At this point, Mia couldn't hold the tears from pouring. This was too much for her.
Charles finally spoke up. "Victoria, enough. This is not how we handle things in this family. Mia, like I said earlier, no true blood of this family will be neglected, no matter what."
Mia felt a small sense of relief wash over her. At least Liam's father seemed to have a heart.
But Victoria wasn't finished yet. "Charles, are you serious? You would let this... this woman come in here and threaten our family's reputation like this? What kind of man are you?"
Charles stood up, his face red with anger. "I am the kind of father who stands by his son and the mother of his grandchild. Now, if you can't accept that, then I suggest you keep quiet. Do not forget, I make the rules here, Victoria."
Victoria huffed and stormed out of the room.
Mia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She was grateful to have Charles on her side, but she knew that this was only the beginning of the challenges she would face in the coming months.
There was no way out of this. Liam's family was too powerful, and they would do whatever it takes to protect their reputation and status. She felt helpless and alone, with nowhere to turn.
As she left the meeting, she realised that her life would never be the same again. She was carrying Liam's child, but she couldn't count on him or his family to be there for her. She had to find a way to make it on her own, no matter the cost.
Days after the meeting with Liam's family, Mia was surprised when Liam showed up at her apartment unannounced. She could tell from the look on his face that he was angry.
"How did my family find out about your pregnancy?" Liam demanded, his tone icy.
Mia was taken aback. She really had no idea how the news had leaked and had asked herself the same question countless times.
"I don't know," she stammered. "I swear I didn't tell anyone."
Liam scoffed. "Of course you didn't. You're a master manipulator, Mia. You're trying to trap me into taking care of your bastard child and ruin my family in the process."
Mia felt a surge of anger rise within her. "How dare you say that? I am not a gold digger, and I never wanted any of this to happen. I didn't plan on getting pregnant, and I certainly didn't plan on getting involved with someone like you."
Liam's expression softened slightly, and he reached out to touch her arm. "I know this is a difficult situation. My family can be ruthless sometimes, and I'm under a lot of pressure. But we need to be careful. They are watching us closely, and any misstep could be disastrous."
Mia pulled away from him, feeling hurt and betrayed. "I don't need your pity, Liam. I can take care of myself and my child. I just wish you could be there for us, instead of treating me like a burden."
"My family's reputation, my inheritance, everything. I can't just throw it all away for a child that may or may not be mine." Liam replied.
Mia shook her head in disbelief. "How can you say that? This is your child, Liam. Your own flesh and blood. Are you that heartless? Don't you feel anything for this baby growing inside of me?"
Liam's face hardened again. "Don't pretend like you're the victim here, Mia. You knew what you were getting into when you slept with me. Now you have to face the consequences. And if you ever try to use this child against me, I will make sure you regret it."
Mia watched as Liam stormed out of her apartment, feeling more alone than ever before. She couldn't bear the pain of Liam's harsh words and his family's rejection of her and her unborn child. She wiped her tears, stood up and walked outside.
She found herself wandering aimlessly and eventually ended up at a nearby café. The fresh air had helped clear her head a bit as she ordered a cup of tea and sat down at a small table, lost in her thoughts.
As she sat there, a man approached her. He could tell she wasn't doing well and asked if she was okay. Mia didn't know what to say, but something about the stranger's gentle demeanour made her feel comfortable enough to open up.
"I'm sorry, I'm just going through a really tough time," she said, her voice breaking.
The man sat down across from her and listened as Mia poured out her heart, telling him about Liam, the baby, and the turmoil it had caused in her life.
"I don't know what to do," she said, tears streaming down her face.
The man listened patiently, offering words of comfort and support. "You are strong enough to get through this. There are so many options available for you. You don't have to stick to one option alone"
"What do you mean?" Mia said as she wiped a tear.
"Look at the bright side. You're beautiful and young with lots of potential. You can't just let one event determine the course of your life. Why not leave this city? He suggested with a smile.
"You mean I should run away?" Mia replied, her eyes wide open.
"Not if you see it that way though. I mean get a life for yourself" he replied as he got up to leave.
"How do I do that? Where do I start from?" Mia asked.
The stranger sat down next to her and explained "sometimes in life, we need to make tough choices, and if you truly care for your baby, you would do whatever it takes to protect it and running away might be your only option."
Mia's eyes widened as she listened to the stranger's words. He was right. Liam's family would never accept her or her baby, and Isabella was determined to ruin her life. This was something she could consider.
"But I don't know anyone outside this city." Mia replied.
The stranger put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll help you, don't worry. We'll leave the city and start a new life together."
Mia was surprised by his offer. She didn't know this man, but his kindness was overwhelming. "Please sir, what's your name?" she asked him.
He smiled at her and said, "It doesn't matter, Mia. What matters is that I'm here to help you."
Mia nodded, feeling a glimmer of hope in her heart. She knew it wouldn't be easy to leave everything behind, but for her baby's sake, she was willing to try.
She thanked the man for listening and got up to leave. He handed her a piece of paper with his phone number on it.
"If you have made up your mind, don't hesitate to call me," he said with a smile.
Mia smiled back, feeling grateful for the stranger's kindness. As she left the café, she felt a glimmer of hope that maybe things would turn out okay after all.
She was taking a risk, but she couldn't stay in the city any longer. She had to protect her baby at all costs.
But as she left the cafe, one question kept ringing in her head - who was this stranger and why was he offering to help?