Chapter 1

"Ms. Anderson, congratulations—you're pregnant. About two months along."

In the private clinic, the doctor smiled warmly as she handed Gabrielle the test results.

Gabrielle Anderson clutched the thin slip of paper, her fingertips turning white. She didn't know whether to feel joy or despair.

This was her child with Christian. But she had no idea if he would accept it.

Three years ago, Christian had married her to appease his family—a marriage of convenience, nothing more. After the wedding, he'd given her a luxurious lifestyle but never once acknowledged their relationship publicly.

Now, with less than two months left on their three-year agreement, she'd planned to wait quietly for the divorce. But this baby's arrival stirred something in her she'd never felt before: the reckless hope for happiness.

Gabrielle took a deep breath and decided to talk to Christian. She dialed his number.

The phone rang for what felt like forever before he finally picked up. His voice was low and clipped. "I'm busy. Whatever it is, we'll talk at home."

"Can you spare just a few minutes? Please?" Gabrielle's voice trembled.

Before Christian could answer, a sweet, flirtatious voice drifted through the line. "Christian, this restaurant has the most amazing view! You can see the entire city from here."

Gabrielle's heart clenched. That was Evelyn's voice. She was back?

Evelyn Garcia was Christian's former girlfriend. They'd broken up when she left for graduate school abroad, but Gabrielle knew—Christian had never gotten over her.

"As long as you like it." Christian's voice followed, tender in a way Gabrielle had never heard.

The call ended abruptly.

Gabrielle stood frozen, feeling the warmth drain from her body.

She didn't remember how she got home. The moment she opened her phone, the headline felt like a slap: Robinson Group CEO Christian Robinson Spotted with Ex in Intimate Late-Night Dinner

The accompanying photo showed Christian and Evelyn at an upscale restaurant. Though slightly blurry, Gabrielle could make out how close they sat—Evelyn leaning against his shoulder, fingers playing with a necklace, her smile radiant.

Gabrielle scrolled through the comments, each one a knife twist:

"Is that necklace Ms. Garcia's wearing the limited-edition one? I've only seen it in videos."

"So jealous of Ms. Garcia. Dating the Robinson Group heir? Living the dream."

"Ms. Garcia's brilliant in her own right, though. Columbia grad, and didn't she get nominated for that fellowship abroad? She must be even more accomplished now."

"They're literally the perfect power couple!"

Gabrielle stared at the words until they blurred.

She'd once thought he was just cold by nature—emotionally unavailable to everyone.

Today, she finally understood. He wasn't cold. He simply saved all his warmth for someone else.

The hope she'd foolishly clung to that afternoon now felt pathetic. What right did she have to compete with Evelyn—she, the secret wife no one knew existed?

Christian had only married her three years ago because her features vaguely resembled Evelyn's.

Now that the original had returned, the substitute had to exit stage left.

Gabrielle's hand drifted to her still-flat stomach, her heart aching.

Baby, your timing couldn't be worse.

She sat in the living room for hours as darkness fell, until finally the door lock clicked.

Christian was home.

He flipped on the lights and froze when he saw Gabrielle sitting pale-faced on the couch.

"Why are you sitting in the dark?" He loosened his tie, frowning.

Gabrielle looked up at him.

Christian's handsome face showed exhaustion. As he shrugged off his suit jacket, a wave of sweet, cloying perfume hit her.

Gabrielle remembered the photo from earlier. Her nose stung. She turned away.

Christian studied her. "What did you need this afternoon?"

"Nothing." Her voice was barely audible.

Christian gave her a suspicious look before moving to unbutton his shirt.

After changing into loungewear, he approached Gabrielle. His eyes traced the curves of her body beneath the silk nightgown, darkening with interest.

Christian leaned down, arms caging her against the couch corner.

His warm breath ghosted across her neck, heavy with alcohol and another woman's perfume.

"I'll stay with you tonight." His voice was rough, loaded with implication.

In three years, he'd only shown her this kind of tenderness when he wanted sex.

The perfume smell stabbed at Gabrielle's heart. She suddenly raised her hand, pressing against his advancing chest. Gathering her courage, she met his eyes. "Christian, let's have a baby."

Christian froze.

He slowly straightened, his expression turning ice-cold. "I told you I don't want kids."

Gabrielle lowered her head, biting her lip hard.

He reached out, tilting her chin up with his fingers, his gaze contemptuous. "We have an arrangement. Nothing more. Don't get ideas above your station."

Each word landed like a slap across Gabrielle's face.

She'd overstepped.

Three years ago, desperate for money, she'd begged Christian for help through her tears.

Christian had been clear: she could have the money, but she'd have to marry him for three years. After that, divorce.

For three years, Gabrielle had walked on eggshells, taking care of him, maintaining their uneasy peace. But this baby's arrival had made her realize—somewhere along the way, she'd fallen in love with him.

What did it matter, though?

She and Christian had a contract marriage. What right did she have to hope for more?

The light in Gabrielle's eyes dimmed, fading to nothing.

When Christian's hands moved to explore further, Gabrielle gently pushed him away. "Sorry. I'm not feeling well today."

Christian looked at her with suspicion, his brow furrowing.

In three years, this was the first time she'd ever refused him.

All because he didn't want children?

Apparently, he'd been too indulgent with Gabrielle these past years.

Christian's interest evaporated. He scoffed. "Suit yourself."

He grabbed his jacket and left.

When the empty apartment held only Gabrielle, she finally broke. She buried her face in her knees and sobbed silently.

She looked at the pregnancy test results, now crumpled from her grip, her heart shattering.

She didn't know how she'd face this child. But her resolve to leave Christian had never been stronger.

After all these years, she'd more than repaid whatever debt she owed him.

Now she just wanted to end this twisted relationship before she lost what little dignity she had left.