Billionaire's Regret: Second Chance At Love

(Allison's POV)

"I'm pregnant." Those were the words I had rehearsed in my mind over and over again as I anxiously waited for Scott to arrive at the coffee shop where I'd asked him to meet me.

Scott and I had been together for two years now. He wasn't just my boyfriend-he was my best friend, my lover, my greatest support. He'd always showered me with affection, making me feel like I was the only woman in the world. It was one of the things I loved most about him. That's why I was so beyond excited to share the news of my pregnancy with him. I knew he'd be thrilled. He has to be. And maybe, just maybe, he'd finally put a ring on my finger. The thought of marrying Scott and waking up beside him every morning, seeing his handsome face-his chiseled jaw, and striking blue eyes,-had always felt like a dream come true. I loved him deeply, and I'd always believed he loved me just as much.

"Allie."

His voice-deep, familiar, and steady-broke into my thoughts, snapping me back to reality. My heart skipped a beat, and I turned around, finally locking eyes with him. There he was, standing in the doorway, looking as handsome as ever. I couldn't help but smile.

"Scott!" I exclaimed, rising from my seat and throwing myself into his arms, eager to feel the warmth of his embrace. But something was off. He didn't hug me back, didn't even move. His hands remained buried in his pockets, and I pulled away slowly, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, trying to mask the sudden unease that crept into my chest. He wasn't acting like himself.

Scott nodded, but the smile he forced didn't reach his eyes. The dimples I adored-the ones that always made me feel like everything was right in the world-looked... hollow. "You wanted to discuss something?" he asked. His voice was calm, but distant, as if his mind were somewhere else entirely, far removed from me.

I hesitated, uncertainty gnawing at me. His behavior felt off, but I tried to brush it aside. Today was too important to let doubts creep in. "Yes," I said, forcing a nervous smile. "It's something you'll want to hear."

His gaze shifted briefly to his watch before returning to me. "What is it?"

Instead of answering him immediately, I reached out and took his hand gently, guiding him to the chair. "Sit with me," I said softly, hoping to pull him closer-both physically and emotionally.

As he sat down beside me, I noticed his eyes flick back to his watch again. My heart sank a little more. "Do you have somewhere to be?" I asked, attempting to keep my voice light, but failing to hide the disappointment that crept in.

"No, Allie. I'm here. Just tell me," he said. But his tone lacked the warmth I was used to. The warmth I desperately needed right now.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and summoned every ounce of courage I could find. "I'm pregnant," I said, my voice trembling, barely a whisper. But it was enough.

I waited for his reaction, my heart pounding in my chest. I expected a look of joy, surprise, or even disbelief-anything that would show me he cared, that he shared in the excitement I felt. But instead, Scott simply stared at me, his eyes blank, his expression unreadable. Seconds stretched into what felt like an eternity. I could feel the weight of his gaze, but there was no warmth in it. No recognition. Just emptiness.

"I'm pregnant, Scott," I repeated, this time a little louder, hoping to spark some sort of reaction from him. But it was as if his expression moved through various emotions-shock, confusion, determination-too quickly for me to comprehend. After what felt like forever, he finally spoke, his voice flat, devoid of the excitement I had imagined.

"Let's break up," he said, his words like a slap in the face.

My world shattered in an instant. "You're joking, right?" I whispered, my voice barely audible. This couldn't be happening. This was the man who had promised me forever, the man who had held me close and told me he loved me. Now he was talking about ending things, right when I thought we were on the brink of building a family together?

"I'm not joking, Allie," he said, his tone wavering slightly. There was a crack in his voice, which I thought might mean he felt something, but then it quickly turned firm and detached. "We need to end this."

Tears pricked my eyes as a sharp pain twisted in my chest. I felt like I was drowning in the words he had just said. "Scott, you can't be serious. I'm pregnant with your child! We should be talking about marriage, not a breakup. What are you thinking?" My voice wavered, the hurt and confusion spilling out with each word. I tried to understand, tried to make sense of what was happening, but it was impossible.

Scott's eyes flicked away from mine, almost as though he couldn't bear to look at me anymore. "You shouldn't have gotten pregnant, Allie," he said, his voice a mixture of coldness and sadness. His words felt like ice, cutting me deeper with every syllable. I couldn't make sense out of it. How could he blame me for something that was so obviously our responsibility?

"It's not like I planned this on my own!" I snapped, my voice cracking. The memories of our nights together, our shared moments of love and trust, flooded back in an overwhelming wave. He had been the first man I'd ever loved, the first I'd ever trusted. We were supposed to be in this together, but now, I was alone.

Scott's jaw tightened. "I am not ready to be a father, Allie. I can barely take care of myself, let alone father a child," he said, his words cold and sharp, further driving the knife into my heart.

My heart shattered with each word. "So, what are you saying, Scott? Are you leaving me to face this alone when we both participated in it?" My voice cracked as my tears began to fall.

Scott met my gaze one last time, his eyes cold and devoid of any warmth. "That's why I'm letting you go, Allie. We should break up, and you should also..." He paused, his eyes shifting away before delivering the final blow.

