Claimed by My Ex's Stepbrother

The scent of antiseptic filled the small hospital room. Tessa's hands trembled as the nurse smiled, holding the ultrasound report like a fragile promise.

All she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. Months of pills, hormone injections, and doctor visits had drained her both physically and emotionally.

And now, maybe... a flicker of hope. Maybe, finally, a chance to give her fiancé what he wanted: a child. Their child.

"Congratulations, Miss Quinn." The nurse smiled. "You're pregnant."

"Yes!" Tessa squealed. "I'm finally pregnant with Grayson's baby!" A shaky breath escaped her lips and her eyes sparkled with hope.

Finally. After all the heartache and desperation, she could give Grayson the baby he wanted so badly. The baby who would secure his place as heir to Thorne Industries, just like Grayson's father's will had demanded.

This wasn't just about her anymore. It was about survival.

She clutched the report close, imagining Grayson's smile, the relief flooding his face. This was their future, her future.

Tessa grabbed her purse and jolted out of the hospital in a hurry, excited to share the news.

The elevator dinged open to their high-rise apartment floor. Her heart raced as she fumbled with her keys.

She stepped inside, expecting silence, peace, and maybe a smile from Grayson.

Instead, laughter spilled from the living room.

Grayson lounged on the velvet couch, an arm wrapped possessively around a woman Tessa knew too well - his secretary, Sofia.

Tall, sleek, with an amused smirk curling her lips.

"Grayson," Tessa's voice cracked like glass. "What's happening?"

He didn't even look up. "You again. What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" Tessa snapped. "We live here, remember? The real question is what is she doing here?"

"That's none of your business, Tessa." Grayson said coolly. "What do you want?"

Tessa's stomach twisted. The casual dismissal hit harder than any shout could have. She stepped forward, eyes locked on Sofia's hand resting on Grayson's thigh.

Her eyes opened in realization.

"You've been lying to me," she said, voice trembling but steady. "How long? How long have you been screwing your secretary while I've been killing myself trying to give you the one thing you keep saying you need?"

Grayson finally met her gaze, his expression flat. "You're making a scene over nothing. Sofia understands me. She doesn't drag me down with endless doctor visits and false hope."

The words landed like a slap. Tessa's breath caught.

Her fists clenched. "False hope? After everything I've put myself through? The pills, the appointments I dragged myself to even when I was shaking, the sleepless nights wondering if this would finally be our chance - and this is how you repay me? By calling me false hope?"

Grayson shrugged, cold and unapologetic. "You've been nothing but a disappointment, Tessa. I don't even think you can get pregnant."

The words hit her like ice water.

"No," she hissed, stepping closer, her voice low but fierce. "I've done everything. Every damn thing. How can you treat me like this?"

Sofia chuckled, sharp and cruel. "Maybe you're just not the right one, Tessa. Maybe I'm the one who can actually give Grayson what he wants."

Grayson smirked. "She'll give me my heir," he said, rubbing Sofia's belly. "You're nothing but a broken failure."

"How dare you speak to me like this?" Tessa snapped.

Sofia stood, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Don't pretend you were ever enough for him."

Grayson laughed darkly. "You're dried up, Tessa. You've been lying to me the whole time. You can't bear my heir. No baby is coming. At least not from you."

Her hands balled into fists. "How dare you? I've done everything for us. For you."

He smirked. "And look where it got you. Get out of my sight. Just looking at you makes me sick."

Her voice grew sharper, fueled by anger and heartbreak. "You fucking bastard. How can you do this?" she demanded, dragging at his shirt.

Before he could reply, the front door swung open.

His mother - Eleanor - stepped in, regal and cold, her eyes like daggers aimed at Tessa. "Get your filthy hands off my son. How dare you question him for you not being able to carry his baby? You sterile piece of junk."

Tessa's breath hitched. "That's not true."

Eleanor's lips curled. "I'm not wrong. You're weak, incapable of giving us what we need."

Sofia leaned in, her voice silky and cruel. "I will give Grayson the heir he deserves. You're just a broken woman."

"Would you shut up, you home wrecker?" Tessa snapped, lunging at Sofia, rage blazing in her eyes. But Grayson caught her, shoving her backwards.

