would weep for me.

I remembered how she loved to play fairy god-mother with me, how we would stay awake under bed covers all through my highschool years, laughing and drawing up happy plans on how I would be so happy finding my own prince charming and when I fell in love with Nate, she teased me so much about bearing mini Nates and I knew even then, it was a match she loved.

Now, as I choked back sobs, I realized how she would react if she could see me—how she’d rather blind herself than see me cry or learn about the loveless, contractual marriage I’d trapped myself in. The joy we once shared at the thought of children now twisted into taboo in my marriage. And yet, I had broken the cardinal rule I knew Nate opposed fiercely.

I had fallen asleep by her bedside when my phone rang, startling me. My heart sank as I saw Nate’s name on the caller ID.

Did he know I was pregnant? Had he discovered my lies?

Trembling, I answered the call. "H-Hello?"

“My mother expects you for dinner in thirty minutes. Make yourself available. There should be a dress in your room. I trust you know the house we normally use for dinners?” he asked.

I nodded, then realized he couldn’t see me. “Yes, I do,” I said.

He gave a small grunt and ended the call, not mentioning a word about what had transpired between us at the ward.

I didn’t know whether to feel relieved or afraid. Nate may be a devil, but his mother was the worst kind. With this hidden news, I knew I was walking into a minefield.

2

VIVIAN’S POV

I forced myself to leave my comfort zone and kissed my mother on the head. It was time to perform my wifely duties, but as I crossed the threshold of the hospital’s entrance, my body shook.

This dinner was a trap, and I could feel every part of me begging me not to go. Not to allow Nate or his mother to discover the deadly secret I was harbouring.

As I contemplated calling a cab to avoid the dinner altogether, my eyes caught a familiar figure. The skies darkened abruptly, releasing heavy raindrops that soaked me within seconds, causing me to shiver uncontrollably.

“Hurry!” Ethan frantically motioned to me, but I remained frozen in place as the rain intensified.

Realizing I wasn’t going to move, he ran towards me, enveloping me in his arms while shielding us both with his umbrella. The warmth of his body comforted me instantly, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to lean into his embrace before pulling away. What was wrong with me? This was Nate’s younger brother.

He handed me the umbrella, guiding me towards his parked car. “If I didn’t know better,” he chuckled, opening the passenger door for me, “I’d say you were playing Little Mermaid in the rain.” He closed the door and moved to the driver’s side.

A smile tugged at my lips, appreciating Ethan’s kindness—a stark contrast to the Stuart family’s tradition of coldness.

Some apples just fell far from the tree.

Ethan settled into his seat with a sigh of satisfaction. “Nate’s house?” he asked, starting the engine as the heater kicked in.

I noticed Ethan’s slight shiver, drawing my attention to his wet clothes. Guilt washed over me instantly and he noticed placing a slightly cold hand on mine, making my attention rest on his eyes that bore no coldness.

“Your clothes--” I began.

“It’s nothing, Vivi,” he said affectionately, cutting me off. “We all have to be Eric sometimes, right?” He joked, continuing with the Little Mermaid reference, and I found myself laughing at the inside joke while muttering a thank you.

His hand lingered on mine longer than necessary before he withdrew it, clearing his throat and beginning to drive.

Ethan was kind and considerate, everything his brother wasn’t. Yet, a desperate part of me still longed for Nate’s touch and affectionate words, wishing that Ethan was Nate in that very moment.

Within minutes, dread settled in my soul as he pulled into the garage of Nate’s house. My belly coiled with barely restrained terror. My hands, cold and clammy, shook as I reached for the car door.

I could never be mentally prepared to face Judy, Nate’s mother.

A familiar hand rested on mine and I flinched, whipping my head to look Ethan square in the eye.

“Vivi,” he began, the air in the car suddenly holding weight.

His mouth opened before he hesitated.

“Vivi, I…” he trailed off, looking over my shoulder as his face turned to a mask of stone. I was about to ask if he was alright when my car door opened.

Nate stood there, a few inches from me, his face unreadable as he offered his hand towards me.

Ethan snatched his hand away from mine quicker than lightning.

I accepted Nate’s hand and I gasped at the right way he held my hand when I alighted.

“Thanks Ethan. You can see your way out, I’m sure,” Nate said stiffly and I frowned.