"Get rid of the baby."

(Allison's POV)

For a few minutes, I just stared at Scott, unable to believe those words actually came out of his mouth. Was this really the same man who once promised to love me for eternity? Tears blurred my vision, streaking down my face and washing away my carefully applied makeup. My heart ached as if it had been pierced with a knife, but I clung to the hope that this was just some cruel joke. Surely, the man who'd once showered me with so much love couldn't say something so heartless.

"Tell me you're joking, Scott," I whispered, my voice breaking as I struggled to hold back sobs. My words seemed to catch the attention of other customers in the coffee shop. Heads turned, eyes watching, but I didn't care. None of it mattered-not the stares, not the murmurs. All I wanted was for Scott to tell me that what he just said wasn't true.

For a moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes, a hint of guilt, maybe. But just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished, leaving only the cold, indifferent gaze of a stranger. "I'm not joking, Allie. You should abort the baby, and we should go our separate ways." His words were ice, and I felt the chill sink deep into my bones. Fresh tears spilled over, and I had to clasp my hand over my mouth to muffle my sobs.

"Please, Scott, stop this!" I pleaded, my voice rising despite myself. "If this is some kind of joke, it's not funny! You always talked about us having a baby together. Don't push me away now."

But Scott's expression remained unmoved. "I don't want the baby, Allie. If you choose to keep it, then that's on you," he said coldly. He took a step back, his eyes already drifting toward the door.

"No, Scott, please don't leave me." Desperation filled my voice as I reached out, grabbing his hand before he could turn away. I couldn't imagine facing this alone. I needed him, not just because of the tiny life growing inside me, but because he was the love of my life. If it meant keeping him by my side, I would give up anything.

"Let go of me," Scott said, his tone calm. I shook my head, clinging to his hand, hoping he might change his mind. But then he yanked his hand out of my grasp, the force sending me sprawling onto the floor. I landed hard, nearly falling onto my stomach, and a fresh wave of terror hit me. What if I lose my baby?

I looked up at Scott, shocked and heartbroken. "Scott..." My voice cracked as I tried to make sense of what had just happened, but he didn't even glance back. Without a second thought, he turned and walked out of the coffee shop, leaving me behind. Each step he took felt like a nail driving deeper into my heart. The whispers and stares from the other customers only intensified my humiliation. My whole world felt like it was crumbling around me, and I was powerless to stop it.

Somehow, I managed to stand up, though my legs felt weak. I could hear people murmuring, calling me names, judging me without knowing the story. I didn't care. Ignoring the stares, I quickly left the coffee shop, my mind spinning. I need to talk to Scott one more time. With determination, I hailed a cab and headed straight for his apartment.

When I reached his doorstep, I typed in the familiar passcode, but the door didn't unlock. Panic clawed at my chest. Scott had changed the code. Was he really so serious about ending things with me? I knocked several times, each one more desperate than the last, but there was no answer. Defeated, I sank down outside his door, waiting, tears streaming down my face. I felt so hurt. Even when I lost my parents years ago, it hadn't hurt this much.

"What are you doing here?" His voice jolted me out of my thoughts. I looked up, my heart sinking even further as I saw Scott standing there-with another woman by his side, her arm draped possessively around him.

My mind reeled. How could he bring someone else here? How could he do this to me? "Scott, what's going on?" My voice wavered, the brave facade I tried to wear crumbling under the weight of my grief.

"This is my new girlfriend," he said, his words cutting deeper than any knife could. I almost stumbled, feeling my knees go weak. "Your...what?" I managed to whisper, barely able to believe what I was hearing.

"She's my new girlfriend, Allison," he repeated coldly, using my full name. Scott had always called me Allie. Hearing him distance himself with a simple word was like another blow to my already battered heart.

"We're moving to London together," he continued, his tone devoid of any warmth. "We're going to start a new life."

I felt my world tilt, my hopes shattering around me. He didn't care-not about me, not about the child I carried. All those memories, all those promises, all those dreams-it was all gone. "Doesn't our baby mean anything to you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"If you'll excuse us," he said, wrapping his arm around the other woman, "we have something important to do inside." He didn't even look back as they went into the apartment, the door slamming shut in my face.

I stood there, dazed and heartbroken, realizing that Scott was truly gone. He had abandoned me and our unborn child. But as painful as it was, a new resolve began to form within me. I wouldn't let his betrayal dictate my life.

Wiping away my tears, I left and went home. Inside, I found my Aunt Hilda and my younger brother sitting on the sofa, watching a documentary. Their faces turned to me, concern flickering in their eyes as they noticed my tear-streaked face.

"Allison, what happened?" my brother asked, moving toward me with worry.

My aunt's face softened with sympathy. "Did something happen with Scott?"

I took a deep breath, gathering the courage to speak the truth. "I'm pregnant, and Scott... he left me. He doesn't want anything to do with the baby." My voice wavered, but I forced myself to stay strong.

Aunt Hilda pulled me into her arms, offering the comfort I desperately needed. "You're not alone, Allison. We'll get through this together," she murmured, her voice soothing.

