Chapter 5 Uninvited Truths

Brinda's P. O. V

Jason paced the room like a man on edge, his steps tracing the same line over and over, like a scratched vinyl stuck on a chaotic loop. He looked like a psycho-no steering wheel, no brakes-just bottled rage spinning in circles.

I watched him, my arms folded across my chest, silently daring him to explode.

He paused, one hand rubbing his jaw like he could massage the truth out of it. His eyes lifted-sharp, unblinking-and locked on mine.

"You should've told me," he said flatly. But that look... that look could've stripped the paint off walls.

I stepped forward, heart racing, fists clenching. "Do you fucking think I knew I was carrying your baby, Jason?" My voice cracked under the weight of unshed tears. "Seriously?"

A beat of silence pulsed between us. He stared, lips drawn tight, chest heaving with unspoken words.

Then he said the most absurd thing I'd ever heard in my life.

"You're coming with me. No child of mine is going to be born into that poverty-stricken life you're living."

I blinked. Once. Twice. My jaw dropped.

It was the audacity for me-the sheer fucking gall to assume I was some gold-digging mess trying to trap him with a baby.

"Let me make this clear," I hissed, stepping forward with a fire I didn't know I had left. "I'm getting an abortion. Whether you like it or not. My body, my rules. Got that?"

I turned to leave. Whatever was left of my dignity.

But his hand snapped around my wrist like a steel trap.

His voice dropped, calm but chilling. "I hate repeating myself."

I froze. The hair on my neck stood up.

"Fine. Since this is about decisions... here's mine.", He snapped, leading me in shock.

Then he said it.

"I'll pay you four million dollars. Half now. The rest after the baby's born."

The air left my lungs.

Four million.

My knees almost buckled, but pride kept me standing. "My heart screamed yes. My mind begged for air."

"You think money fixes everything? Try owing someone who'd sell your soul for spare change." I snapped, his eyes still fixed on me.

And still-somewhere deep inside-I wanted this child. I really did. But I wanted it on my terms.

"My child deserves better," I whispered.

"Then it's settled," Jason cut in sharply. "You'll move in. We co-exist until the child is born. No arguments."

The words slapped harder than his offer.

He didn't see me. He saw the problem-and a price tag.

"I'll call my lawyer," he added coldly. "We'll draw up a contract."

He pulled his phone out, rummaging through his pockets like a madman. Just then, the doorbell rang-sharp, loud, slicing through the tension.

We both froze.

"Did you invite someone over?" he asked, eyes narrowing.

"No," I replied, suddenly on edge. My hands fidgeted with the hem of my dress as unease crawled down my spine.

Jason moved toward the door, his silhouette towering against the soft light of the hallway. I watched him-broad shoulders tense, one hand brushing the doorknob.

The scent of his cologne still lingered in the air, intoxicating, and for a moment I forgot how badly things had spiraled.

Until he called my name.

"Brinda!" he barked. "Get over here."

I braced myself, expecting more drama-but what I saw made my stomach churn.

Standing in the doorway was my worst nightmare wearing red lipstick and a devil's grin.

"Hello, Brinda," she said with a mock-innocent lilt. "I see you've upgraded... but the game's over, sweetheart. Time's up."

Her voice curled like smoke in the air.

"I'm Miss Cash," she added, her eyes sliding to Jason. "And I'm here for my treasure."

Jason turned toward me, confused. "What the hell is going on?"

I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Shame swallowed me whole.

"And just like that, the walls I built cracked wide open. I was exposed. And it was all true."

Miss Cash tilted her head with a mocking pout. "She didn't tell you, did she? Your sweet little baby mama is a whore who owes me money. And I'm here to collect what's mine."

Jason stepped back, recoiling like he'd been slapped. His eyes burned into me with betrayal and something darker.

"Wait. What the fuck?!"

And just like that, the floor caved beneath my feet.

Jason stared at me like I was the bullet he hadn't seen coming.

I opened my mouth to speak.

But no words came.