ley

ng the high society crowd. Shaun's persistent invitation had worn me down, and I couldn't

, the tantalizing hints about revealing my true identity as Sandoval's heir. My heart sk

ying my anxiety. "Shaun Bill, nice meeting you here, and who is this s

mile, I concealed

This is Denaley the heir-" I held Sha

s eyebrows arched

rupt, Mr. Duke. Shaun and I have urgent matters to discuss." My fin

, Shaun. I'm not read

n us. "Everyone needs to know, Denaley,"

my eyes locking onto his,

rgency etched on my face. "Just i

stomach. His expression softened. "Okay, I don't want to str

p on his arm, eyes locked on

Shaun suggested, offe

ed, re

restroom," he added, his eyes locking o

ented such extravagant gatherings when I was young, but after marriage, such luxuries became a rarity. The crystal

miliar voice ec

faces until they landed on Rachele, ra

up in her warm embrace. Joy overflowed, reuniti

ne warmth. "Gosh, you're still gor

the truth – the pregnancy, the uncertainty, the unres

deepened. "Hey,

bout you?" My eyes briefly met hers, conveying unspoken emotions, trus

intensified. "Don't tell

dy knowing the answer. "It's just that-" I began, hes

? Someone like you shouldn't be mingling with high society."

edging her tone. "And who are

tion. "Rachele, don't." My gentle squee

She spat. Her gaze went on me. "Were you invited? Or did you crash t

, Liana," I pleaded,

s shoving me violently. Rachele's quic

ed my stomach protec

om malice to confusion, her g

d. "Please, I do

yes locked onto my cradled belly. "Don't tell me you'r

king onto mine with surprise. "Who's pregnant?"

utinizing my protecti

icy. "What is she doing here?" she deman

g stares. "Mom, you need to kno

ice laced with concern. "

d discreetly,

on my protective grasp. "Pregnant?! You're...?" He

ou shameless cheater! Flaunting another

rasping, but I recoil

, but how can you call your own grandchild 'shamele

. "How dare you speak back to me?! That's not

my face, her rejecti

firm. "That's enough, Your accusati

e, young woman! This girl deceived my son and now claims that the b

os. "Mom!" He stepped forward, eyes lo

swiftly wrapped her hand around his arm,

orn child on her belly was yours! She's

his arm, her smile sinister.

readable, his eyes locked on

yours. I never cheated on you. I w

ous. "Save your lies! James, don't

uncertainty flicker

me to believe you?" He paused, gaze dropping to my

s hand tightened. "You're really going to stand there

rying you," he hissed, each word a razor-sharp blad

or, shattered. "How could you, James?" I w

lders, his eyes frozen, unyielding. "That's not

t's yours, James!" I begged, voice cracking. "Ple

rture left me shattered, my world reduced to rubble. Our unborn baby stirred withi