Chapter 3 The secret she fears

Amelia pressed a hand to her stomach as she leaned over the bathroom sink. Her reflection looked pale and tired, dark circles forming under her eyes. She had been sick almost every morning for the past week, though she did everything to hide it.

She ran the water, splashed her face, and whispered to herself, "You can't let anyone know. Not yet. Not ever."

Her phone buzzed on the counter. It was Serena again.

> "Don't forget the wedding rehearsal tonight. Adrian will be there. And for heaven's sake, look presentable, Amelia."

Amelia's stomach twisted. She wanted to scream. Did Serena ever care how she felt? Did she ever notice when Amelia was falling apart? Of course not. Serena only cared about appearances, about herself, about Adrian.

And Adrian...

Amelia shut her eyes tightly, but she couldn't erase the memory of his voice outside the café. "Since that night..." His words haunted her. He hadn't forgotten, and she knew he never would.

By evening, Amelia dragged herself to the rehearsal. The church was decorated with white flowers and golden ribbons, sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. Serena stood at the front, bossing the wedding planner around, her voice sharp and demanding.

"You there..no, move those flowers. They look crooked. And Amelia," Serena called, not even glancing at her sister, "stand over there. You're my maid of honor, remember? Don't slouch."

Amelia swallowed her protest and obeyed. She stood quietly, clutching the small bouquet she had been given, her hands trembling. Her stomach felt unsettled again, and she prayed no one noticed.

Then Adrian walked in.

The air shifted.

He looked commanding in his dark suit, his presence filling the room effortlessly. Serena rushed to him with a smile, kissing his cheek and clinging to his arm. "You're late," she said playfully.

"I was in a meeting," he replied coolly, his eyes scanning the room.

And then his gaze found Amelia.

Her breath caught. She tried to look away, but his eyes lingered, sharp and unreadable. She felt her skin heat under his stare, her secret pressing heavily against her heart.

Throughout the rehearsal, Amelia avoided his gaze, focusing on Serena's instructions, on the lines she was supposed to practice. But she could feel him. Watching. Measuring. Waiting.

At one point, as the group paused for a break, Amelia slipped away to the side aisle, pressing her hand to her stomach as nausea rose again. She bent over slightly, trying to breathe.

A shadow fell across her.

"Amelia."

She froze. Slowly, she straightened, and there he was...Adrian, standing too close, his eyes narrowed.

"You're not well." His voice was low, not a question but a statement.

Amelia forced a smile, though her lips trembled. "I'm fine. Just tired."

His gaze dropped briefly to her hand on her stomach. Her breath hitched, and she quickly pulled it away. But it was too late.

"A hint of amusement glinted in his eyes as he watched her...sharp, suspicious, dangerous.

"Are you hiding something from me?" he asked quietly.

Her heart pounded. "No. Of course not. Why would I..."

"Because you avoid me," Adrian interrupted, his tone rough. "Because you can't even look at me. And because something has changed in you since that night."

Amelia's chest tightened. Tears pricked her eyes, but she shook her head desperately. "You're wrong. Please, Adrian... just stop."

For a long moment, he stared at her, his jaw clenched, his eyes dark. Then, finally, he stepped back, his expression unreadable.

"Fine," he said coldly. "But I'll find out the truth, Amelia. One way or another."

Her legs almost gave way as he walked back toward Serena. She pressed against the wall, trembling. Her secret was slipping through her fingers, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep it.

*******

That night, Amelia sat on her bed, the lights off, the city glowing faintly outside her window. She wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking slightly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

She thought about Serena, about how happy she looked whenever she spoke of Adrian. Serena was selfish, yes, but she didn't deserve this betrayal. She didn't deserve to be humiliated.

But what about the baby?

Amelia's hand pressed to her stomach again, her touch gentle. A life was growing inside her. Innocent. Pure. A part of her. A part of him.

The thought made her heart ache. She whispered softly, "What am I supposed to do?"

No answer came. Only the silence of her empty room.

But Amelia knew one thing: the truth couldn't stay hidden forever. Her body would betray her soon, no matter how hard she tried. And when it did, the fragile balance she clung to would shatter.

Because Adrian Knight was not a man who accepted secrets.

And Serena Evans was not a woman who forgave betrayal.

*****

The next morning, Amelia tried to act normal. She went to work at the small art gallery she managed, greeting the staff, pretending to smile. She told herself she would focus on her duties, distract herself.

But even there, she couldn't escape.

In the afternoon, the door opened, and a chill ran through her. Adrian walked in, tall and commanding, his presence making the entire room fall silent.

"Mr. Knight," one of the staff stammered, rushing to greet him.

"I'm here for Amelia," Adrian said flatly, his eyes locked on her.

Her knees weakened. She forced herself to step forward. "Why are you here?" she whispered.

"Talk," he said simply. "Now."

Before she could protest, he guided her into a quiet corner of the gallery, away from prying eyes. His grip on her arm was firm, not painful but impossible to ignore.

"Stop lying to me," he said, his voice low and sharp. "I know something is wrong. Tell me what it is."

Her throat closed. She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't."

"You will," he growled softly, leaning closer. "Because if you don't, I'll find out myself. And when I do, Amelia... I won't let you hide from me again."

Her heart raced violently. She wanted to scream, to confess, to beg him to let her go. But the words stuck in her throat. She turned her face away, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Adrian's eyes softened just for a second. His hand hovered near her stomach, but he didn't touch. Not yet.

Then he stepped back, his mask of coldness sliding back into place. "Fine. Keep your secret. But don't think for a second that I'll stop watching."

He left her trembling, her chest aching, her secret burning hotter than ever.

And Amelia knew then... the truth was only a heartbeat away from being exposed