Unexpected Baby

Congrats, you're pregnant, Ms. Perez!" The nurse's news hit Lilly like a ton of bricks. She had been feeling hopeful lately, but... this was a curveball. She shakily took the test results, her mind going blank. The paper dropped from her limp hands.

"Are you Feeling okay, Ms. Perez?" the nurse asked, steadying her. Where's your boyfriend? Isn't he here?" "Boyfriend?" Lilly wondered. "I don't have one." A month ago, she landed a job at a local café. One night, she ran into a fancy private room, at The Gilded Pear Hotel to avoid her evil stepmother, Helen Perez. She ended up spending the night with a stranger.

Leaving the clinic, Lily was stressed and nervous. Her little brother, Ty Perez, was sick and needed money for care. Helen was a nightmare. And now, she was pregnant. Deep in thought, Lilly was rubbing her belly on her way home. Back at their rundown rental, Helen was getting ready to chew Lilly out.

"Lilly, marry Chad or leave!" she growled. Frightened, her autistic brother Ty huddled in the corner. Lilly ran over to him, hugging him tightly. "I'm here, Ty," she soothed. Helen wasn't done, landing a kick to Lilly. "Did you hear me?! " she barked. Lilly shielded Ty, absorbing the hit. She ignored the pain in her back, only caring for Ty. "It's okay buddy," she whispered.

"LAST CHANCE LILLY! Meet Chad at The Gilded Pear tonight. If you mess this up, you both leave!" Helen threatened. "I won't go. Dad would disapprove," Lilly retorted. "Dream on, your father doesn't care," Helen scoffed, slamming the door on her way out. Lilly gritted her teeth, whispering to Ty, "Don't worry, I'm here. Nothing is going to happen to us." She knew Chad Cabot, a widower in his forties, her father's boss at the logistics company. She calls her father, Martin Perez, for help.

"Lilly, your brother Donnie needs house money, and Ty needs medical funds. Sorry, my salary isn't cutting it. Mr. Cabot can help if you marry him. It'll sort everything out." His voice was strained. Lilly ended the call silently, her heart heavy with disappointment. Ever since her mom, Emma, died and Martin remarried his ex, life has been hell for her and Ty.

Helen was a fiery woman, quick to lash out at Lilly and Ty over anything. Martin used to step in, but lately, he's been looking the other way. I have no idea what has gotten into him. Lilly hugged Ty closer. With no other options, she had to see Chad tonight. "I have to step out for a little bit Ty, but I'll be right back. I promise." She said as she got up to leave.

At eight o'clock, Lilly arrived at The Gilded Pear Hotel, upon swinging open the front doors open, she headed to Chad's room with hesitation. Chad cracked the door open, just wide enough for Lilly to catch a glimpse of handcuffs and a whip lying on the bed. She froze, a frown creeping across her face as confusion washed over her. Moments later, Chad sauntered out of the bathroom, a playful grin on his lips as he tossed her a piece of delicate lace lingerie.

"Bottom line, Ms. Perez, your family sold you to me. I'm not patient, so hurry up." Hearing that, Lilly felt humiliated like never before. Chad didn't hide his desire, his hands dancing on her collarbone. She tensed up, goosebumps appeared, and her hair was standing up. "Your brother's autistic, right? I know a guy who's an expert. Keep me happy; then he can get the help he needs." Chad slurred, reaking of booze and cigarettes. Lilly felt sick, shoving Chad, and bolted for the bathroom, heaving into the toilet. It was like her unborn child was telling her to resist.

She wanted to call the cops, but Helen's threat made her pause. If she screwed up, Ty would face Helen's fury. As minutes passed, an impatient Chad started banging on the bathroom door. Feeling trapped, Lilly spotted the bathroom's smoke detector. Without hesitation, she noticed Chad's lit cigarettes sitting in the ashtray. She climbed onto the toilet, stretching her arm with the cigarette toward the fire detector, desperate to get as close as possible. The alarm blared to life, Chad's curses and hurried footsteps ringing in her ears. As the chaos settled, she slipped into the crowd, making her way towards the hotel exit. But when she reached it, security stood guard, preventing anyone from leaving the lobby.

The Gilded Pear Hotel stood at the heart of the city, its stunning blend of neoclassical architecture and modern elegance. Tall columns framed the entrance, where polished brass doors swung open to reveal a lavish lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers that sparkled like stars against the high, coffered ceilings.

The manager quickly spotted Lilly and her disheveled state, locking eyes with the security officer to signal her to come into the office. "Why did you set off the alarm?" He snapped, his tone sharp.

"Sorry... I messed up; its on me," Lilly stuttered, her hands clutching her clothes tightly as if they could shield her from his scrutiny.

"Got cash to cover it?" He scoffed, sizing her up with a disdainful glance. In that moment, Lilly felt utterly small, dwarfed by the opulence of the hotel and its imposing manager. "I'm sorry..." she mumbled, feeling defeated.

"Mr. Hart!!" The manager called, his voice commanding. The respectful tone jolted Lilly from her thoughts. She turned to see James Hart, heir to the Hart Group and head of Are's top finance division, standing just a few feet away.

James Hart was the epitome of success, a man whose presence commanded attention when he entered a room. Standing at an imposing six feet two inches, he carried himself with a confidence that spoke of years spent navigating the upper echelons of the corporate world. His tailored suits are crafted from the finest Italian fabrics. His hair, a distinguished shade of brown, was always styled with precision, framing a chiseled face that bore the marks of experience-deep-set blue eyes that sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief and a strong jawline that hinted at his no-nonsense approach to business.

His intense stare was daunting, and his presence was overwhelming. She recognized him from a finance report. The Gilded Pear Hotel was part of his group's chain. He was known for being ruthless, cold, and unapproachable. Seeing him made Lilly anxious. James swept the room with a sharp look, settling on a distressed Lilly. He compared a photo on his phone of a woman he was with to Lilly. It was her.

"Bring her to me. I'll deal with this," James ordered.