A Love Built on Deception

I gripped the pregnancy test report, and my body slumped in the wheelchair as an uncontrollable shiver ran through me. The joy and excitement I had felt just moments ago plummeted into an abyss.

I wanted to convince myself that I had misheard. However, the scene before me was like a thousand razor-sharp arrows piercing my heart.

Zander Lewis mockingly said, "Sean, don't you think you've gone too far with this act for Natalia Chastain? Are you sure you haven't caught feelings for her? You keep saying she doesn't matter, but you're obviously nervous. Otherwise, why would you ditch a multi-million-dollar project to bring her to the hospital?"

Sean Walsh remained unfazed by Zander's teasing. His expression was indifferent as he replied, "If I didn't bring her here, how else would I confirm she got pregnant just as I planned? If I didn't keep up with the medication for her useless legs, she might stand up one day. What happens then?"

He continued, saying, "There are only two types of women who lose all ambition—those who are naturally weak and lack drive, and those who get pregnant and become consumed with playing the devoted wife and mother.

"This is what true manipulation looks like. Your silly method of hiring a hitman to stage an accident was reckless. One wrong move, and you could've gotten yourself killed, too."

Zander's face darkened as he lashed out, kicking a trash can with full force. He cursed, "OMG! Sean, you're a real rat. If it weren't for Jenna, I would've beaten the crap out of you by now!

"When you were scheming with me and setting this whole thing up, you didn't have that holier-than-thou attitude! If we're talking about being ruthless, no one beats you. You were the one who planned to have Natalia killed! I was the one who went soft and only took her legs instead!"

He threatened, saying, "Don't think just because six years have passed, you can wash your hands of this. If this ever blows up, I'll make sure you go down with me!"

Sean's eyes turned cold as a storm brewed beneath them. He grabbed Zander by the collar and yanked him close, his voice sharp as a blade. "Shut your mouth, Zander. Whatever happened stays buried."

He growled and said, "Natalia is none of your business anymore, so stop asking about her. Yeah, I set her up, but she didn't come out of it empty-handed. After all, I gave up my whole life for this. The least I can do now is make sure she never has to worry about money and treat her well however I can.

"As for you, your only job is caring for Jenna and her child. If you ever hurt her, I'll end you. If Jenna and I weren't niece and uncle in name, you wouldn't even have the right to stand beside her, you pathetic piece of trash."

Zander shoved Sean away, his glare filled with rage as he turned toward the exit—toward me. As his footsteps neared, panic surged through me. I had no time to push the wheelchair, so I staggered to my feet and stumbled away.

The pain was suffocating, crushing me from the inside out. It felt like my heart was being torn apart, piece by piece, leaving nothing but unbearable agony.