CHAPTER 15: THE CHOICE
681 Words
CHAPTER 15: THE CHOICE
The garage fell into complete silence.
Only the sound of rain hitting the metal roof echoed through the room.
Elena stood trembling, tears streaming down her face. One hand rested protectively on her stomach as she stared at Alexander.
"So..." she whispered, her voice breaking. "Who do you believe?"
Alexander couldn't answer.
His mother, Margaret, stood confidently with her arms folded.
"You've known me your entire life," she said calmly. "I've never wanted anything but the best for you. This girl appeared from nowhere, and now she's pregnant just after learning you're one of the richest men in the country. Open your eyes."
Elena shook her head.
"That's enough! I didn't even know Alexander was a billionaire when I fell in love with him."
Margaret laughed.
"Of course you'll say that."
Alexander closed his eyes.
Memories rushed through his mind.
He remembered Elena sharing her lunch with him before she knew who he really was.
He remembered her refusing expensive gifts because she wanted to earn everything herself.
He remembered the day she risked her own life to save him during the car accident.
Could all of that have been fake?
No.
Slowly, Alexander looked up.
"I've made my decision."
Margaret smiled confidently.
"I knew you would."
Alexander walked past his mother.
Everyone held their breath.
He stopped in front of Elena.
Without saying a word, he gently held her face in his hands.
"I'm sorry."
Elena looked at him in surprise.
"I should never have doubted you."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Alexander turned toward Margaret.
"The woman I married has given me nothing but love."
His voice became stronger.
"But you've given me fear, lies, and manipulation."
Margaret's smile disappeared.
"So you're choosing her?"
"I'm choosing the truth."
Margaret's face darkened with anger.
"You ungrateful boy!"
She raised her hand and slapped Alexander across the face.
The sound echoed through the garage.
Everyone froze.
Alexander slowly touched his cheek but didn't react.
"If loving my wife makes me ungrateful," he said quietly, "then I'll gladly accept that."
Margaret's breathing became heavy.
"You'll lose everything because of her!"
Alexander smiled sadly.
"I'd rather lose my fortune than lose the woman I love."
Elena burst into tears.
She hugged him tightly.
For a moment, it felt like the nightmare was finally over.
Then—
Ding!
The elevator doors opened.
A middle-aged doctor stepped out carrying a medical bag.
Margaret smiled again.
"I invited him."
Alexander frowned.
"What are you doing?"
"The pregnancy test," Margaret replied coldly. "Let's end this once and for all."
The doctor looked uncomfortable.
"I only came because I was told there was an emergency."
Alexander turned to Elena.
"You don't have to do this."
Elena looked into his eyes.
"If this is what it takes to silence everyone forever... I'll do it."
Thirty minutes later, the examination was complete.
The doctor removed his gloves and smiled warmly.
"Congratulations."
Everyone looked at him.
"The pregnancy is real."
Margaret's face remained expressionless.
"The baby is healthy."
Alexander let out a deep breath.
He hugged Elena tightly.
"I knew it."
The doctor continued.
"And based on the examination, the pregnancy dates perfectly match your marriage."
Margaret's confidence vanished.
She took a step backward.
"No..."
Alexander looked at her.
"Are you satisfied now?"
For the first time in years, Margaret had no answer.
She quietly picked up her handbag.
Before leaving, she turned around.
"This isn't over."
Alexander sighed.
"It is."
Margaret smiled strangely.
"You still don't know your father left something behind."
Alexander frowned.
"What do you mean?"
She reached into her handbag and placed a thick brown envelope on the table.
"I wanted to burn this years ago."
Alexander slowly opened it.
Inside were old photographs...
A birth certificate...
A handwritten letter...
And one DNA report.
As he read the first page, his hands began to shake.
His face turned pale.
Elena noticed immediately.
"Alexander... what's wrong?"
He looked up, unable to speak.
Finally, he whispered,
"My entire life..."
"...has been a lie."
END OF CHAPTER 15
To Be Continued... Chapter 16: The Family Secret
- Writer