Before she knew it, his hand flew across her face, giving her a burning slap.

His mother's eyes narrowed in approval and Sofia smirked.

"Grayson. How dare you? How dare you hit me?" Tessa sniffed.

"That's enough, Tessa. I am done with you. Now get out of my house."

Tears blurred her vision as pain and humiliation washed over her.

"Fine. I see who you truly are now. And I never want to have anything to do with you again. I hope this home-wrecker can give you babies."

"Yeah. Yeah. Get out!" He chuckled, brushing her off.

Furious and broken, Tessa pulled the crumpled report from her purse. "You think you know everything? You don't."

She tore it in two, the pieces fluttering in the air before she shoved them into his face. "See that? That's the truth you refuse to accept."

Grayson sneered, wiping his cheek. "You're delusional."

She spun away, her heart pounding, tears burning her eyes.

The apartment door slammed shut behind her.

"Silly girl," his mother said as Tessa stormed out of the room. "What's this nonsense now?"

Eleanor bent down, her fingers brushing the torn pieces of paper scattered on the floor.

Her eyes scanned the shattered report and widened in realization.

"Grayson." A slow, satisfied smile curled her lips.

"What is it, Mom?" He turned to face her.

"She's pregnant," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "She really is pregnant."

Sofia narrowed her brows. Her knuckles turned white as Grayson grabbed the piece of paper from his mother's hand.

His eyes scanned the page. His heart thudded in his chest as he saw the pregnancy confirmation.

"Go after her," his mother scowled. "She's carrying your heir - and that baby will change everything."

The knock on Tessa's door came sharply in the dead of night, shaking her to her bones. Her heart thudded painfully as she raced down the stairs of her small apartment.

"Tessa," Grayson's voice called out, low and rough. "Please, open up."

Grayson-what the hell was he doing here?

"Tessa, I know you're in there. Please open the door, let's talk."

She pressed her back against the wall, her breath caught in her throat. After everything-his insults, the way he pushed her away, the cold cruelty-she wasn't about to just let him back in.

"What do you want, Grayson?" she yelled, her voice shaking. "Go away."

"Please," he begged, desperation bleeding through the door. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have said any of that."

She swallowed hard, torn between anger and something stubborn inside her that still wanted him.

"Please open the door, Tessa, let's talk." He begged again.

She took in a deep breath, her heart racing in her chest. She walked slowly to the door, yanking it open with all her strength.

"WHAT?" she snapped. "What do you want?"

"Baby," he started. "I didn't mean any of what I said. Please believe me."

"It's too late for all that now, Grayson. You hit me and you insulted me and you let Sofia-"

"Sofia doesn't mean anything," he shrugged. "She was just something that I used to pass the time. I don't love her. I only love you."

She shook her head, backing away from him. "You said she'd be the one to give you your baby."

He chuckled like his words didn't make sense even to him. "That was just something I said because I was drunk. I had a lot to drink before you came in."

"Grayson-"

"You're the one having my baby." He swallowed. "It's you I want. I want the mother of my heir to be you."

Her eyes narrowed in disappointment. So he was only here because he found out she was pregnant? Not because he cared?

He stepped closer, his voice softening just enough to move her. "Tessa, you think I don't want this? You think I'm just saying all this because I'm desperate?"

She shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"No," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I want us. I want you. Not because of the baby, but because you are everything I ever wanted. I know I was a terrible bastard, but I'm not asking for forgiveness-I'm asking for a second chance."

She wanted to throw him out. God, she did. But his words were like poison wrapped in honey.

"You're scared," he whispered, his voice dropping lower. "Scared that I'll hurt you again. But I'm different now. You're carrying my child. That means something. We can be a family, Tessa. You and me, and the baby. We can be happy."

Her heart hammered against her ribs. Part of her wanted to scream, run away, and never look back. But another part, a smaller, desperate part wanted to reach out, to believe in his promises.

Before she could think it through, his hand brushed her cheek, warm and firm. His eyes searched hers for permission.

She didn't pull away.

Then his lips were on hers with a desperate urgency that stole her breath away. She wanted to push him off, for all the pain he'd caused.

