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Bea Callaway becomes pregnant at nineteen, throwing away her parents dream of her attending a top notch university. Her parents give her the option to stay if she does what they say. Without even thinking twice, she moves in with her best friend while she figures things out. Her life once felt perfect and planned, living life on a whim is new to her.
My stomach churns, bile rising before I can even think twice about what's happening. I rush to the bathroom, pushing my door open roughly. It's barely past seven so my stomach is still empty. Not that I even have an appetite when I'm feeling like this.
I try to recall what I had for dinner yesterday. The Miller's dinner party is all that comes to mind. It must be food poisoning or simply from the shrimp they served.
I feel nauseous, the hair sticking to my forehead due to my damp skin. I decide to take a shower, getting a change of clothes from my room. I turn on the water and remove my clothes.
The coolness of the water makes me feel better instantly. I step out after lathering vanilla scented body wash on.
My mind keeps thinking back to a few weeks ago. I find myself panicking, knowing it could be possible. The dates add up, and I know I've read somewhere that some people don't show for a while.
I swallow the lump in my throat, grabbing my keys and purse. My parents would question why I'm leaving so early, pretending as if they care about my wellbeing.
As predicted the two of them sit at the dining room table. The smell of food makes my stomach grumble, and not of hunger. I try to keep it down, taking slow breaths.
My dad notices me first, setting his coffee mug down. "Where are you heading to so early?"
I step closer to the table, avoiding my mothers stare. "Alice and I agreed to have breakfast together."
He nods, going back to reading on his cellphone. My mother clears her throat, a brow arched.
"Your sister is coming tonight, don't make any plans." The way her eyes dare me to argue makes me feel defeated.
She's well aware that my older sister and I have the rockiest relationship on earth. It began as soon as I was born, Holly absolutely hated me. I guess she was spoiled and used to being the center of attention.
Now we're older, and she's never tried to mend things. It doesn't help that my parents adore her, and look at me as if I'm not their own creation.
Finally escaping the house, I climb in my car. I remember why I'm going to the store and sigh. If it's positive, I'll have to tell my ex-boyfriend. After the two of us shared a night I always thought of as special, he ended things. My father owns part of a business in town, Thomas always dreaming of working there.
After the two of us graduated last year, he worked his hardest to convince my dad that he was qualified. I helped at my dads' office since I took a year off despite how upset it made my parents. I overheard Thomas telling one of the guys there.
His parents are equally wealthy, but his interest was doing business, not fashion, or editing magazines. Now I'll feel even worse if I am carrying his child. I still have options, but because I'm stubborn, I always go with what I think is best. My parents don't have a say in this, not when I've devoted my entire life to trying to make them proud.
I pull into the nearest drugstore and park my car, sitting there for a couple of minutes before finally getting the courage to go inside. The summer heat immediately hits me, making me wish I wore less clothing. The automatic doors open, cool air hitting me as I walk in.
I walk to the aisle that holds various different types of tests. It's overwhelming and I find myself getting three different brands.
And because I haven't had breakfast, I grab a bag of sour patch kids.
Placing the items on the counter, I smile at the older woman.
Her golden brown hair has hints of gray. "Hi honey, will that be all for you?" She asks after ringing them up.
I nod, swiping my card. The price of the three tests combined is insane. I take the bag, wishing her a good day. As soon as I start my car, the ac turns on. I sit for a couple of minutes, enjoying my candy.
I contemplate going to Thomas house and taking them with him there. I even consider calling my friend, knowing she'll be supportive. But for some reason, I want to do this alone.
I want to have time to prepare, and having anyone around might make me feel ashamed. I'm used to dealing with things on my own.
When I arrive, I'm relieved to see my parents' main car, not in the driveway. Stepping out with the bag in my hand, I nervously unlock the front door. I kick my shoes off at the front, closing the door behind me.
I make sure to grab a bottled water from the kitchen to calm my nerves. I lock the bathroom door, opening the three boxes and taking the digital one first.
I'll take one first, and try again later. I repeat to myself that I'll be okay. No matter the results, I can handle it. But even that doesn't help the fact that I could be carrying a baby.
I read the back of the box, doing as it says. Waiting the suggested time, I mindlessly scroll through my phone. Too distracted to even pay attention to anything. When the timer on my phone rings, I almost jump off the counter.
My nerves are doubled as I stare at the stick that's faced down.
Breathing in and out I bite my lip. "I can do this, " I mutter with a shaky voice and hands.
Counting down from five, I flip the stick over, practically holding my future in my hands.
I frown, seeing it still loading. My brows crease until a word pops up. I feel myself freeze, my heart hammering against my rib cage.
Pregnant.
Zoey Collins, a seventeen year old in her final year of high school. The struggle of losing a friendship while trying to keep one safe becomes her biggest priority. Asher Evans and Zoey reconnect, causing some problems to arise. Their friendship is stronger than when they were young and naive. Some things are meant to happen and they will if you give it time.
Yelena discovered that she wasn't her parents' biological child. After seeing through their ploy to trade her as a pawn in a business deal, she was sent away to her barren birthplace. There, she stumbled upon her true origins—a lineage of historic opulence. Her real family showered her with love and adoration. In the face of her so-called sister's envy, Yelena conquered every adversity and took her revenge, all while showcasing her talents. She soon caught the attention of the city's most eligible bachelor. He cornered Yelena and pinned her against the wall. “It's time to reveal your true identity, darling.”
A sudden twist of fate connected Helena to a prominent and influential person. To onlookers, she appeared as a naive bimbo. In truth, she was a top-tier specialist, shrouded in layers of hidden identities. Charlie declared, “She’s quite delicate and easily hurt. Cross her, and you’re crossing me.” The elite families, outwitted by Helena's prowess, kept these truths from him. Helena eventually broke free from Charlie, sending him on a frenzied worldwide hunt. To him, she was a bird with dazzling wings, and his goal was to help her reach new heights.
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
Charlee was left at the altar and became a laughingstock. She tried to keep her head high, but ultimately lost it when she received a sex tape of her fiance and her half-sister. Devastated, she ended up spending a wild night with a hot stranger. It was supposed to be one-time thing, but he kept popping up, helping her with projects and revenge, all while flirting with her constantly. Charlee soon realized that it was nice having him around, until her ex suddenly appeared at her door, begging for another chance. Her tycoon lover asked, “Who will you choose? Think carefully before you answer.”