The first clue
534 Words
Liam Carter sat behind his desk, staring at the closed door long after Ariana had left.
Something wasn’t right.
He wasn’t just imagining it—her fainting, her paleness, the way her hand hovered protectively over her stomach when she thought no one was looking.
And more than that, there was a flicker in her eyes—a flash of panic she couldn’t quite hide every time their gazes met.
He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers under his chin.
She’s hiding something.
He tapped his fingers against the desk and pulled up her employee file again. It had the basics—resume, education, references.
But it didn’t explain the weight in her eyes.
Or the sudden disappearance right after their night together.
He needed answers.
And he wasn’t the kind of man to wait.
---
Meanwhile, Ariana sat quietly in the exam room, cold fingers twisted in her lap.
The doctor had just stepped out with her bloodwork. She already knew what the result would be. The morning sickness, the mood swings, the exhaustion—it was all textbook.
And when the door opened again, the gentle smile on the doctor’s face confirmed it.
“You’re about eight weeks along,” she said kindly. “Healthy so far. But you need to start taking care of yourself. Eat well, stay hydrated. And most importantly… you should think about telling the father.”
Ariana’s throat went dry.
Tell the father.
If only it were that simple.
How could she tell Liam Carter she was carrying his child when they weren’t even in a relationship—when they barely knew each other?
Worse, what if he demanded something she couldn’t give?
What if he tried to take control?
No.
She wasn’t ready.
She would keep this quiet… just a little longer.
---
The next morning, Ariana returned to work determined to act normal. But everything felt heavier—her body, her mind, her secrets.
She tried to focus on design sketches, but her pen slipped from her fingers.
“You okay?” Lily asked again.
Ariana forced a smile. “Just tired.”
Before Lily could reply, Jenna walked in briskly. “Ariana, Mr. Carter asked to see you in his private office. Alone.”
Ariana froze.
She nodded slowly, heart in her throat.
This time, she had no idea what she was walking into.
---
Liam stood by the window, looking out at the city skyline when she entered.
The room was silent for a moment, heavy with tension.
“You wanted to see me?” she asked quietly.
He turned around.
“No more games, Ariana.”
Her stomach twisted. “What are you talking about?”
“You fainted. You’ve been sick. I don’t need a medical degree to know something’s going on.”
“I told you, I—”
“You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”
Silence.
Cold. Loud. Unescapable.
Ariana’s lips parted, but no words came out.
Liam stepped closer, voice low. “And it’s mine, isn’t it?”
Tears burned at the corners of her eyes, and her voice cracked as she whispered
“…Yes.”
The word fell between them like a dropped match.
Everything changed.
- Writer
