Chapter 5

Brielle kept wringing her hands, trying to calm her nerves. She lay on the hospital bed, waiting for Edward to return from speaking with the doctor.

As soon as Edward entered the room, Brielle sat up immediately. “How’s my baby?” Her eyes were glassy as he stood next to her.

“The baby’s fine.”

Brielle let out a relieved sigh, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. “Thank God.” She gently rubbed her belly.

“I want to ask you something. And I want the truth,” Edward said seriously.

“What is it?” Brielle frowned, confused. Her heart suddenly pounded without reason.

Edward pulled something out of his suit pocket and held it up for her to see.

Brielle’s eyes widened. “That’s my necklace! Where did you get that?” She instinctively reached for it, but Edward quickly pulled the sapphire necklace away.

“Is that my child?”

Brielle’s heart nearly stopped. “What are you talking about? Don’t be ridiculous. That can’t be your baby—we don’t even know each other.”

“You’re lying. I know your scent. And the birthmark on your neck. How could you forget that night?” Edward sounded deeply disappointed. So it had meant nothing to her—what he thought was special and unforgettable.

Brielle froze as fragments of that night started flashing through her mind. After catching her ex-fiancé cheating on her, she had drowned herself in alcohol, trying to numb the pain.

She vaguely remembered a man touching her with gentle affection, undressing her slowly. She had tried to resist, but her body gave in.

When she woke up naked, regret hit her hard. She had fled before the man lying beside her could wake up.

She never saw his face. She’d been too shocked, too scared. And she’d realized her necklace was gone.

Which meant—the baby she was carrying was Edward’s. Mikaela’s fiancé.

How could this happen?

“You’ve got the wrong person. That woman wasn’t me.” Brielle turned her head away, trying to hide her anxiety. This was bad. How could she have slept with Edward?

‘No, it can’t be him.’ Guilt consumed her. She didn’t want to destroy the happiness of the person who had given her so much. Thanks to Mikaela, she had been reunited with her mother and felt the warmth of family again.

“That’s too bad. Guess this necklace doesn’t belong to you after all.” Edward tucked it back into his pocket, intending to use it as leverage.

“Give it back! That’s mine!” she snapped.

“No chance.” Edward smirked to himself, joy surging through him. He had finally found the woman he’d been thinking about all this time—his first love.

Suddenly, the door swung open. Mikaela and Marie rushed in, their faces filled with worry.

“How are you, sweetheart? Are you okay?” Marie went straight to her daughter’s side, her beautiful face etched with concern. Mikaela looked just as anxious.

“What happened, Edward? Why did Brielle end up in the hospital?” Mikaela asked in a panic. “Is the baby alright?”

Edward stayed silent, guilt creeping in. He had betrayed Mikaela—with her own stepsister. And now Brielle was pregnant with his child.

“Baby?” Marie looked stunned. “What do you mean, Mikaela?”

Oh no—Mikaela had forgotten to tell Marie the good news.

“Brielle’s preg—”

“I’m fine, Mom,” Brielle quickly cut her off before Mikaela could finish. “Mikaela just misspoke. I’m not pregnant.”

“Why are you lying to your mother, Brielle? Isn’t this happy news?” Mikaela asked, confused.

Oh, shit. Why couldn’t Mikaela just play along? Brielle tensed as Edward stared at her intensely, as if demanding an explanation. The room filled with awkward silence.

Brielle couldn’t answer. She was too overwhelmed. If Edward really was the father... it would be a disaster.

Not long after, Grandma and Eric arrived, both looking equally worried.

“How are you, dear? Are you alright?” Eric asked with concern. “We were so shocked when Edward said you were in the hospital.” He already thought of Brielle as his own daughter.

“I’m okay.”

Eric sighed in relief and smiled at Edward. “Thank you for helping my daughter, son.”

“Did you just find out she’s pregnant, too?” Edward asked flatly.

“Brielle’s pregnant?!” Eric looked stunned. “Is that true? Why didn’t you tell me? That’s wonderful news!”

“No—it’s not true. I’m not pregnant.” Brielle was starting to sweat.

“Stop lying,” Edward said sharply. “The doctor confirmed it. Now tell me, who’s the father?”

Everyone in the room—Grandma Maya, Eric, Mikaela, and Marie—looked at Edward with shocked expressions, confused by his demanding tone.

“Why are you yelling at her, Edward?! She’s not well!” Grandma scolded.

Edward exhaled deeply, trying to rein in his anger. He’d forgotten he was surrounded by his fiancée’s family.

“She’s right. Who’s the father, Brielle? Why didn’t you tell me you were already married?” Eric asked gently.

“I… I…” Brielle stammered. How could she explain?

“Is it your ex-boyfriend’s baby?” Marie asked, seeing how distressed Brielle looked. “If that’s the case, then he has to take responsibility.”

Brielle stayed quiet. She wished she could disappear. All the questions made her cramps worse.

“Answer Mommy, Brielle,” Marie urged.

“Y-yes. It’s my ex’s child—the one who cheated on me with my stepsister.” Brielle’s voice trembled as she tried not to cry. “I’m sorry I kept it from you. I didn’t want to burden any of you with my problems.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks despite her efforts to hold them back.

“Oh, sweetheart. Don’t cry.” Grandma approached her and wrapped her in a comforting hug. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll find someone better than that man—someone who’ll be a good father and a good husband to you.”

Brielle smiled through her tears, touched. “Thank you, Grandma.”

Edward didn’t believe a word of it. He was certain the baby was his—he had taken her virginity. He needed to prove it.

He walked out of the room, frustration boiling in his chest. Mikaela followed when she saw how tense he looked.

“Edward, wait.”

But he quickened his pace, trying to get away. He needed time alone, to clear his mind.

“Edward!” Mikaela finally caught his arm.

“What?!” Edward snapped, roughly pulling his arm away.

Mikaela flinched. It was the first time he had ever yelled at her. Her eyes filled with tears, her heart shattering.

“I’m sorry,” Edward said coldly. “I just don’t want to be bothered right now. Sorry.” He walked away, leaving Mikaela behind, ignoring her feelings. He never wanted to hurt her, but this was the only way. If she would just cancel the wedding herself...

He hated the idea of marriage. Ever since childhood, he’d watched his father cheat on his mother—forced into a loveless marriage through an arranged deal. His mother had spiraled into depression and eventually died. He feared becoming the same kind of husband.

And now, he loved Brielle—the woman who had made him feel something again, something real and warm.

He got into his car and drove to his office, his heart tangled in chaos.