What was wrong with him?

I discreetly tried to tug my hand away but the grip was too strong.

Suddenly angry and hurt as the hospital scene played before my eyes, I snatched my hand stylishly from Nate’s grasp and bent my head to take a glimpse of Ethan whose face immediately curved into a smile.

“Thanks, Eric,” I lightly said and he gave a breathy laugh before he gave a curt nod to Nate who all but slammed the door. Ethan drove off quickly.

I turned to look at Nate when I realized the death grip on my hand was gone and so was Nate.

With no other choice, I dragged my feet towards the room that was always reserved for dinners and occasions with the Stuarts, confusion muddling my thoughts. What was the deal between Nate and his step-brother?

I opened the door and the first thing i noticed was the dress, the colour was sexy against the untouched bed, my breath came out in short waves as i walked to where it was, a stark reminder of my duties.

My hands trembled as I put it on, feeling it suffocating me and as I walked towards the dinner hall, my eyes caught the unwelcoming fleeting glances from the staff and the tension that settled in the air with my presence.

“Do you not know how to tell the time, Vivian?” Judy’s voice suddenly echoed harshly and my throat constricted, words failed me as I realized that I had arrived late and the table had already been set.

“Sit down before you bore us to death,” She spat and I found myself rushing towards the table where I found my plates empty while everybody else dug into their meal. A strong aroma of fish caught me by surprise and my stomach churned in agony.

“Don’t stand and stare, get a plate. Nobody serves you when you pick your own dinner time,” she said.

The moment I opened the buffet, bile rose to my throat faster than I could breathe and I moved quickly, not bothering to ask Judy for permission to be excused.

“For heaven’s sake, where are you going now?”I heard Judy echo harshly behind me.

She should be grateful I didn’t spew my stomach contents on her carpet.

I threw up into the sink, vomit and spasms rocking my body as I coughed violently, the nausea reducing while I started to grow pale, my body feeling weak all of a sudden.

“Fuck, not now” I managed to whisper to myself as my body trembled weakly.

The heart and knees were heavy, the secret was heavier but I knew that all I had to do was get through this dinner without hiccups and everything would be alright for a while.

I was on my way back to the dinning hall when I heard hushed whispers.

I stopped moving and strained my ears.

“Are you sure she isn’t pregnant?” Judy asked, her voice barely a whisper. My body froze in panic and I quickly cut in.

“No, I’m not pregnant,” I answered from where I stood, the lie tasting bitter. My voice was loud enough for Judy to realize that I had heard what she said.

“And why the hell not? Is it till hell freezes over?” she nearly screeched.

I was short on words, my throat tightened and sweat clamped down on my hands and my forehead, my palms turned to fists.

“You have been married to Nate for three years and yet all you do is move from one luxurious apartment to another, buy cars and dress in the latest clothing! If Nate won’t tell you, then I will! You are a barren and a useless woman and Nate should have picked someone else to carry on the family name, not someone who is only after her appearance!” she spat and the air in my lungs got knocked out of me, tears filled my eyes and it hurt from being in-shed.

“I should have my lawyers help Nate draft a divorce agreement, maybe you would be better off do--”

“Enough!” Nate shouted, cutting her off, pounding his hand against the dinner table as tears leaked from my eyes.

“Vivian has her reasons why she doesn’t want children and I accept her the way she is. She’s my wife. Don’t disrespect her, mother.” Nate warned.

My hands trembled as the irony of the truth that I held in my stomach weighed on me.

What would he do if he found out that I was pregnant and what would she do if she found out that it was actually Nate who didn’t want kids?

Somehow his attempt at standing up for me made me sadder.

The rest of the failed dinner passed by as a blur. By the end of the night, I was back to my apartment, which was sad because couples were expected to be together but not Nate and I. After that one night of drunken intimacy, he became distant enough to move me to another apartment under a lease that felt as cold and loveless as our fading relationship.

A chill crept up my spine as I sat down, the room spinning slightly around me. I glanced at the thermometer: 120 degrees.

I had a fever. Great!

Exhausted, I collapsed onto my bed, letting the darkness cradle me as I drifted into sleep.

In the grip of a vivid dream, I found myself in a sunlit room filled with laughter. My mother was there, looking healthier than I had seen her in years. Beside me, a small cradle rocked softly, the rhythm syncing with the heartbeat of the child within me. I almost cried out of happiness.

