nna

trap, completely detached from the emotional wreckage of my life. My la

e, nestled on a velvet cushion, was my family crest, a silver ring passed down through generations of Cross wo

rafted by an anonymous firm Carroll had recommended. It was ironclad, leaving Graham with nothing of mine,

tying it with a simple silk ribbon. It looked inn

, I presented him with the package. "Happy anniversary, Graham," I said, my voice soft, my

, you didn't have to. You know my heart is your greatest gift." He g

ressing the box into his hands. "So

rious glint in his eyes.

en it in two days. On our actual engagement anniversary. Consider it a delayed cel

ays so thoughtful." He placed the box carefully in his personal safe, a ge

t, you won't find a gift. You'll find th

hat shattered the fragile quiet. Graham frowned, annoyance

ie stood there, her face tear-streaked, her usually impeccable blonde

ied, her voice c

old fury. He grabbed Hollie's arm, dragging her out of the study and into the dimly l

under. "Are you insane?" he hissed, his voice low and dangerous. "Coming here? N

ope into his chest. "You think I care about 'ruining everything'?" she cr

nts, his face went from anger to shock, then a profound fear. M

doctor said it's high-risk. And it's yours. Our baby." She paused, then adde

had reached in and ripped out my heart. My own pregnancy test, still tucked in my pocket, f

not yet, Corinna, let's focus on my career." He never wanted a child with me. H

crumbling around him. A pregnant Hollie. His first heir. I saw the ge

y heir," he murmured, his voice softer, almost reverent. He looked at Hollie, his expression changing from di

d with relief. "I'm so scared, Graham! What are we goin

nge for the best specialists. You'll stay in the guesthouse. No one is to know about this. Not

rough her tears. She leaned in, trying to kiss him,

baby." He gave her a dismissive pat on the shoulder. "Now go. Robert will escort you to the guesthouse. I'll s

he had been with Hollie roughly the same time he was with me, when I

And he already had another one on the way, with my sister. I'm so sorry, little one, I thought,

, darling. That was... an unforeseen crisis." He ran a hand through his hair, feigning exhaustion. "My aunt, she's had a relapse

formance. Tonight, he wa

tterly devoid of emotion. "Family matters are a

stay here, Corinna. Keep things running smoothly. No drama. No qu

d, a small, knowing smile playing o

stened as his car pulled away, the sound fading into the night. I walked to the calendar hanging on the wall,