Chapter 4 SUSPICION

Chapter 4

Caroline's POV

"You're glowing."

I rolled my eyes as I dropped my bag onto the couch. "Shut up, Gina."

She smirked, popping a grape into her mouth. "I'm just saying. You've been spending all this time with Mr. Billionaire lately. Are you sure this is just about the art?"

I sighed, kicking off my shoes. "Yes, Gina. It's about the art exhibition."

She hummed, clearly unconvinced. "So, you're telling me there are no side glances? No accidental touches? No tension strong enough to cut with a knife?"

I hesitated for half a second too long but not without smiling. Gina is such a crazy girl. She would want to bring out things from nowhere.

Her eyes widened. "OH MY GOD!"

I groaned. "Gina, please."

"Don't 'Gina, please' me!" She pointed at me dramatically. "You hesitated! That means something is happening!"

I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. "Nothing is happening!"

She caught it with ease. "Yet."

I ignored her, heading to the kitchen. "I'm starving. Did you eat all the leftover pasta?"

"You're deflecting."

"And you're annoying."

She grinned. "That's what best friends are for."

Spending time with Kane was... unexpectedly easy.

At first, it was strictly professional. Meetings, discussions, late-night planning sessions. He was meticulous, focused, and surprisingly patient when it came to my work.

But then, as we work, things begin to get interesting. It wasn't like we were in love...like when he complimented a piece of mine with a rare, genuine smile. "This one...it's raw. And honest. It reminds me of something I can't quite place."

Or when I caught him staring at me instead of the artwork. He didn't even look away when our eyes met. Kane I knew then was quite different from the one whom I am working with.

He is caring, and can also be gentle.

Then there were the times he'd brush past me, just close enough that I could feel the heat of him. Or the moments when our conversations changed from business to something else entirely.

I hated that I noticed these things.

Worse, I hated that I liked them. Yes, his gentleness made me like him. And wants to be around always.

But I couldn't let myself fall into that trap. Not when I was carrying his children and he had no idea.

"You're overthinking again."

I snapped out of my thoughts to find Kane watching me. We were sitting in his office, finalizing the last details for the exhibit.

I forced a smile. "Am I?"

He leaned back, studying me. "You get this look when you're lost in thought. Like you're debating something in your head."

I swallowed. If only you knew.

"It's nothing," I lied.

He didn't believe me, but he let it go. "Alright. Back to business."

I nodded, trying to refocus as he pulled up the event layout on his laptop. But just as he started explaining something about the guest list...

My stomach turned.

I froze, gripping the armrest of my chair.

Not now.

Not here. Please, please. I already knew what was wrong with me. the morning sickness.

I pressed my lips together, breathing through the nausea.

Kane kept talking, not aware of what was going on with me.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to sit still. Maybe it will pass. Maybe..

Another wave hit me. this time, it was stronger.

My hands trembled as I gripped the desk. I clenched my jaw, hoping for my body to behave.

Kane finally noticed. "Caroline?"

I forced a tight smile. "Yeah?"

"You look..." He frowned. "Are you okay?"

I nodded way too fast. "Fine! Totally fine!"

He didn't look convinced. "You're pale."

"I...I just need some air."

And then it hit again.

I slapped a hand over my mouth, and my stomach lurched.

Panic shot through me.

I had seconds before I...

Without another word, I bolted from my chair, sprinting toward the restroom.

Kane called after me. "Caroline?"

I didn't stop.

I barely made it inside before I collapsed in front of the toilet, emptying my stomach.

Tears stung my eyes as I gripped the cold porcelain. My whole body trembled.

And then I started hearing footsteps. Finally, a knock at the door.

"Caroline?" Kane's voice was right outside.

Shit. I cursed.

I squeezed my eyes shut and gripped the sink for support. I couldn't let him find out like this.

"Caroline, open the door." His voice was firm now but demanding.

I wiped my mouth, taking shaky breaths.

I had to pull myself together.

I had to.

I splashed cold water on my face, staring at my reflection. I looked awful. My face was pale, my eyes looked tired, and no matter how much I tried to calm myself down, my hands still shook.

Kane knocked again. "Are you sick?"

Yes. But not in the way you think.

I inhaled deeply, forcing my voice to sound normal. "I'm fine."

"You just ran out of my office and threw up," he said dryly. "That doesn't scream 'fine.'"

I squeezed my eyes shut. "I think I ate something bad."

Then there was a long silence. Then..."Open the door."

"No," I blurted out.

He kept silent.

"Caroline," his voice was softer now, almost gentle. "Let me see you."

I wanted to.

God, I wanted to.

But if I let him see me like this, he'd start asking questions. And if he started asking questions...

I couldn't risk it.

So I straightened my posture, took another deep breath, and forced the door open.

Kane's eyes locked onto mine immediately, peeping at my face with concern.

"You don't look okay," he said.

I shrugged, trying to act nonchalantly. "I'm fine now. Just needed a minute."

His gaze flickered with doubt. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I lied.

He didn't believe me. I could see it in his expression. But thankfully, he didn't push.

Instead, he nodded. "Alright. But if you need to leave early, just say so."

I forced a smile. "I appreciate it."

I walked past him before he could analyze me further, walking back toward his office as if nothing had happened.

But inside, my heart was racing.

This was getting harder to hide.

And sooner or later...

Kane was going to find out.