But the scene darkened abruptly. The light dimmed, and the gentle rocking of the cradle stilled. I turned to find my mother’s chair now empty, the hum of her life support machine replaced by a haunting stillness. The once reassuring heartbeat of my child now felt distant. A figure whose touch had once brought warmth, now turned away, his silhouette receding into the darkness. Nate…?

I woke up with a gasp, drenched in cold sweat.

My heart was pounding as I stumbled into the dark living room. Flicking on the light, I grabbed a glass of water.

All of a sudden, fear coursed through me as Nate stood up from my couch, his eyes holding a mixture of anger and something else.

“Oh F…”

My throat was suddenly dry and my body went limp as he looked at me colder than ever.

“We have to talk,” he said and my body went into an automatic defence.

My heart was hammered. He had no right to be here, not now, especially not with the baby's secret hanging in the air like a thick fog.

“What are you doing here?” I managed to ask, my voice tinged with panic and rising anger.

“I own this building or did you also forget that?” he asked, and started to pace.

Nate was furious. Why? I didn’t know. Maybe Eve had done something to piss him off. Either way, I didn’t have his energy.

“It’s late, what is this about?” I asked him, my voice falling flat.

“You’ve got guts, Vivian,” he snapped. “My brother isn’t as simple as you think. He’s no Prince Eric. You don’t know him like I do. Jumping ship now is quite stupid, don’t you think?” His words were like daggers, his accusations making me feel both stupefied and confused.

“I saw you guys!” He declared.

“What?”

“He dropped you at the house and you were late to dinner. You are never late to dinner, so what business do you have with my younger brother?”

Shock clamped my lips shut.

“Aren’t you too old for him? Do you like your fun that way?” he sneered and my anger increased but my lips remained shut.

I watched my silence anger him further.

Nate closed the distance between us, his presence imposing yet strangely magnetic. As he leaned in, his breath was a warm whisper against my ear, his hand grazing my neck to press me back against the wall. The slow, deliberate slide of his other hand from my shoulder down to grasp mine sent a wave of unexpected warmth through me, our bodies nearly touching, the faint brush of fabric between us the only barrier.

I saw his eyes darken, my throat went dry, desire ripping me apart as my breathing changed from slow to fast, there was a build in the air, something drawing us close before he pushed himself out of my grasp.

His scent engulfed me and tears sprung to my eyes. This was too much.

“I own you and the house you are standing in, I own everything you have” he said menacingly and I scoffed.

“Congratulations to that but I don’t have to explain anything to you, Nate. Ethan was doing what you were too busy to do. He was there! Unlike you, rubbing hands with a woman who you can’t get over!” I spat and his eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.

“You own the house, you own my clothes, you even own me, is that why she is back into your life? The woman who left you for nothing like the gold digger she is or has your little contracted wife bore you out?” I spat and his eyes hardened.

“Don’t you dare.” he said slowly and anger welled up inside of me.

“No! Don’t you dare!”

The fever made me bold.

“How dare you come into my apartment and then accuse me of what exactly? Ethan and I are friends, which is worth more than what you and I can ever become.” I spat.

“Now, leave.” I ordered and Nate scoffed and stormed out of my apartment.

I breathed a shaky sigh of relief and held on to the wall for support as my hands brushed my flat abdomen, the chaos inside of me breathing life.

I clutched my stomach lovingly as I realized the one thing that Nate could not own.

This baby was mine and I would keep it, whatever the consequences which I feared would be far more terrible than ever.

My phone beeped on the sofa beside me. Drowsily, I picked it up.

My eyes widened in fear as I read the message on it before I collapsed into the chair.

3

Vivian’s POV

“Your mother’s condition is worse. We need to transfer her to a higher care room.”

That message consumed my thoughts throughout the night. Despite the hospital's reassurance that my mother was stable, worry gnawed at me, especially considering the high cost of advanced care.

As Nate’s wife, I could easily cover it now, but what if that changed? My hand instinctively went to my belly.

Nate and I had been avoiding each other since our last encounter. It didn’t bother me much; we were never cheerful buddies before, and even though we worked at the same place, I could easily evade him as I was his secretary.

