Chapter 6

I lowered my head, tears burning my eyes. This was his choice. He had chosen Chelsea, and her child. This wasn't about love, not anymore. This was about cold, calculating ambition.

The most painful part wasn't the betrayal itself; it was the layers of lies, the elaborate deception. Why didn't he just tell me? Why the secret divorce? Why the fake marriage certificate?

Chelsea's eyes, too, were red-rimmed. "I never meant to come between you two," she whimpered, her voice shaky. "But I had no choice. My body... I'm not strong. If I lost this baby, I would never be able to conceive again. Please, don't blame the child." Her shoulders trembled, a convincing facade of distress.

I looked at them, a suffocating tightness in my chest. I too was a mother now. I understood what a child meant to a woman, the fierce, protective love.

I took a deep breath, forcing a small, bitter smile to my lips. "I'm not angry," I said, my voice surprisingly steady. I took another deep breath, willing my voice to remain calm. "I understand."

Drake stared at me, dumbfounded. He hadn't expected such an easy capitulation. He knew my zero-tolerance policy for betrayal. He knew my fiery spirit.

"You... you really understand?" he asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.

I nodded, the bitter smile still fixed on my face. "We both need to think about the family, Drake. I understand you need an heir. Your empire is vast. It needs to be passed on." I turned to Chelsea. "Bring her home, Drake. Take care of her. That way, I'll feel at ease too."

A wave of relief washed over Drake' s face. He let out a long, slow breath. "Thank you, Kaitlyn," he said, his voice thick with gratitude. He squeezed my hand, his eyes shining with relief.

Chelsea, sitting beside him, looked stunned. Her eyes narrowed, a smirk quickly replacing her look of surprise. She hadn't expected this either.

I met her gaze, my own eyes calm, empty. There was no emotion left in me. "If there's nothing else," I said, my voice flat, "I'd like to go home now." I stood up. "I'll prepare a room for her. And hire a nutritionist to ensure a healthy pregnancy. We need to make sure the baby is safe."

Drake nodded, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "Go, Kaitlyn. I'll make it up to you, I promise."

I smiled, a cold, empty gesture, and turned to leave. My escape plan was in motion.