"I think... I think I need to leave California," I whispered, realizing that every corner of this place held memories of Scott.

"Are you sure?" Aunt Hilda asked gently, a mix of concern and understanding in her gaze.

I nodded. "Yes. I need a fresh start-for me and my baby."

And just like that, the next morning, I boarded a flight to New York. A new life awaited me, and though I didn't know what the future held, I was ready to face it. My baby and I would be just fine.

(Scott's POV)

As I watched Allison walk away through the window, heartbroken and scattered, a pang of guilt suffocated me. I had broken her so deeply after promising never to leave her side. The memory of her tear-streaked face haunted me, and I couldn't shake off the weight of my betrayal.

The woman I love was carrying my child. That should've been something to celebrate, something to cherish. I wanted to rush to her, pull her into my arms, spin her around, and kiss her as I begged her to marry me. But I couldn't. I had made a choice-a selfish choice. If my father discovered I got a woman pregnant, the opportunity he reluctantly gave to me would be gone in an instant.

My father hated me. To him, I was nothing more than a mistake-a product of his one-night stand with my late mother, who died giving birth to me. He never saw me as his son, and I grew up believing love was a weakness, something I didn't need. But that changed the day I met Allison. She showed me what it meant to love and be loved. Her smile, her laughter, the way she looked at me like I mattered-she became my everything. When she agreed to be my girlfriend, I promised myself I would never let her go.

That promise crumbled the day my father called me with an offer I couldn't refuse.

"Scott, you know what this means," his voice echoed in my mind, cold and commanding. He had finally agreed to fund my studies in London, something I'd been denied for years. But there was a price-one cruel condition: I had to sever all ties in California, including Allison. According to him, she was a distraction, a dead weight holding me back from achieving greatness.

Blinded by my ambition and desperate to escape the shadow of being called a "mistake," I accepted his terms. That's why I couldn't tell Allison the real reason I broke up with her. What was the point? It wouldn't change anything. I have made my decision to prioritize my dreams over the woman I loved and the life we could have had together.

Tears burned my eyes, but I blinked them away. What right did I have to cry when I was the one who chose ambition over love? Allison deserved better than me-better than a selfish man who was willing to abandon her and our unborn child. She has every right to hate me. I deserved her resentment.

A soft hand wrapped around my arm, pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see Jenna, the woman I had introduced to Allison as my new girlfriend. I had been so consumed by thoughts of Allison that I forgot Jenna was still in the room.

Jenna was the daughter of a prominent family, someone my father had introduced me to the day he announced my trip to London. Her family's influence was part of his grand plan for me, and he insisted I take her with me. Reluctantly, I agreed. To him, she was the perfect match-a stepping stone toward the success I craved.

"Who was that woman?" Jenna asked, her hands sliding up my arm. I let her touch me, knowing that any resistance could lead to complications. One word from her to my father, and everything I had worked for could come crashing down.

"She's no one," I replied, forcing a smile. The words tasted bitter on my tongue. Calling Allison "no one" felt like betraying her all over again, but what choice do I have?

"It didn't look like she was no one to you, Scott," Jenna pressed, her lips hovering dangerously close to mine. I turned my head just in time to avoid her kiss, masking the move as casual indifference.

"She's no one, Jenna. Believe me." I ran my fingers through her hair, a calculated move to distract her. "Let's focus on our flight to London instead."

My tactic worked. Jenna's questions ceased, and the conversation shifted to our upcoming trip. But as we talked, she threw herself at me again, and this time, I didn't resist. I gave in, not out of desire, but because it was the path I had chosen-the price I had to pay for success.

The day of our departure arrived faster than I expected. Before leaving, I made discreet inquiries about Allison and learned she has left California. I didn't dig deeper to know where she relocated to. It was better this way. She deserved a fresh start, a life without me dragging her down. I convinced myself that it was for the best. We weren't meant to be, not when I was willing to sacrifice her happiness for my ambitions.

In London, I poured myself into building my dream. Jenna, however, proved to be nothing more than a fleeting arrangement. One day, I discovered she was cheating on me.

"What we have isn't love, Scott," she said, her voice cold and detached. "This is just a duty we're fulfilling for our parents. I'm sorry, but I love someone else, and I'm going to marry him."

Her words didn't sting. I had never loved her, and I never pretended to. She was merely a means to an end-a ticket out of California and into the life I wanted. With her gone, I locked my heart away and focused solely on my ambitions.

My goal was clear: to build my empire and prove my father wrong. Love had no place in my life anymore. Nothing mattered except achieving the success I had sacrificed so much for.

As for Allison, I thought about her often. The image of her walking away, broken and betrayed, haunted me in quiet moments. I wondered if she had moved on, if she was happy, if our child was growing up without knowing the selfish man who had chosen a dream over them.

It hurt, but I didn't regret my decision. I was one step closer to becoming the man my father said I could never be. One step closer to proving him wrong, even if it meant I had to live with the guilt of breaking the heart of the only woman I had ever loved.