I stood in front of the Thornfield Enterprises building, a towering structure that seemed to defy the sky. The glass shimmered in the morning sun, as if to emphasize that only the chosen ones could enter. And today, I was one of them.
I let out a long breath, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. Yesterday evening, someone knocked on my apartment door. When I opened it, a man in an expensive suit was standing there. He introduced himself as Alexander Thornfield's personal assistant and extended an invitation to meet with the man.
I wanted to decline. I'm not someone who can just be ordered around by anyone, even by a man like Alexander Thornfield. But the reality I had to face was the baby I was carrying. This child was a part of my life now, and I knew I had to hear what he had to say.
With heavy steps, I walked into the building. A grand lobby with white marble walls and a large chandelier greeted me. The employees passing by were busy, all of whom seemed to know their destination - unlike me, who didn't even know what was going to happen in the next few minutes.
A receptionist smiled faintly at me, then directed me to the elevator that would take me to the highest floor. “Please, Miss Blake. Mr. Thornfield is waiting.”
I nodded slowly, stepped into the elevator, and pressed the button. The elevator doors closed, and I felt as if the world I knew was slowly disappearing beneath me. I didn't know if I was ready to meet the man who now had an unexpected connection to my life. But I knew one thing for sure: I wouldn't let him control everything.
When the elevator doors opened, my steps echoed on the marble floor of the room. The room was large, with a glass wall overlooking New York City. In the center of the room, behind a large desk, sat a man who exuded an aura of authority. Alexander Thornfield.
“Welcome, Miss Blake,” he said, his voice deep and firm. He wasn't smiling. His expression was serious, and I knew this was no ordinary meeting.
“Please take a seat,” he continued, motioning to the chair in front of him. I nodded, trying to keep my face calm even though my hands were shaking slightly.
I knew that this conversation would change everything.
This first meeting with a famous man made me feel the difference between the two of us even more.
I sat on a chair that felt too soft, trying to keep my posture upright. Across from me, Alexander Thornfield leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes looking at me like a ruler assessing a subordinate.
He was in no hurry to speak, and I refused to be the first to open my mouth. If he had something to say, he should start.
Finally, after a moment that felt like an eternity, she spoke. “So, you're Aurora Blake?”
His voice was deep, full of authority. No pleasantries, no friendliness. Just a firm tone that hinted that he was used to getting his way.
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “Ya. That's me.”
He stared at me for a few more seconds, as if he was assessing whether I was worthy of this conversation. Then, he leaned forward, his hands interlocked on the table.
“I'll get straight to the point,” he said. “The baby you're carrying is my child. I won't shirk my responsibility. However, I won't let things go unchecked either. This child is important to me, and I want to make sure you give birth to it and take good care of it.”
I looked at him, trying to read his face. His words were cold, but there was something behind his tone-an unwavering resolve.
“I never intended to abandon this child,” I replied, my voice remaining calm. “But I also can't abandon my life completely to focus on the pregnancy. I work hard for my career, and I won't just abandon it.”
His eyes narrowed, as if studying what I had just said. “Your career is important to you, I understand. But this baby is my future. I don't care what you think. What's important is making sure that this child is born healthy and in the best possible condition. If that means you have to give up your job, then that's what you have to do.”
I felt heat in my chest. Who was he to think that he could determine what I should do with my life? “Mr. Thornfield,” I began in a slightly more assertive tone, “I appreciate your concern, but this is my life too. This child is a part of me, and I have the right to live my life as I see fit.”
He looked at me sharply, but did not immediately reply.
He gave me a sharp look, but did not reply immediately. After a while, he finally said, “Your rights mean nothing if they harm this child. I'll take care of everything for you-all your needs, all the expenses, whatever you need. But I want you to focus entirely on your pregnancy.”
I opened my mouth to reply, but he held up a hand, stopping me. “And I want you to know one more thing: from now on, you'll be living in my house.”
I stared at him, shocked. “Huh!!! Living in your house? That's impossible, I can't.”
“That's not a request, Ms. Blake,” he said in a final tone. “I've already decided. My home is the safest place for you and this child. I'll make sure you get the best care, nothing less.”
I paused, not knowing what to say. His words were like an absolute decision that could not be resisted. I wanted to reject him, but I knew he was the type of person who wouldn't accept such an answer.
The decision he made was what I was afraid of, because it could destroy my freedom.
I sat in my chair, trying to digest the words she had just said. Living in his house? Changing my entire life just because he decided it was best?
“Mr. Thornfield,” I finally said, keeping my voice steady despite the turmoil in my chest. “I appreciate your concern for this child, but I'm not sure this is a reasonable solution. I have my job, my responsibilities, and my life where I am now. Staying at your house would-”
“All of that is no longer relevant, Mrs. Blake,” he cut her off in a stern tone. “Your life now involves my child, and that means you must prioritize this pregnancy above all else. Your career, your other responsibilities, they can wait. This child cannot.”
I clenched my hands in my lap, trying to contain my anger. “Mr. Thornfield, I've worked hard to get to where I am now. Do you really think I can just leave everything behind just because you ask?”
He leaned back in his chair, his gaze unchanged. “I'm not asking. I'm telling. I know this isn't an easy thing for you, but I also won't let myself or this child fall victim to a half-hearted decision.”
“But-”
“That's enough! I've made my decision,” he said, cutting me off again. “You will live in my house. All your needs will be taken care of, and I'll make sure you don't miss out on anything you need. If your career is so important, I can arrange suitable work from my home. But I want you there, under my care, until this child is born.”
I paused. His words were firm, full of conviction, and I knew he wouldn't accept rejection. But this was my life-this decision wasn't something he could make for me.
“And if I refuse?” I asked finally, deciding to test his limits.
He looked at me deeply, then smiled a little, but his smile offered no warmth. “You can try. But I'm sure you know that I won't give up so easily. This is my son. I'll make sure he gets whatever he needs, and that includes making sure his mother does what's best for him.”
I felt like I was being backed into a corner, but I knew she wasn't entirely wrong. I looked down for a moment, trying to calm myself down. This wasn't just about me anymore, and I couldn't act impulsively.
“I'll think about it,” I said finally, trying to gain a little control over the situation.
He nodded, his expression remaining cold. “Good. I'll give you until this weekend. After that, I want your answer.”
When I left Alex's office, my mind was full of questions and mixed emotions. He's a tough guy, someone who's used to getting what he wants, and I know that trying to fight him will be a huge challenge.
But this was my life, my son, and I wasn't going to let him control everything.
However, underneath all that tension, there was something else-a strange curiosity. How would a man like Alex, who seemed so planned and in control, deal with this situation?
I knew that this was just the beginning of something much bigger than I had imagined.