Chapter 11: Secrets Between Us
746 Words
Lexi sat at the edge of the bed, staring down at the small white stick in her hand.
Two lines. Again.
She’d taken four more tests since the first, hoping—maybe even praying—that the results would change. They didn’t.
She was pregnant.
The realization still hadn't sunk in. Her fingers trembled slightly as she placed the test into the bottom drawer of the vanity, hiding it beneath a pile of scarves.
A sharp knock at the bedroom door made her jolt.
“Lexi,” came Alexander’s voice from the other side. “We have that charity dinner tonight. Don’t forget.”
“Yeah, I remember,” she replied, trying to steady her voice. “I’ll be down in a minute.”
She waited until his footsteps faded before she let out the breath she’d been holding. How was she going to keep this a secret?
More importantly, should she?
Downstairs, the black-tie event was in full swing. Guests in glittering gowns and designer suits filled the marble-floored ballroom of the KnightCorp Tower. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead as champagne flowed like water.
Lexi stayed close to Alexander’s side, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back, as always. To everyone watching, they looked like a perfect couple.
Only Lexi knew the truth: they were an arrangement. A contract. A lie... at least in the beginning.
And now?
Now she was carrying his child, and she didn’t know what to do with the truth.
“You’re quiet tonight,” Alexander murmured in her ear, his lips close enough to brush her skin.
She stiffened. “Just tired. Long day.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, scanning her face. “You look pale.”
“I’m fine.”
He didn’t look convinced. “We can leave early if—”
“No. You need to be here.” She smiled, forcing brightness into her voice. “Let’s just get through this.”
Alexander said nothing, but the way his hand lingered a little longer on her back felt... different.
Possessive.
Protective?
She shook the thought away.
Later, while pretending to sip champagne, Lexi felt the first wave of nausea. Excusing herself quickly, she made it to the restroom just in time.
Her stomach lurched as she gripped the edge of the sink.
“Damn it,” she whispered to herself.
She heard the restroom door open, and to her horror—Vanessa walked in.
Lexi froze.
Her best friend’s eyes widened as she took in Lexi’s pale face and trembling hands. “Lex, are you okay?”
“I—” Lexi hesitated, then shook her head. “It’s nothing. Just—bad shrimp, maybe.”
Vanessa’s gaze dropped to Lexi’s stomach. Then back to her eyes. Her voice dropped to a whisper.
“Lexi... are you pregnant?”
Lexi’s breath caught.
Vanessa took a step forward. “You are, aren’t you? Oh my God.”
“Please don’t say anything,” Lexi whispered. “Not to anyone. Especially not to him.”
Vanessa looked horrified. “You haven’t told Alexander?”
“I can’t. Not yet.”
“But Lexi, you can’t hide this forever.”
“I know.” Her voice cracked. “But... I’m scared. What if he only sees the baby as a responsibility? What if he doesn’t want us?”
Vanessa’s voice softened. “You think he wouldn’t care?”
Lexi blinked away tears. “I think he’s already building walls again. And I’m not sure I can survive being let down again.”
That night, back in the penthouse, Lexi curled into bed before Alexander returned from a late-night meeting.
She thought she was alone.
But moments later, she heard the door creak open. He slipped in quietly, shedding his jacket. He paused at the foot of the bed, as if debating something.
Then... he sat beside her.
“You're not just tired,” he said, voice low.
Lexi didn’t move. Her heart raced.
“You’ve been distant for days,” he added. “Are you... hiding something from me?”
Lexi’s throat went dry.
She opened her mouth, a dozen truths and lies battling for release—but in the end, she just whispered:
“No. I’m fine.”
He didn’t push. He didn’t speak.
But when he finally slid beneath the covers beside her, closer than usual, she felt it—the tension, the curiosity, the unspoken suspicion.
And the widening gap between them, filling with secrets.
- Writer
