Novels by viviannnn

CleoShe asked about the morning sickness, whether I’d experienced any abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding, and whether I’d had any dizziness or other unusual symptoms.I answered each question as honestly as I could. Fortunately, apart from the occasional nausea and fatigue, I hadn’t experienced anything concerning.“At around nine weeks, we can often see the embryo and detect cardiac activity. Sometimes, an abdominal ultrasound gives us a clear enough view. If it doesn’t, we may recommend a transvaginal scan to get a closer look,” she said.I nodded, trying to take everything in.Xavier, who had been listening attentively, leaned forward slightly.“And that would be safe for the baby?”“Yes,” Dr. Palmer assured him. “Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation. A transvaginal ultrasound is commonly used in early pregnancy when needed.”He nodded.“Okay.”I glanced at him.He seemed genuinely interested in every word the doctor said.It was strange seeing this side of him.Usua

CHAPTER 22CleoXavier stopped beside our table, his attention settling on me.“Hey, babe.”“Hey,” I turned, offering him a small smile.His gaze lingered on my face before dropping briefly to the plate in front of me.“Enjoying your lunch?”“Yeah,” I nodded. “Very much.”A pointed cough sounded from across the table. I turned towards Lexi, who was looking between us with an expression that suggested she’d been waiting for us to remember she existed.“Oh, sorry.” I gestured towards her. “Xavier, this is my best friend, Lexi. Lexi, this is my boyfriend, Xavier.”“Fiancé, you mean.” Lexi corrected, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.“Right.” I laughed nervously. “Fiancé.”The word sounded strange as it left my mouth, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to it.“Hi!” Lexi stretched out her hand, her face brightening. “It’s finally nice to meet you. Cleo has told me so much about you.”Xavier shook her hand, holding it briefly before letting go.“Nothing bad, I hope.”“Of course not,” she

CleoLexi seemed to notice the change in my expression. Her face softened, and she gave my hand a gentle squeeze.“Hey. Damian is an asshole, and you deserve so much better than him. Okay?”A small smile tugged at my lips.“Yeah. I know.”“Thats not all.” I hesitated, then reached for my apple juice.“Damian and Serena are engaged.”Lexi nearly dropped her sandwich.“WHAT?”She stared at me, wide-eyed.“You mean your ex, Damian, and our friend Serena?”“Yeah.” I nodded. “He brought her to the family dinner. I was just as shocked to see them together.”“That sly bitch!”Lexi slapped her palm against the table, making the cutlery rattle.I glanced around, embarrassed, but she didn’t seem to care.“Lexi, it’s fine.”“No, it’s not fine!” Her expression twisted with indignation. “ She knew what you went through after he broke up with you, and now she’s engaged to him?”She shook her head in disbelief.“I swear, if I ever see that woman—”“Lexi.”“What?”Her expression gradually softened as

CleoI woke up to the sound of my alarm and immediately regretted being conscious. For several seconds, I lay beneath my duvet, staring at the ceiling while my mind slowly caught up with the events of the previous night.I turned my head and spotted the diamond ring on my bedside table. It sparkled beneath the morning light filtering through my curtains.I really hoped yesterday had been one long, terrible dream and that I would wake up to discover none of it had happened.But apparently, wasn’t.Xavier and I were actually engaged, and so were Damian and Serena.If someone had told me three months ago that this would be my life, I would have laughed in their face.My phone buzzed on the bedside table. I reached for it, squinting at the screen.It was an email from the hospital.Dear Ms. Marsh, this is a reminder of your scheduled OB-GYN appointment today at 2:00 p.m. Please arrive a few minutes early for your consultation.I stared at the message.Right. The appointment.I’d almost fo

Cleo “I still have my whole life ahead of me.” My voice softened despite myself. “I want to travel. I want to meet someone I actually love. I want a family built on love and trust. Not revenge and power.” Something flashed across Xavier’s eyes, but it disappeared almost as quickly as it came. “We only have to be married for a year. During that time, our child will be born legitimately. Then we can get divorced and go our separate ways.” “I’ll also make sure you’re compensated generously.” He added. I stared at him. Then I laughed. It was quiet at first. Disbelieving. “Are you serious right now? You think money fixes everything?” “That’s not what I’m saying.” “You keep talking about lawyers, succession, the company, compensation…” I shook my head. “Do you even hear yourself?” “Cleo—” “Everything with you comes back to your company.” His expression hardened. “I have responsibilities.” “And apparently I’m just another one of them.” I looked away, tears burning behind my e

Cleo “Half brother, actually,” Xavier said. “My father had an affair, and Damian is the product of that affair.” “Okay.” I said slowly. “But that still doesn’t explain why his last name is Hale and yours is Voss.” “My grandfather didn’t want the public knowing about the affair.” Xavier leaned back against the seat. “It would have caused a scandal, so to make sure Damian’s identity was kept private, he was given his mother’s last name.” “Wow.” I let out a small laugh. “How could I date someone for three years and know absolutely nothing about him?” I whispered, more to myself than Xavier. “And now he’s engaged to my friend.” Xavier’s brows drew together. “Your friend?” “Yeah.” I swallowed. “Serena and I have known each other for years.” My mind went back to all the years we’d spent together. All the secrets I’d shared with her. My chest tightened at the memory. “Maybe they had been together while Damian and I were still…” My voice cracked. How could Serena do t