Chapter 2

Edward kept glancing at his watch, clearly annoyed. He had been waiting for almost two hours in one of the luxury restaurants, which had been decorated romantically at his fiancée’s request.

“Shit. Where the hell is Mikaela? Did she decide not to show up? How dare she keep me waiting,” he muttered, irritated.

He stood up and left the VVIP room, heading to his car. As he reached into his pants pocket to grab his car keys, a heart-shaped locket necklace fell to the ground. He froze, staring at it for a moment before picking it up.

The sight of it brought back memories of what had happened a week ago, when he had gotten caught up in a one-night stand with a stranger. He had been so drunk that night he couldn’t even remember the face of the woman who had somehow stolen his guarded heart.

But that woman had managed to break through the walls he’d built and even soothed his trauma. At first, he only intended to help the poor woman get home safely, but it ended up with them at a hotel instead.

Edward hadn’t been able to resist the heat between them. The woman was sexy, alluring. He could still remember the warmth of her body against his, the breathless moans she whispered in his ear.

Sometimes, guilt gnawed at him. He’d taken a virgin without her full awareness, and he had sworn never to touch a woman again.

What made it even harder to forget her was the story she told him—the betrayal by her stepsister and father toward her mother. Hearing that reminded him of his own mother, Marilyn. His father had cheated with his secretary, driving his mom into depression and illness. She died when he was only fifteen.

Since then, he’d hated women and refused the idea of marriage. He didn’t want his future kids to suffer the way he had.

But his resolve was crushed by his grandmother. She pressured him to marry and even arranged a match with the daughter of his father’s business associate. At first, he refused, but she would threaten to stop taking her medicine if he kept rejecting the idea.

He had no choice. His grandmother was the only one who truly loved him.

Edward let out a heavy sigh. Disappointment filled his chest. He should have woken up before that woman so he could at least find out who she was. Now, his world felt empty.

Suddenly, his phone rang, snapping him out of his thoughts. He growled under his breath and checked the screen.

He froze. “Why is she calling me?” He cleared his throat and answered. “Hello, Mrs. Marie.”

“Did you two finish discussing your wedding plans?”

“No. Your daughter didn’t show up,” Edward replied coldly.

“Really?” The woman’s voice sounded shocked and worried. “Did you try calling her?”

“I did. She didn’t answer. I can't wait around any longer. Tell your daughter we’ll have to reschedule. And please inform Grandmother as well that Mikaela didn’t come, so no one blames me for stalling.”

“Al-alright. I’m sorry you had to wait.”

“It’s fine. Goodbye.” Without another word, Edward hung up and got into his car. He drove his luxury vehicle straight to the nightclub—the very place where he had met that mysterious woman.

He approached the bartender, an old friend. “Has she been here recently?”

Visiting the club and asking around had become Edward’s new routine.

“No.”

Edward sighed in frustration. Where else could he possibly look for her?

“Why are you chasing after this woman? Are you into her or something? Aren’t you about to marry that rich heiress?”

Edward shot Johan a deadly glare, like he was ready to pounce. “That’s none of your business.”

He slapped a few bills on the counter and stormed off. Johan had a point. He shouldn’t be betraying Mikaela like this. But he was already in too deep.

---

Slowly, Brielle opened her eyes and blinked in confusion, realizing she was in a hospital room.

“Where am I?” she whispered.

“You’re finally awake.” Mikaela smiled warmly, relieved that the beautiful woman had regained consciousness after being passed out for two hours.

Brielle frowned in confusion. Who was this kind-looking woman?

“W-who are you?”

Mikaela gave her a gentle, apologetic smile. “I hit you with my car earlier. I’m so sorry. My driver didn’t see you at all—the street had no lights.”

The terrifying memory came rushing back the moment she remembered the blood running down her legs. “My baby!” Brielle clutched her belly. “Is my baby okay?! Is the baby safe?!”

Mikaela nodded reassuringly, her voice calm. “Don’t worry. Your baby’s strong—just like her mom.”

Tears of relief streamed down Brielle’s face. She had no one else in the world. If she had lost her baby too, she wouldn’t have had the will to keep living.

“The doctor said you can go home tomorrow. Let me take you home. It’s the least I can do.”

“Home?” Brielle paused, suddenly remembering the argument with Martin. She didn’t have anyone—or any place—that could be called home anymore.

“Are you okay?” Mikaela asked, concerned when Brielle started crying again.

“I don’t have a home or a family.” Brielle forced a small smile, trying to hide the vulnerability in her voice.

Mikaela could see the deep sadness in her eyes. What had this girl gone through? She was walking alone at night, pregnant. Where was her boyfriend? Her husband?

Hearing that, something stirred in Mikaela’s heart.

Then a crazy idea popped into her head.

“You can stay with me!” Mikaela offered brightly. “I’m sure my family would love having you.”

Brielle blinked in shock and shook her head quickly. “No. I can’t.”

“Why not?” Mikaela’s tone was tinged with disappointment.

“I don’t want to be a burden. I’m already thankful enough that you saved my baby.”

“You have to accept it,” Mikaela said firmly. “At least until you give birth and find a job. I can’t let anything happen to your baby.”

“You don’t need to pity me.”

“I’m not pitying you. I’m doing it for your baby!” Mikaela raised her voice a little, hoping to shake Brielle out of her pride.

Brielle was touched. A stranger cared for her more than her own father did—who didn’t think twice about throwing her out pregnant.

“If you stay quiet, that means you agree!” Mikaela grinned excitedly. “My parents will love you. I just know it!”

“I hope so.” Brielle had no other option. If she kept letting her pride get in the way, her baby would suffer. She couldn’t let that happen. At least now she’d have a roof over her head—until she could stand on her own feet.

She silently swore to one day repay this angel-hearted woman.