Emma didn't sleep that night. After vomiting again, she sat on the cold bathroom floor, hugging her knees to her chest. The marble was hard beneath her, leeching away warmth—though her thoughts churned hot and frantic.
Pregnant.
The word pulsed through her mind like a warning bell.
It couldn't be. They'd only been together that one night, the night when he'd kissed her for the first time, when everything else had vanished and it had just been them—tangled sheets, whispered names, ragged breaths.
Except sometimes once was all it took.
Her hand drifted to her belly. Was there really something—someone—there? The idea was terrifying and precious all at once.
By morning, she managed to wash her face and change into a soft sweater dress, hiding the slight swell of her stomach that could still be her imagination. She descended to the kitchen, trying to gather the courage to find a pharmacy in town.
Ellis was there, politely preparing tea. His calm presence normally soothed her, but today she jumped when he greeted her.
"Mrs. Blackwood, you look pale. Shall I have a doctor sent up?"
"No. No doctors." Her voice came out too sharp. She forced a weak smile. "Just didn't sleep well."
He hesitated. "As you wish. Would you care for breakfast?"
She shook her head. Her stomach flipped again at the thought. Instead, she wandered out to the garden, hoping the fresh air would calm her.
The roses were in bloom despite the summer storms—vibrant reds and pinks, the air heavy with their perfume. It should have been peaceful. But all Emma could think was how wrong this would be.
A child born into this. Into secrets and threats. Into a marriage built on contracts and deceit.
Would Adrian even want a baby?
The thought made her clutch her stomach protectively. After all he'd said—I can't love you. Loving me is a death sentence. What would he do if he found out there was a baby involved? Would he see it as another pawn, another vulnerability for enemies to strike?
Or worse—would he demand she get rid of it to keep his dangerous world from bleeding into innocent life?
A sob choked her. She sank to the garden bench, burying her face in her hands.
"Emma?"
She flinched so hard she nearly fell off the bench. Adrian stood a few feet away on the gravel path, hands tucked into his coat pockets. His dark eyes were cautious, as if approaching a wounded animal.
"You startled me," she managed.
"I've been looking for you." He hesitated, then sat beside her. "You weren't at dinner last night."
"You made it clear you didn't want me there."
The hurt in her voice was raw. Adrian winced, reaching out to cover her hand with his. His touch was warm, familiar, confusing.
"I'm sorry. For everything. I… I shouldn't have started something I couldn't finish."
Emma stared at their joined hands. "Why are you like this with me, Adrian? Hot one moment, then frozen the next? You said you couldn't love me—but it feels like you already do, and it terrifies you."
He was silent for a long time. Then, in a low voice: "Because love makes people weak. And weakness is a death sentence in my world."
She pulled her hand back, folding it protectively over her stomach. If only you knew the secret I'm keeping now.
"I'm not asking for declarations," she whispered. "I just don't want to keep getting pulled close only for you to shove me away again."
Adrian looked at her like he was memorizing her face. Then he stood. "I'll be in meetings the next few days. Stay inside. And if Cassandra comes back—don't engage her. Let Ellis handle it."
Emma nodded mutely. As he walked away, she pressed a trembling hand to her mouth, fighting back tears.
That afternoon, she finally gathered her courage.
Ellis arranged for a driver to take her into town. Emma claimed she needed fresh air—and some new baking supplies for the kitchen. The excuse was thin, but he accepted it with a respectful nod.
At the pharmacy, she bought a pregnancy test, stuffing it deep in her purse as though it were contraband. On the ride back, her heart raced so wildly the driver asked if she was feeling carsick.
Back in her bathroom, she stared at the tiny white stick on the counter. Five minutes felt like an eternity.
When the result finally appeared, her vision blurred.
Positive.
A life inside her. Half her, half Adrian. A terrified laugh burst out of her, quickly dissolving into sobs.
She curled up on the bathroom rug, clutching her abdomen.
> This changes everything.
I have to protect you.
Even from your father.
Suddenly a knock pounded at the bedroom door. Emma jerked upright, hastily wiping her tears.
"Emma? It's Ellis."
She cracked the door open, hiding the test behind her. "Yes?"
"There's someone here to see you. She claims it's urgent."
Her stomach dropped. "Who?"
But she already knew.
In the sitting room, Cassandra was draped over the velvet settee like a queen. She wore a smirk and a cream dress that made her look angelic—if you ignored the predator's gleam in her eyes.
"Darling," Cassandra purred, rising gracefully. "We need to talk. Alone."
Ellis glanced at Emma, worry in his eyes. She gave a small nod. He retreated.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Cassandra's smile vanished. "Let's drop the niceties. I know about the test."
Emma's blood ran cold. "What test?"
"The one you bought today." Cassandra tsked, circling her like a shark. "Really, Emma. You should be more careful with your secrets. Small towns have such talkative shopkeepers."
Emma's hands clenched at her sides. "What do you want?"
"To give you a friendly warning." Cassandra leaned in, her perfume cloyingly sweet. "End this. Quietly. Before it gets messy."
Emma's breath caught. "You're threatening me."
"Oh darling, it's not a threat. It's a guarantee. If you keep that baby, it won't just be your little shop that burns next time."
Emma recoiled as if slapped. Cassandra's eyes sparkled with cruel delight.
"You see, unlike Adrian, I don't pretend to care who gets hurt. If you love that child at all, you'll do what's necessary. Otherwise—well, accidents happen all the time. Stairs are so slippery when one's distracted."
Emma couldn't breathe. Her hand instinctively covered her stomach.
Cassandra's smile widened. "Be smart, little baker. Before you lose everything."