I placed my hands on my head. The office was unusually noisy today, or maybe I was just easily irritated, secretly pregnant and reeling from a text that threatened my fragile sense of security.

My eyes glanced at the stack of colour coded folders that contained my data preparation for tomorrow’s presentation with the board, I just needed to make a few adjustments and I was good to go.

"Sleeping on the job?" A voice I instantly recognized made me snap my head up.

Her eyes held disgust, and her hands clutched a luxury bag that matched her red nail polish. That’s Eve.

Normally, her sexy appearance would fill me with jealousy and uncertainty, but today, I was deeply irritated.

This was Nate’s place of work. What was she even doing here? I looked around, and the office gossip was already whispering to each other.

"Buzz me in. Nate is expecting me," she said dryly, glaring at me.

"Are you deaf?" she snapped when I didn't respond immediately. I sighed with annoyance.

As Nate’s secretary, I knew when he had appointments and when one of his lovers was faking an appointment to gain access to him.

"I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Stuart's appointments were cancelled due to an impromptu meeting. You’ll need to schedule a real appointment, ma'am," I coldly said while trying to maintain composure as professionally as I could, hearing snickers of laughter from the office.

"Don't be stupid. What do you take me for, huh?" she hissed, and my own anger boiled with every minute she stood there. Normally, I was great at controlling my emotions, but I was pregnant.

Suddenly, she corked her head to the left as she squinted at me, her eyes finally taking me in and something about the way her eyes finally widened in shock made me feel that something had changed.

“Wait. Don't I know you?” she asked, her voice carrying an air of mockery and I swallowed while my body froze and she suddenly gave a sharp unwelcoming laugh.

“Vivi the delulu dropout?” she loudly asked and I wanted to shrink into my shell.

It has been so long since anybody from highschool called me that name, Nate didn’t even use that in our petty quarrels. The office deteriorated into harsh whispers and the seat I occupied burned through me.

I shook my head, refusing to allow her words get to me and looked at her square in the face, my confidence and previous irritation disappearing.

"Mr. Stuart is in a business meeting, and I cannot let you see him," I said, my voice faltering as I finished. Eve scoffed, placing her hand on her stomach before leaning in dramatically.

“We can do this, the easy way or the hard way. It's not as if you are valuable to him or the company. Don’t act all righteous okay? I already told you he was expecting me. Just stop pretending that you enjoy what you’re doing.” she sneered.

I frowned, the urge to grab a handful of her hair growing stronger with each word. The irritation was nearly unbearable, but instead of lashing out, I gave her the silent treatment. I could see the effect immediately—she leaned back, her eyes narrowing to slits, clearly hating my lack of response.

"You’ll regret this after Nate hears of your little stunt," she threatened and left.

My co-workers whispered, but their words were drowned out by my own thoughts and I tried to stop myself from falling victim to tears triggered by a gold digger’s words.

I was finally done with work and started gathering my things when I noticed Eve in the distance, her hands on her luxury bag as she appeared to be waiting for someone. I already knew who it was and I badly wanted to roll my eyes at her attitude.

“Vivian?” The sound of Nate’s voice made me whip my head around in shock. He stood by his office door, his suit tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders and muscular arms.

For a moment, I felt my heart racing faster and cursed the pregnancy hormones.

“A word?” he asked politely.

I looked at Eve who looked out of it and I glanced back at Nate who gave a nod into his office and then walked away, holding the door out for me.

Ignoring Eve, I hurried towards his office.

“Tomorrow is the presentation,” he reminded, his lean frame relaxed as he placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and rolled up his sleeves, exposing his veiny arms.

“Yes, I know,” I replied, trying to stay focused. “I have the data you gave me yesterday. It’s all in my bag.”

“Good,I know you’ll do great,” he said, his voice softer now, “I trust you.”

What’s that? His words seemed to carry an…unspoken apology?

I nodded curtly, trying to ignore the awkwardness from our recent quarrel that still hung between us.

“Thank you. If there’s nothing else, I’ll go.”

Nate’s expression shifted, a hint of irritation flashing across his face, but he quickly masked it. He opened his mouth as if to say something more, then closed it, clearly holding back.

“Alright then,” he said finally, his eyes returning to the desk—a signal that our conversation was over.

Outside, Eve was already at the door, her lips curved into a smile that I could only term as evil.