But instead, she found herself melting into the kiss, the anger and heartbreak tangled up with something else-something dangerous.

Tessa paused quickly, her hand still on Grayson's chest, a sudden flicker of worry cutting through the heat.

"The baby... it's still so early. After all the hormones, the injections, the constant monitoring-I don't want to risk anything."

Grayson pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, his expression softening for the first time that night. "I know. I called the clinic after I saw the report. The nurse checked your latest levels-they're strong, the ultrasound looked perfect. She said the pregnancy is stable now, and you're cleared for normal activities... including this. As long as it feels good and there's no pain, we're okay."

Relief flooded through her, warm and unexpected, chasing away the last of her hesitation.

She smiled faintly, fingers tightening in his shirt. "Then don't hold back."

His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, as if trying to erase all he'd done and said. Her body betrayed her, responding to the warmth, the familiarity, the promise he made with that kiss.

He yanked her shirt over her head without a second thought, his fingers rough and claiming. His mouth left hers to trail scorching kisses down her bare chest, his tongue flicking over every sensitive spot, making her shiver uncontrollably.

"Fuck, Tessa," he growled, his breath ragged as he pressed his body hard against hers. Without warning, he scooped her up, carrying her like she weighed nothing as he stormed toward the stairs.

Every step echoed his hunger. He didn't waste a second, slamming the bedroom door shut behind them, and pinning her against the bed with wild, hot kisses that left her dizzy.

His hands tore at her jeans, ripping them open and sliding inside, skin burning against skin. She gasped as his fingers explored, teasing, dragging her closer to the edge.

Then, with no warning, he slipped inside her, hard and demanding, moving with a brutal urgency that took her breath away. Her nails dug into his back as waves of pleasure and pain came together.

He kissed her fiercely, biting her neck as he drove deeper inside her, his voice rough and ragged in her ear. "You're mine, Tessa. Always will be."

She lost herself in the storm of pleasure, the fierce, intense rhythm of his body moving with hers, the desperate heat pooling between her legs until she shattered, screaming his name into the night.

When it was over, he held her close, sweat slick and heart pounding, whispering promises she wasn't sure were true but she didn't want to let go of.

She woke up to Grayson's arms wrapped around her stomach like he was protecting what was his.

She really let him in last night? Maybe it was for the best; she couldn't raise this child on her own, not with her father's hospital bills piling every second. At least Grayson was the son of a rich family. He could help them both.

The sharp buzz of her phone cut through the silence of her small apartment. She glanced at the screen. It was the hospital. She hesitated for just a second, then she answered.

"Ms. Quinn?" The nurse's voice was soft but serious on the other end.

"Yes?" she said, her heart already pounding.

"I'm sorry to inform you, but there was a mistake during your insemination procedure."

Her breath caught. She sat upright, pushing Grayson's hand away from her. He shrugged but didn't wake up.

"What kind of mistake?" she whispered, slowly stepping out of the room.

"Ma'am. The sperm used for your IVF was not from Grayson Thorne."

She stiffened, her eyes widening in horror.

"What did you just say?"

"There was a mix-up. The sperm belonged to someone else. We're really sorry for this misunderstanding."

Her mind spun. She didn't know what to say. This wasn't just a 'misunderstanding'; this was her life. Grayson's life.

"This isn't Grayson's child?" she whispered, disbelief washing over her.

"Yes, Ms. Quinn," the nurse confirmed gently. "It's not his."

She backed against the wall... trembling, the weight of the news crushing her.

"If this baby is not for Grayson... then whose baby am I carrying?"

"Okay, Tessa, you have to tell me, what's really going on?" Her best friend, Gina, said as she sat across from her. "You've been off since yesterday."

"It's... It's not Grayson's baby, Gina," Tessa said, her voice low. "The hospital called. There was a mix-up. Someone else's sperm was used."

Gina's eyes widened. "What? Wait, are you serious?" she asked, shocked.

Tessa nodded, her voice breaking. "I'm serious. I don't know what to do. I'm so confused. And terrified."

"But... what does that mean? What are you going to tell him?"

