Chapter 4: A Contract Built on Lies
1009 Words
Emily walked out of the hospital with the ultrasound pictures pressed carefully against her chest.
The afternoon breeze lifted a few strands of her hair, but she barely noticed. Her eyes remained fixed on the tiny black-and-white images.
Twins.
She was going to be the mother of twins.
The thought filled her with both overwhelming joy and fear.
She smiled through her tears.
"My little miracles..."
"I promise I'll protect both of you."
"No matter what happens."
She slipped the ultrasound photos into her handbag as if they were the most precious treasure in the world.
Unknown to her, a black SUV remained parked across the street.
The tinted window lowered slightly.
A pair of cold eyes watched her every move.
"Keep your distance," the man inside said calmly.
"Do not let her notice she's being followed."
"Yes, sir."
The SUV quietly drove away.
...
Back in the capital, Kingston Group was preparing for a press conference.
Sophia Bennett adjusted the sleeve of her elegant white suit before looking at Adrian.
"You barely slept."
Adrian buttoned his jacket without looking at her.
"I'm fine."
"You've been distracted ever since yesterday."
He remained silent.
Sophia forced a smile.
"Still thinking about Emily?"
Adrian finally turned toward her.
"This engagement is part of our agreement."
"Nothing more."
Her smile stiffened.
"I know."
"But the public doesn't."
She stepped closer.
"If we're going to convince the board, we need to look convincing."
Before Adrian could answer, Ethan entered.
"The reporters are waiting."
Adrian nodded once.
"Let's go."
...
The ballroom erupted in camera flashes as Adrian and Sophia walked onto the stage.
Questions flew from every direction.
"Mr. Kingston!"
"When is the wedding?"
"Miss Bennett, how long have you been dating?"
"Did your relationship begin before the divorce?"
Sophia gracefully accepted the microphone.
"Our families have known each other for many years."
"This engagement represents trust between both families."
One reporter quickly turned to Adrian.
"Mr. Kingston, do you love Miss Bennett?"
The room fell silent.
Every camera focused on him.
Sophia's heart skipped a beat.
Adrian's expression never changed.
"I respect her."
It wasn't the answer anyone expected.
An awkward silence spread through the room.
Sophia maintained her smile, but her fingers tightened around the microphone.
Another reporter immediately changed the subject.
"Is it true the Bennett family has invested heavily in Kingston Group?"
Adrian answered calmly.
"Business matters will remain confidential."
The press conference ended shortly afterward.
As soon as they entered the private elevator, Sophia's smile disappeared.
"'I respect her?'"
She laughed bitterly.
"That's all you could say?"
Adrian looked ahead.
"I won't lie."
Sophia stared at him for several seconds.
"One day..."
"I'll make you love me."
The elevator doors opened.
Adrian walked away without replying.
Sophia watched him leave, determination replacing the hurt in her eyes.
"I won't lose."
"Not to a woman who's already gone."
...
That evening, Adrian sat alone in his office.
His eyes drifted toward the framed wedding photograph hidden inside the bottom drawer of his desk.
He had never thrown it away.
In the picture, Emily smiled brightly.
He stood beside her, expressionless.
He traced her face with his thumb.
A quiet knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Ethan entered carrying a sealed envelope.
"We've finished investigating the engagement leak."
Adrian frowned.
"What did you find?"
"The media was informed nearly twelve hours before the official announcement."
Adrian's eyes narrowed.
"Someone leaked it."
"Yes."
"And..."
Ethan hesitated.
"The leak came from inside Kingston Group."
Adrian slowly stood.
"Find the person responsible."
"No matter who it is."
"Yes, sir."
As Ethan turned to leave, Adrian spoke again.
"Any news about Emily?"
Ethan lowered his eyes.
"None."
Adrian looked back at the wedding photograph.
"Keep searching."
...
Hundreds of kilometers away...
Emily was arranging flowers on the tables inside the small café where she worked.
Business had been slow all morning.
The owner smiled warmly.
"Emily."
"Could you help the customer by the window?"
"Of course."
She walked over carrying a menu.
The elderly customer smiled kindly.
"You have a lovely smile."
Emily blushed.
"Thank you."
"You remind me of my late wife."
He chuckled.
"She was expecting twins when I first met her."
Emily instinctively touched her stomach.
"You could tell?"
The old man laughed.
"I've lived long enough to notice these things."
Emily smiled.
"I hope I'll be as wise as you someday."
"I'm sure you will."
He paused before adding gently,
"Children don't need a perfect life."
"They only need a parent who loves them."
Emily's eyes became moist.
"I'll remember that."
...
That night, she sat alone on the apartment balcony, looking at the stars.
She carefully placed both ultrasound pictures on the small table.
"I've been thinking about names."
"If one of you is a boy..."
"I like Noah."
She smiled.
"And if one of you is a girl..."
"Nora."
The names felt right.
Simple.
Warm.
Full of hope.
She rested both hands over her stomach.
"From now on..."
"It's just the three of us."
A soft kick—or perhaps only her imagination—made her laugh quietly.
"I know."
"I'm talking too much."
"But you'll get used to your mommy."
For the first time since the divorce, genuine happiness appeared on her face.
...
Far away, inside a luxurious office overlooking the city, Victor Hale stood before a wall covered with photographs.
Every picture showed Emily.
Leaving the hospital.
Working at the café.
Walking along the beach.
Smiling to herself.
His assistant entered cautiously.
"Sir."
"Our people have confirmed she's settled into her new life."
Victor nodded.
"And the children?"
"The pregnancy is progressing normally."
Victor studied the latest ultrasound photograph.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Excellent."
"The Kingston bloodline has survived."
His assistant frowned.
"Should we bring her back now?"
Victor shook his head.
"No."
"Not yet."
"She's far more useful..."
"...when she believes she's finally safe."
He pinned the ultrasound picture to the center of the wall.
Then he quietly whispered,
"Grow well, little heirs."
"Because soon..."
"Everyone will start searching for you."
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