Chapter 4
1046 Words
A sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop outside the event hall. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the door with care. Thank you, Son, Mrs. Andrew said, stepping out with elegance, her heels clicking softly against the marble.
Inside, a man in a sharp suit handed a folder to Daniel. Mr. Andrew, here’s the finalized will. If all looks good, we’ll have it signed before the ceremony.
Daniel barely glanced at the document before his mother’s voice pierced the moment.
You’re really leaving everything to Roy? she asked, disbelief thick in her tone. That boy’s reckless. You know that.
He exhaled, resting his elbows on the polished table. Mom, I turn thirty in three months. If the curse is real, and I don’t make it… Roy’s the only one left. I have to hope he’ll rise to it.
Mrs. Andrew’s eyes narrowed. Or… you could break the curse. Find someone you love. Wasn’t there a girl… from a few months ago?
Daniel’s jaw tightened. A flicker of memory flashed, soft eyes, trembling lips, a night filled with something deeper than he’d expected.
Yes, James is looking into her now… to see if she’s pregnant, he said quietly. Then, just as quickly, his voice turned cold. But even if she is, he looked away, jaw clenched, a woman who trades her body for money has no place carrying the future of the Andrew legacy.
Boss… James burst into the room, breathless, a folded paper trembling in his hand. The girl from that night… she’s pregnant.
Daniel froze. What?
James handed him the result. The timeline checks out. It’s yours, sir.
Daniel glanced at the paper, his face unreadable. No. That’s not proof, he said, trying to steady his voice. She sells her eggs, James. She would do anything for money.
James stepped forward. I looked into it. She only did that to pay for her mother’s surgery. She’s not what you think.
A pause. Then silence.
Daniel’s mind drifted, unbidden, to that night. Her trembling voice echoed in his memory:
Please… I’m still a virgin. Pay for my first night… I don’t have any other choice.
Don’t go, I can learn.
Can you use a condom? I’m still in college. I can’t get pregnant…
His grip on the paper loosened. Was I wrong about her… all along? He murmured to himself, the weight of regret creeping in. She was brave… honest, even when she was scared.
Mrs. Andrew had been listening quietly, her brows drawn in concern. Where is she now? she asked softly.
James hesitated. She’s already spent the $100,000. Her mother’s bills keep piling up… she’s back at the hotel. Waitressing.
Mrs. Andrew’s face fell. Waitressing? While carrying your child? Her voice cracked with maternal instinct. What if she falls?
A young woman burst through the ballroom doors, panic written all over her face. She rushed toward the group just outside, her breath shaky.
Mr. Andrew! she cried out. It’s Roy, he’s attacking a pregnant waitress inside!
Daniel’s eyes widened. What? That bastard! he snarled, already moving. If he lays a hand on her again, I swear……
Inside the banquet hall, chaos erupted.
Please! Someone help me, my babies! Felicia’s voice rang out in pain and desperation, her hands protectively wrapped around her belly. Roy stood above her, smug and cold, completely unfazed by the horror unfolding.
She’s bleeding! Another voice screamed. Call an ambulance, she could die!
Banquet Hall Two, a waitress directed, waving frantically. It’s chaos. Please, hurry!
Meanwhile, Roy scoffed, watching Felicia writhe in pain on the floor. Relax. She’s fine. Just putting on a show, he said with a sneer.
She always was dramatic, Stella chimed in. He barely touched her.
Felicia gasped, tears streaking down her face. You’re a monster. Roy leaned in close, cruel satisfaction on his face. Playing dead won’t save you. I’m the heir to the Andrew empire. I could end you right now, and no one would blink.
ROT IN HELL, Felicia spat, voice shaking.
He laughed mockingly. Hell is for the likes of you. Me? I’m about to own a billion-dollar legacy. You? You’ll always be a broke, pathetic w***e. He raised his leg to strike her again.
ROY! Get the hell away from her!
The room fell silent as Daniel stormed in.
Felicia’s vision blurred, but she looked up. It’s… you, she whispered. You were Roy’s uncle. The man who bought my first night…
Daniel knelt beside her, lifting her gently. Yes. It’s me. And I’m here now. Don’t speak. I’ll take care of you… and our baby.
Her lips trembled in a faint smile, then her body went limp in his arms.
Call the hospital, Daniel ordered, his voice hard. Prep for emergency surgery, now!
Yes, sir!
Uncle, wait, what are you doing? Roy scrambled to his feet, panic rising in his voice.
Daniel didn’t flinch. The Andrew legacy has no place for monsters.
He turned to his guards. Make him pay.
Roy's eyes widened in horror. Uncle, please, wait! I’m your nephew, for God’s sake!
Two guards seized him, pinning his arms behind his back.
And Miss Felicia, one guard added, is carrying the CEO’s child.
Roy froze. What…? No. No, that’s a lie. It can’t be true. I’m supposed to be the heir! He thrashed wildly, shoving the guards off and stumbling toward Daniel, desperation in his voice.
He dropped to his knees, grabbing Daniel’s foot. “Uncle, please, she’s nothing but a gold-digger! You have to believe me. She just wants your money. That baby can’t be yours!
Daniel’s voice turned to steel. However much blood Felicia lost today, I want him to lose twice as much.
Roy’s eyes widened. Uncle, no, wait! We can talk about this!
You laid your filthy hands on the future Lady Andrew… and her unborn child. Daniel leaned down, his voice low and final. Forget the inheritance, Roy. You’re lucky if you leave here breathing.
Yes, boss, the guards said in unison.
Roy barely had time to scream before fists started flying. They beat him to the floor as Stella stood frozen, too stunned to move, watching the heir she clung to reduced to nothing.
All for the woman he thought was beneath him.
And the child he never imagined was real.
- Writer
