FIVE WEEKS LATER: EARLY MORNING

Nadia's POV

It had been a while since my daring encounter with Julian; that day I had rushed out naked into a nearby room to get myself covered in a random shirt; we hadn't crossed paths since then.

Life had not been easy, the pressure from the twins' parents was unbearable. I was supposed to give my answer last week, but I had to plead for a week more.

I have given it a thorough thought, intending to pick Jeff despite Nicole's threats; after all, he is the one who is willing to be with me.

I have no idea why I feel heartbroken each time I wonder about Julian's nonchalant attitude towards the matchmaking.

The wedding preparations are already set, rumors about one of the twins tying the knot with the Wellington's heiress were the headlines of hundreds of news websites in Luxembourg.

The worst part was that tomorrow is the wedding. Yeah, quite suspicious.

I was supposed to give my answer this morning before going for the official wedding photoshoot later, but I woke up to vomit and at the same time, my body temperature was abnormal.

I have noticed the unusual symptoms since yesterday. Now I couldn't bear to disappoint everyone and had decided to resolve my health issues very early in the morning.

Seated here in one of the wards, I nervously tapped my legs on the marble floor, waiting for my medications and test results and, at the same time, fabricating what to say to the Blackwoods when I get back because the day was getting brighter.

I exhaled in relief when a Nurse walked in, flashing her teeth like she received a raise in her pay. "Congratulations ma'am. You are pregnant" She shakes her head reassuringly.

I felt like I had been knocked out of breath by the news. I gulped, the word "pregnant" drummed in my ears, taunting me like a cruel joke.

I painfully bit my lower lips to ease my unstable emotions, stretching my hand to collect the paper "It's not possible." I denied firmly, observing the test on the paper with shaky hands.

"How...can such a thing happen? This is the highest level of unwanted pregnancy...It was a few weeks!" I lamented, my heart-wrenching at the positive result.

"Don't discourage yourself..." The nurse balanced herself beside me, pulling my sweaty palms into her warm ones.

"Children are gifts from the Creator, and you aren't even a teenager. You can register in our hospital... Ovulation period is a determining factor for early..."

Her voice faded into the background as she explained why the pregnancy formed that early; tears dropped out of my eyes at the realization that I had failed.

My future dreams were destroyed. I was my mother's daughter after all, but I would rather flush out the baby than make him or her suffer.

A wave of emotions crashed over me; shock and fear.

I took a long breath and handed out all the cash in my purse. "I guess abortion is legal. I will be back to get rid of this pregnancy. Before then, no one must know about my appearance here. Thank you"

I forcibly dragged my unsteady self out of the clinic while scrutinizing the surroundings for any strange paparazzi.

I am thankful that the majority doesn't recognize me; I appreciate my teenage features that are gradually fading away.

Even while driving, my body was shivering terribly until I got back to the Villa to meet everyone calmly settled in the living room.

I hurriedly brushed some parts of my hair to fall over my eyes, sniffed silently, and wiped my puffy eyes, "Good morning, everyone"

"Good morning dear, Julian told us that you went outside for some early morning fresh air. You should have put on joggers" Mrs Blackwood said, gently tapping the space beside her.

My heart skipped at the mention of Julian, and I looked at his cold and judging gaze. "Yeah, sure," I breathe heavily, clenching my fist to stop myself from busting out in tears.

The moment I settled on the couch, everyone focused on me.

I lowered my eyes in shame, tears oozing freely before I could stop myself. I stared at Jeff, the guilt almost tearing me apart, but he smiled in return."Jeff and I have decided to..."

"There is nothing more unacceptable than pinning what belongs to someone to another person. It seems you find it difficult to admit that we've been in a secret affair for the past four weeks" Julian interrupted me, leery of everyone's watchful eyes.

A threatening silence.

My throat dried up, causing friction in my chest.

I automatically became mute, unable to acknowledge his statement.

The crooked bastard knew about my pregnancy and was ready to blackmail me with it, wondering how he knew about it was disturbing my mental health.

Feeling conned, Jeff bellowed "You can't allow his corny tricks to get to you, Nadia!"

"Yes..yes," I shake my head vigorously, not wanting the conversation to be dragged further; ensuring the pregnancy is unknown to them is the best way to save myself from harassment.

"Julian has other business responsibilities to cater for. Are you sure about your decision?" Mr Blackwood said, eyes sharpened in doubt.

"Except there is a hidden agenda, why can't she be my responsibility?" Julian's voice hardened, passing a final decision.

No one dared to argue, making my shoulders slump in defeat.

"The photo shoot is rescheduled to this morning. You should meet me in my car in the next three minutes," Julian commanded; the arrogance in his steps was irritating as he walked out.

My stomach twisted when Jeff made an attempt to speak but his father shunned him with a raised hand.

I stood up, feeling wrapped in humiliation with my anger for Julian rapidly boiling up. "I need to leave for the photo shoot," I declared.

No one responded until I got to the entrance, Nicole whispered "This is surely the beginning of your nightmare"

My anger rose beyond control as I fired back, "Was there any month of my life without nightmares? Well...this is my choice and henceforth, I will be getting rid of any negativity!"

I slammed the door so hard that it vibrated my whole system. Ignoring the pain, I hurried towards Julian's car, "Why are you doing this to me?" My voice trembled, I hated every bit of my miserable self.

"Did you even hear yourself speak? I am waiting here mainly because I don't want you to delay me. Get yourself inside" He said, apathetic.

"I am planning to get rid of this child, please don't blackmail me with it. It was a mistake" I pleaded desperately.

His eyes darkened to a more dangerous shade as he said, "That creature was a bonus to make my plans go smoothly. I am not against you getting rid of it; it's your body." He shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, casting a disgusted glance at my stomach.

"How did I find out? I arrived the night before so that we could discuss a deal this morning, but I saw you driving out, and my curiosity pulled in…You want to repeat a childhood trauma," He mumbled, pushing the strands of his hair behind his ear.

"You are a manipulative bastard..." I winced, a sob rising in my throat.

"Right from time, you've always chosen my twin brother over me, Nia. I am your last option in this situation. I saw the agonizing emotions that flickered in your eyes when I mentioned pinning someone else's child on another man. Don't question my decisions if you want a peaceful life,you don't want me to show the world who you really are" Julian smirked, eyes glinting with mischievous intentions.

A banging headache slammed me, causing a painful shiver to run down my spine. "You..you knew about my real identity?" My breathing seized as I whispered in a weak tone, hoping this was another nightmare.

"You don't know the numerous mysteries surrounding you. The world is darker for you to be this dumb. Let me give you a hint: your supposed éx-fiance is your step-brother, the first son of the strange man in the video sent to you on your sixteenth birthday," He revealed, eyes hard and scornful.