“You’ll see me tomorrow, good luck.” she whispered as she walked past me, shutting the door with a bang. The sound felt ominous, but not as much as Nate’s words lingered in my mind.

I trust you… The irony of the three words when I saw him with Eve a few days ago and we had our confrontation the same day… Did he even know what the word really meant? Or was I overthinking things?

I sighed, heading home, my mind preoccupied with the upcoming presentation. It wasn’t until I arrived home that I noticed my bag had been slightly open, a detail that slipped my mind in the day’s chaos.

4

VIVIAN’S POV

“This next slide shows the quarterly growth projections…” I suddenly faltered, my words catching in my throat as I prepared to transition to the final slide.

Something was off.

The numbers didn’t match the data I had meticulously prepared.

How could that happen? A chill ran down my spine. This meeting was crucial. I can only force myself to keep going, hoping no one else would notice.

“Excuse me,” Eve’s voice suddenly cut through the room, “But aren’t those numbers wrong?” She announced loudly, her tone dripping with malice.

When she whispered to me yesterday, I never believed that Nate could give her an acute position in the company until I saw Eve in the same boardroom with me. But that wasn’t the most pressing issue right now.

Heads turned, and a murmur spread through the room. My heart raced as the board members’ eyes fixated on the screen.

“What is the meaning of this, Nate? Do you allow substandard employees to deliver presentations with incorrect data and then admit their incompetence outright? Is this some kind of joke?” one board member demanded, his voice heavy with accusation.

Panic surged within me as I fumbled through the color-coded folders, “This is not my data, let me jus—”

“What are you searching for, Hun? Evidence of your failure or just your sense of bearing?” Eve’s voice was sharp and mocking.

“This is nonsense!” another board member barked.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Nate stepped, his voice cold and calm, immediately commanding attention. Everyone turned to him silently. “I apologize for this unexpected issue. We will take a short break to resolve the data discrepancy and ensure you have the correct information.”

“Let’s have drinks and refresh, everything is on me”

Nate finished with a fake cherry attitude, saving the day but making no eye contact with me at all.

Then a new form of dread settled in my soul.

“In my office. Now,” he said it so slowly, pinning me with the weight of his cold glare.

I trailed behind him, the tension thick in the air, whispers swirling in the wake of our failed presentation.

I'm sure I prepared the right data and double-checked everything before today’s presentation. The data must have been changed, but how?

Nate ushered me into his office, locking the door behind us with a sharp click. I stood before him, head bowed, feeling the weight of his disappointment like a physical blow.

“You were supposed to handle this, Vivian, you let me down,” his bitter voice cut deeper as I struggled to maintain composure.

“I don’t know how it happened,” I answered, my mind in confusion. “I never make mistakes and you know this.''

Nate dragged his tie, exposing the tip of his chest as he began to pace.

“And even if I did, it wouldn't be something this careless,” I said, my voice gathering as my mind circled on all the events that led to the presentation, suddenly I gasped.

Wait a second! Could it be…

“I was framed! Nate,” Recalling the details yesterday, and Eve’s strange attitude in the meeting, something became more clear, “Do you remember yesterday Eve came to the office? Then I found my bag open…”

“Enough.” Nate’s voice boomed, cutting through my explanation.

“Can’t you stop being that conceited? Are you not tired of refusing to accept the consequences of your own actions? Blaming others for your own ill-preparedness is pathetic. You failed, Vivian. Own it.”

I flinched, a coldness spread in my chest.

“You think I did this? On purpose?” I asked in anger, lacing my words.

“The evidence speaks more, don't you think?” he replied, pouring himself a drink and I scoffed in anger.

This was totally him!

“Well I didn’t see any evidence! ” I shot back, my voice bold and unmasking my anger at his obvious betrayal. How could he not believe me!

A knock sounded interrupted the tense silence between us.

Ethan walked in. I struggled to hold back tears as he looked at me.

Nate’s brow furrowed as he addressed his step-brother, “What are you doing here?”

“My staff informed me the meeting's in limbo. Why is there so much tension?”

“You should see how she made that silly mistake, Ethan,” Nate scoffed.

Ignoring the heated glares that Nate and I passed across each other, Ethan interjected, “Let’s not jump to conclusions brother. I found this on my way,” he said,

It’s a broken CCTV camera. I recognized it as the one positioned close to my secretary desk and I wasn’t anywhere close to my desk today because of the presentation!