She shook her head, swallowing hard. "I don't know. I can't tell Grayson. Not like this. He'll think I'm lying. Or I cheated. Or worse... He'll hate me. He's obsessed with having an heir."

Gina leaned back, sighing. "That's a lot to carry, Tessa. But you have to do something about it. What if he finds out for himself?"

"If he finds out, it'll destroy everything. And not just with him... his mother, his family - they won't stop until I'm broken."

"So what?" Gina snapped. "You're just going to keep this secret?"

"I have no choice. I'm scared. But I can't lose him, not yet."

A heavy silence fell between them, the air thick with tension. Tessa knew Gina didn't approve of her hiding this from her fiancé, but she had no other choice.

Suddenly, the front door opened. The click of heavy boots. Grayson stepped in, his eyes immediately locking onto them.

"What are you two whispering about so late?" he asked.

Gina and Tessa froze. Tessa's heart pounded.

Gina stood, giving Tessa a quick look.

"Nothing," she said. "Just... catching up. I'll be leaving now."

"Uhm... Gina." Grayson stopped her as she moved toward the door. "We're throwing a party tonight, to celebrate Tessa and the baby. I want you to come."

Gina looked at Tessa as if searching for approval on her face. "I'm sorry," she said. "I might not be able to make it, but congratulations."

She turned toward Tessa. "I'll see you tomorrow, Tessa."

The party was everything Tessa dreaded. A sea of expensive suits, forced smiles, and champagne flowing like water. Grayson's family and friends buzzed around them, their eyes always flicking to her, some with curiosity, others with judgment.

She tried to smile, to pretend like everything was normal, but the knot in her stomach tightened with every passing second.

Guests came over, offering warm smiles and congratulations. Eleanor approached her first, her usual icy gaze softened into something almost maternal.

"Tessa, darling," she said, her voice somewhat sweet as she took Tessa's hands in hers. "I owe you an apology. My behaviour the other day was... uncalled for. I hope you can forgive an old woman's mistakes."

Tessa forced a small smile, nodding. The warmth felt like a fragile mask, but she needed every ounce of goodwill she could get.

Nearby, Grayson's younger brother stood with his arms crossed, his jaw tight with barely hidden frustration. His eyes flicked to her more than once.

"So she's the one," Tessa overheard him say quietly to Eleanor, "the one who's going to give Grayson the heir."

Eleanor nodded, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Yes, and we need to make sure everything goes smoothly. This family's future depends on it."

The brother's expression hardened. "It's unfair, Mother. Grayson gets everything - the company, the respect. And now the heir. What about me? My wife and I were trying for that baby!"

Eleanor's smile didn't waver. "Patience, darling. Your time will come. For now, focus on supporting your brother."

He didn't say anything, just clenched his jaw like he'd had enough.

"And, I guess we should be grateful that your illegitimate brother isn't the one to have this privilege," she continued. "I can't imagine what would become of us."

Illegitimate brother? Tessa never knew Grayson had another brother.

She caught Eleanor's eyes again. Her smile held a glint of something sharp beneath the kindness. It was like she was marking Tessa, testing her limits.

Grayson was the centre of attention, laughing and charming everyone, but Tessa could see him glance at her ever so often, like she was a prize he wasn't sure he wanted but couldn't let go.

Then, like a shadow sliding into the light, Sofia appeared.

She floated across the room, a glass in hand, her eyes scanning the crowd until they locked on Tessa. Her smile was slow, deliberate, the kind that promised trouble.

Then she turned toward Tessa, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "What a beautiful party. Shame some people here can't be quite so honest."

Tessa turned to Grayson. "Why is she here? I thought you said you were done with her?"

"I am done with her." His laughter faltered as he looked from Sofia to Tessa, the tension snapping tight between them.

"What are you doing Sofia?" He whispered. "You're not supposed to be here."

Tessa felt the room close in, the celebration turning cold and hostile.

Sofia's voice cut through the silence, ignoring Grayson. "Tell them, Tessa." She spat. "Tell them the truth about that child you carry in your womb."

The room fell deathly silent after Sofia's venomous words. Everyone's eyes locked on Tessa, some filled with shock, others with confusion. She stood frozen, her heart pounding like a drum in her ears.

