Chapter 6
We headed toward the airport exit, weaving through the bustling crowd after the deal. I forced myself to focus on the future, on leaving Jayson behind, on embracing this reckless, impulsive decision. But the universe had other plans.
A firm hand grabbed my wrist, yanking me to a sudden stop. My breath hitched I didn’t have to look to know who it was. The warmth, the electric pull–I hated how familiar it felt.⠀
Jaypen. He managed to follow me all the way here for what? To beg? I couldn’t believe this! His blue eyes burned with fury and something else something dangerously close to desperation My heart betrayed me, skipping a beat, but I buried it under layers of rage
Without thinking, I slapped him. Hard The sound echoed, drawing curious glances from passersby
“What the hell are you doing?” I snapped, yanking my wrist free. My hand tingled from the impact, but it wasn’t enough to erase the ache in my chest
Jayson’s jaw clenched: “Why did you send that photo? And why the hell are you with him? His glare shifted to Johan, whose smug expression only seemed to provoke him further
“Oh, you mean my boyfriend?” I said sweetly, savoring the flicker of pain in his eyes. “The one you punched?”
Jayson stepped closer, his voice low and sharp. “You can’t be with him. He’s my enemy. I know you’re just mad at me so you’re doing this, but this isn’t right, Anastacia
I laughed bitterly. “Right? Don’t talk about right in front of me. And enemy, that’s your problem, not mine. He is my boyfriend“”
His hand shot out again, this time grabbing my arm. “You’re doing this because I’m marrying someone else, aren’t you?” His words were like daggers, sharp and unrelenting
scene
I ripped my arm from his grasp. “No, Jayson. I’m doing this because I’m done with you.” I turned to Johan, who watched the sce unfold with amused detachment. “We’re getting married”
Jayson’s face twisted in disbelief. “I won’t allow it
I crossed my arms, defiant. “You don’t get to allow anything. You’re not my father
“Our parents won’t agree,” he shot back, desperation bleeding into his words. “I told you, didn’t I? We can talk about this. You know that-
I ignored his words. “Oh, really? I pulled out my phone, dialing my mother without hesitation. “Let’s see, then.”
She answered on the second ring “Sweetheart Are you okay? What about Jayson? He followed you and-”
I cut her. “I’m great Mom, I just wanted to tell you–I’m getting married”
A pause. Then an excited squeal “Oh my God! To who? Is this for real? I didn’t expect this.”
“Johan Smith”
“Oh! That’s wonderful! The Smith Family? They’re great. We should have a family dinner to celebrate. I’ll arrange everything! But what about the research project? What’s happening?”
“Til explain later, Mom. Bye! I ended the call and slowly turned to Jayson, savoring the disbelief etched into his face
Johan couldn’t resist adding salt to the wound. “Maybe we should have a double wedding What do you think, Jayson?”
Jayson lunged, but Johan sidestepped smoothly, laughing.
“Touchy, aren’t we
“Why are you so obsessed with us?” I hissed. “Don’t you want me to be happy?
His eyes darkened. “You’re happy with me.
I slapped him again, harder this time. 7 was never happy being your secret” My voice trembled with rage and heartbreak. “Don’t ever
yourself to me again. From now on, you’re just my stepbrother. Nothing more.
I turned on my heel, grabbing Johan’s hand as we stormed out.!!
Once we reached Johan’s car, he glanced at me, his expression surprisingly soft “You okay?“)
I forced a smile. “Never better.”
But I was lying. My heart still ached. It would take some time before it heals. But at least, I was free from him.
To make things worse–or maybe better–Johan suggested
“Let’s announce our engagement. Make it official, so he wouldn’t say that we’re just playing with him.”
I nodded. “Sure. Let’s do it” Anything to drown out the echoes of Jayson’s voice in my head I
Later, at Johan’s place, the news blared on the TV. There we were–breaking news: Billionaire Johan announces surprise engagement to pharmaceutical researcher Anastacia Gray
I watched, numb. This was my new life. I had to embrace it
I wasn’t sure what would happen, but it was better than staying in our house watching Jayson marry someone else. And I had already accepted the fact that we couldn’t be together. He will always be my stepbrother
I busied myself unpacking, determined to ignore the hollow ache in my chest. But then–E
A wave of nausea hit me out of nowhere I rushed to the bathroom, vomiting until my knees felt weak
And then it hit me
had my nend
9:04 AM c d
accepted the fact that we couldn’t be together. He will always be my stepbrother.
I busied myself unpacking, determined to ignore the hollow ache in my chest. But then-
A wave of nausea hit me out of nowhere. I rushed to the bathroom, vomiting until my knees felt weak.!!
And then it hit me.X
I hadn’t had my period
Panic surged as I grabbed my bag, rushing to the nearest pharmacy. Moments later, I was back in the bathroom, staring at the pregnancy test.
Two lines X
Positive.
I sank to the floor, the world spinning around me.”
I was pregnant with Jayson’s child