“I think something went wrong, Nate,” Ethan said carefullyI arched an eyebrow at Nate, silently challenging him. Even Ethan could see the connection!

But instead of acknowledging this new evidence, Nate took a long swig of his drink, his eyes darting between Ethan and me.

Ethan pressed on, “Nate, Vivi has no reason to intentionally sabotage the presentation. All of this was set up.”

Nate brought his glass heavily against his glass table, startling me.

“I know what you’re implying” he snarled, “Saying she was framed or that Eve had something to do with it or was even near you is a stupid thing to even say!”

Seriously?

“You failed, Vivian. Own it instead of blaming innocent people or grasping at coincidences,” Nate spat.

Ethan frowned, “You don’t have to say that Nate.”

“No I don’t. Do you know what else I don’t need?” Nate’s eyes narrowed as he turned to me, a cold smile playing on his lips.

“Your presence, Vivian”

“Your duties will be transferred to a temp for a month. Now get out.”

My eyes widened at his judgement.I looked up sharply, but the icy indifference in his eyes crushed my remaining pride. All of a sudden, I feel nothing to say.

Even faced with the truth, Nate, my own husband, still chose Eve.

As I turned to leave, Eve stood at the door, a knowing smirk twisting her features. The final, cruel punctuation to my humiliation.

I moved quickly away from his office and cleared my desk, angry tears stinging my eyes as I moved to the garage where I planned to drive home.

I struggled for deep breaths but the more I tried to take in air, the more my stomach hurt and soon the pain intensified.

I was a few paces away from my car but my body knew something was wrong, my skin was suddenly clammy and pale, the pain was tearing through me and fast.

My breaths were ragged now and in a split minute i knew i wouldn't be able to drive, I needed help! I mustered up strength and dug my hand into my bag to find my phone quickly, I called Tracy but her phone went straight to voicemail “ I need you, pleas—” my voice cut as the pain cut through me again, the phone falling on the ground and a pained groan escaping my lips as i bent over, my bag falling to the ground files spreading out in chaos as strange hands suddenly touched my shoulders.

“Vivian! Are you ok?” worry etched on Ethan’s face.

I opened my mouth to lie but the next wave of pain knocked the breath out of my lungs, “Ethan, I —” i was about to speak when suddenly i felt something trail down my legs and my eyes caught the trail.

Ethan gasped in horror as he followed my line of sight to find that i was bleeding, the air was knocked out of me as he suddenly swinged me over his hands, carrying me like a bride.

I tried to clutch onto his neck for support but i had no more strength, the world spun and I blacked out.

I woke up later to find Ethan and the doctor in my hospital room. I tried to sit up, drawing their immediate attention as the doctor came towards me and helped me sit up.

“Nothing to worry about, Mrs Stuart. I told your husband that you and the baby were fine” the doctor said and my eyes widened with shock, the doctor nodded her head and left the room and an unwanted wave of shame washed over me as Ethan came close to me.

I gave a small laugh “She thought you were Nate, sorry about that” i said, trying to feel less of the shame that was viciously tearing through me.

“Has he always been an asshole, to you?” Ethan asked me ignoring my early joke , a lie trying to form in my mind but he placed a hand on mine, letting it rest there.

“Why are you still with him?” he asked me, surprising me and I snatched my hand away from him.

I swallowed hard, my mind racing. "You can't tell him, Ethan. This baby is mine." I whispered, my eyes pleading with him to keep my secret.

“Wait,” he started looking confused “Nate doesn't know?” he asked and i suddenly realized that i had released a can of worms, he stood up abruptly refusing to meet my eyes as i swallowed huge lumps of saliva.

My silence made him scoff —

“Why doesn't he know, Vivian?” he turned around and looked at me square in the face, my mouth was dry and i was at a loss for words. What was I supposed to say? Even though he was my brother in law, I was still under contract.

“Does he hit you?” he suddenly asked, his eyes wide with shock and anger lacing his voice, my eyes widened and I shook my head trying to stop whatever this was but Ethan was pacing now, a trait I was realising he shared with his brother.

“I swear it, Vivian, if he put you in this hospital, I am going to make Nate Pay.” he growl through gritted teeth and a crash followed, making our heads turn in shock.