What!? How did she know?

"What are you talking about, Sofia?" Eleanor snapped. "No one invited you here."

"I know that, Mrs Thorne," Sofia said sharply. "But I love Grayson too much for him to walk into this blind and that's why I'm here to tell everyone the truth."

Grayson's smile twisted into something darker, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward.

"The baby Tessa carries in her womb is not for Grayson," Sofia scowled. "Yes she is pregnant, but it's not with your child. And here's the proof."

She handed him a red folder. His eyes scanned it and then Tessa saw his hand tighten as the papers began to crumble.

"Where'd you get this?" Grayson asked.

"Let's just say I called in a favour at the hospital," Sofia smiled, voice dripping with satisfaction. "Seems like Tessa's been keeping quite the secret."

Tessa froze, the room tilting as the weight of it crashed over her-her most private medical history, the IVF struggles, the mix-up, all exposed like cheap gossip.

Her voice came out small, cracked, barely above a whisper. "Isn't that illegal? You had no right."

Sofia laughed, sharp and cruel. "Oh, honey! money talks. The truth is out now. I'll deal with the consequences later - but I don't think Grayson would want to sue me once he finds out the full truth. And last I checked, you don't have a penny to your name to even try."

"Is this true?" Grayson asked, his voice thundering across the room as he shut the file.

"Grayson-" Tessa said, her voice trembling.

"Is it true?" he barked, louder this time, so the whole room shook.

"Yes!" The words left Tessa's mouth, sharp and clear. "Yes, it is."

"So you've been cheating on me, haven't you?" He spat.

Her hands trembled. "No. I swear, it's not like that."

He grabbed her arm, his grip bruising her wrist as she squealed in pain.

"Then whose baby are you carrying, huh?" His voice was ice cold.

Tessa shook her head, tears blurring her vision. "I don't know."

Sofia laughed, loud and cruel. "You've been playing us all for fools."

Grayson's jaw clenched so tight she thought it might snap. His eyes burned with a dark fire she'd never seen before.

"You lying slut," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "How dare you drag my name through the mud?"

Tessa opened her mouth to defend herself, but no words came out.

His fist slammed into the wall inches from her face, murmurs filling the whole room.

"Tell me the truth!" he growled, stepping closer, his breath hot against her skin. "Who's the father? Who the fuck have you been sleeping with?"

Tears blurred her vision. "It's not what you think-"

Before she could finish, his hand shot out, yanking her by the hair so hard she gasped in pain.

He shoved her against the cold wall, his fingers digging into her arm.

Before she could react, his hands moved quicker, slapping her hard across the face.

"AH!" she cried out, her cheeks hot from the slap.

Gasps filled the room, but no one moved to stop him.

"You shameless slut," he snarled, choking her with his other hand. "Tell me who knocked you up, who has been screwing you?"

Panic exploded in her chest. She gasped, struggling to breathe, trying to push his hands away from her neck.

"You worthless whore! Who's the father?" Eleanor's cold voice sliced through the room, echoing with cruel satisfaction.

Tessa couldn't form words. Her vision blurred, and the choking pressure crushed her lungs.

"Grayson, please," she begged, her voice breaking, barely more than a whisper.

His eyes burned with fury as he yanked her roughly by the hair, slamming her against the wall again with a force that knocked the breath out of her.

Then came another slap-a sharp, stinging crack across her face that sent stars exploding behind her eyes.

Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. The metallic taste filled her mouth as she tried to steady herself.

"I will make your life a living hell," he hissed, his eyes wild and merciless.

She looked around. No one was coming to save her.

Grayson's eyes burned with cruel fire as he shoved her roughly. "Get out. Now."

She stumbled back, clutching her stomach, tears streaming down her face.

"You're nothing but a worthless liar and a cheap skank," he spat. "Get out before I do something I regret."

He shoved her outside the door with a force that nearly knocked her off her feet.

Cold air hit her as the door slammed shut behind her, cutting her off from everything she knew.

She collapsed onto the pavement outside, her heart pounding, her breath ragged, clutching the life inside her that was the only thing she had left.

Why was this happening to her? What would she do now? And where was the father of this baby?