Tracy stood at the doorway, her phone on the floor and her hands trembling. Her eyes were wide and glazed, taking in the scene before her. "“Nate…did this?” she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of confusion and anger.

Ethan turned to face her, his expression a storm of emotions while my heart beat twice as fast, he opened his lips to speak and everything happened in slow motion and I knew that this was the moment, my carefully curated world of lies came undone.

5

VIVIAN’S POV

I looked at Ethan and tried to beg him with my eyes, but he refused to look at me.

“Vivi was just saying that she was—” Ethan started to say, and he finally looked at me. I held his gaze, pleading for secrecy.

“What is going on? Vivi, why are you in the hospital? Did Nate do something to you? Is that why you called me?” Tracy’s eyes darted between Ethan and me, the atmosphere thick with tension. Her questions made my heart race.

“—Due for an ultrasound. I was just saying how happy I was for her and how I was going to rip Nate to shreds for picking a crappy hospital,” Ethan improvised, and the tension in the room dissipated.

“Oh?” Tracy asked, a smile forming on her face as she walked towards me, her hands gently cradling my neck. “In that case, we should all rip Nate Stuart to shreds for his crappy taste in hospitals,” she said with a light smile.

Ethan cleared his throat. “I believe I am no longer needed. Take care of Vivian; she deserves only the best,” he said, still not looking at me. He gave a nod and left in angry strides. As he walked away, I could see the conflict in his eyes. A part of me hoped he wouldn't go through with his anger, that he would let things be.

Tracy turned her attention back to me, her smile fading slightly as she sensed the lingering tension. "Vivian, is everything really okay?"

I forced a smile, trying to reassure her. "Yes, Tracy, everything is fine. Thank you for coming."

She nodded, still unconvinced, but didn't press further. My thoughts, however, were with Ethan, hoping he wouldn't let his protective instincts lead to something he might regret.

Later that evening, While Tracy was signing a discharge form with the doctor, Ethan returned. He stood at the doorway for a moment before approaching my bed. His earlier anger had faded, replaced by a soft concern and the smile I knew him for.

"Vivian," he started quietly, "I hope you're feeling better?"

I nodded, my emotions mixed. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything."

He hesitated, then took a seat beside me. "I wanted to say... I'm sorry if I made things more complicated earlier. I just—" he paused, searching for the right words. "I don't like seeing you hurt."

His words were simple, but they carried the weight of his sincerity. I reached out and touched his hand briefly, a silent acknowledgment of his apology.

"It's okay, Ethan. I understand."

He nodded, the tension between us easing. "If you need anything, just let me know. I'm here for you."

"Thank you," I whispered, grateful for his support. As he left, I felt a sense of relief, knowing that despite the turmoil, there was someone I could rely on.

Tracy picked me up from the hospital and tried to ask me questions but I continued my lie, telling her that Nate had travelled and the house was lonely and she gave me the ultimate princess treatment which gave me time to distract myself until the next day when she practically begged me to go baby shopping as she was more than happy to help and I had no other choice.

We arrived at the boutique, filled with classy baby outfits that called out to me. Despite Nate’s betrayal, I needed a distraction.

“This one is so cute!” Tracy’s contagious optimism echoed as she handed me a set of clothes. I touched the soft fabric, imagining it keeping my baby warm. Suddenly, reality hit me—I was going to be a mother.

Terrified yet excited, I anticipated having someone precious to care for and love.

As Tracy brought more items, I continued touching them, my hands brushing my belly affectionately. My baby needed to know I would always be there no matter what happens.

High school memories flooded my mind— carefree days filled with thoughts of Nate Stuart.

I had a terrible crush on him, but my father’s accident and our bankruptcy changed everything. Years later, Nate’s grandfather orchestrated our marriage, yet our love remained one-sided.

I was in love with him but he didn't even see me as a person.

The reality of it now and how much I had been living in delusions burned like hot coal.

“It’s too bright and that color is too dull!” a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

Wait.. I knew that voice.

The reason for our outing was forgotten as I followed the sound.

I felt bad for leaving my best friend alone wandering around the clothes section by herself helping me pick more outfits but my head was drawing conclusions my heart could not accept.

“Look at those striped socks!” Eve’s unnecessarily loud voice pierced my ears.

What was she doing here? In a baby shop!

“What if the baby is a girl?” I heard her ask in a teasing voice. An aisle separated us and I begged whatever force out there for what I was thinking to be a lie.

I peeked behind the aisle.

Eve was admiring baby socks, her back turned to me.

Maybe she came here alone.

It was a foolish thought because I heard another voice. Deep, low and masculine with an accent I would recognize anywhere.

“What if it’s a boy?” Nate teased back.

Nate?!

The sting of Nate’s betrayal pierced my heart and I physically staggered. My fingers tightened around the soft fabric of a tiny onesie on the shelf, wrinkling it as I struggled to steady my breath, my eyes unable to stop looking at them.

“Both of you look so adorable!” a salesgirl gushed and typical Eve smiled broader than ever while placing her fingers on Nate’s chest.

A surge of jealousy pricked my skin, my nails digging into my palms. Nate would barely touch me, yet here he was, so affectionate with her.

“So will our baby,” she said with affection and Nate’s hand caressed her stomach and I struggled to breathe.

This couldn't be happening.

It couldn't be real!

Tracy found me crouched in a small space, straining to hide and watch them, my eyes burning with emotions and I could tell she was pissed that I'd wandered off.

“What are you doing here, hiding? This is a store, not a playground,” Tracy playfully scolded. I ignored her. With no other option, she joined me in hiding. When she saw what had captured my attention, she gasped, sharing my ordeal.

He said didn’t want children, and we had the contract to prove it but in actuality, he didn't want kids with me!

Yet, my body betrayed me, carrying his child against his wishes.

My chest tightened as I watched Nate laugh and kiss Eve, their closeness a knife twisting deeper into my heart.

It was ironic how he flared up when Ethan had dropped me off, yet he was okay with this public display.

Tears welled in my eyes, blurring my vision as I bit my lip to stop them from falling. My fists tightened, growing white. Tracy placed her hand on mine, offering me temporary solace.

Why had I entered such a loveless arrangement? For my family’s sake? For love?

Wanting something I could never have was pathetic, but it hurt ten times more to be like this. I watched them move away and I released a sigh.

Like a mouse, I crept out of hiding, brushing imaginary dust from my skin as I prepared to leave the store, now aware of my long standing foolishness.

Wearing Nate’s family heirloom wedding band had once filled me with hope. Now, I knew better—a wedding band didn’t stop me from being a side piece, or worse, the other woman.

Nate, with his faux coldness and his stupid contract had deceived me. The realisation twisted my belly but then, the greatest deceiver was myself.

I turned to leave, my faith and trust in Nate shattered, leaving my unrequited love growing into something cold and ugly.

“Wait!” Tracy’s sudden demand confused me until I pieced together what had happened.

“Seeing that raises valid questions, Vivi? What’s really going on with you and Nate? No responsible man would do that,” Tracy insisted.

I bit my tongue, deciding to reveal everything, knowing I was about to break my best friend’s trust.

Tracy had been friends with me since I left high school early. We went to college together, and she was a beacon of hope every time I went through a dark tunnel. I bit my lip harder, drawing blood as the very thought of breaking her trust over a contract seemed stupid to me.

Her eyes shifted, her hands clamping down on mine almost immediately. “I promise, there is nothing you want to say that would make me see you less. I understand, and you are my best friend,” she said, and the guilt doubled until I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

Tracy looked at me expectantly, and I tried not to cry. She didn’t deserve to be lied to. So, I told her everything, leaving her speechless and somewhat angry, but I soon realised she was angry on my behalf, and I was grateful for that.

“Does he know?” Tracy asked, concern etched on her face. Her brows knitted, showing more than just concern—it was anger.

I shook my head. “Nate doesn’t know anything. I’ve been keeping my pregnancy a secret,” I admitted. Tracy’s puzzled expression changed to shock and anger. She tried to hold me, but it was too late.

“Pregnancy? You’re having a baby?” A baritone voice shattered the calm.

Nate’s strong, unforgiving voice exposed my deepest secret.

How had I not noticed we’d been standing near the front desk where Nate would eventually pass by?

Fear gripped me until Tracy stepped forward, shielding me. But even her bravery couldn’t mask the terror I felt immediately.

“Explain yourself,” Nate said harshly, and I found breathing hard to do.