CHAPTER ONE

"Congratulations Mrs.Rothschild, you're five weeks pregnant" 

Octavia's eyes grew wide and she paled in shock.

Pregnant?

Her hand instantly clutched her stomach. She's pregnant...with Declan's child. Her child. Her once shocked face beamed. Joy filled her heart at the thought of a life growing inside and at the thought of her husband, Declan's reaction. This was what he ever wanted. To have a child of his own. An heir to take over his empire. 

But she was scared. What if...he doesn't accept their child?

"Doctor, are you sure about this?" She licked her trembling lips.

The doctor nodded "The rest result confirmed it"

Octavia exhaled heavily. Finally. That night had led to this. Maybe...this will finally make Declan look at he with a smile. Tears welled her eyes at the thought of it.

The doctor studied her closely the lean forward slightly "You look overwhelmed" 

That was an understatement.

Octavia let out a chuckle "It's just...a lot to process" she breathed.

The doctor smiled "It's normal to feel overwhelmed considering it's your first issue. But you shouldn't worry about anything. With the support of your husband and family, everything will go smoothly" 

Octavia's smile did down. Support? The word made her almost laugh.

She was in a marriage that barely functioned, now carrying the child of a man who had never looked at her with love or even cared about her.

But maybe this was the answer to her prayer. Now that she can finally give him an heir, he will surely come to love. He will be so proud of her.

"In the meantime I will prescribe prenatal vitamins. You'll need t start taking them immediately. A healthy diet is pivotal and of course, you'll need to avoid alcohol and caffeine" The doctor's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

" You'll also her to cut back on stress as much as possible..." The doctor continued and she nodded, though deep down she knew it was impossible to cut back on stress.

Being the only daughter-in-law of the Rothschild household came with a lot of responsibilities. And now that was carrying the Rothschild's heir, her mother-in-law, Victoria Rothschild will be at her neck. But none of that mattered. All Octavia could think of was how she will finally be free from a loveless marriage. As she left the hospital, her mind wandered back.

It's been five years since she has been existing beside Declan as a business trophy than an actual wife. And in all these years, he neglected her while dedicating his entire time to his empire and childhood friend, Vanessa, who was also his business partner. For five years, he never touched her. Yet that faithful night...

Her phone rang, startling her. She smiled as she glanced at the screen.

"Mom," she breathed, trying to keep her excitement in.

"Sweetheart, are you okay? Your voice sounds off" 

"Mom...I...," she hesitated. "I'm pregnant" she finally mumbled.

" Oh, darling" her mother exclaimed.

Tears pricked Octavia's eyes "Mom, I've never been this happy as I am right now" she chuckled.

"I'm happy for you too, Sweetheart" her mother "But does Declan know?" 

Octavia sighed "Not yet" 

"Do you plan on telling him?" 

"Yes, Mom. I can't wait to see the excitement on his face. He had always wanted an heir. Maybe...just maybe with this, he will finally come go to love me" she mumbled. "But what if he's disappointed?" 

Her mother smiled "Oh, my dear. Your fear is understandable. You've always been strong and handling your responsibilities alone but this...this is no longer about just you. You never can tell until you tell him" 

"I know" Octavia bit her lips, her emotions threatening to spill over "But what if this doesn't change anything? What if he doesn't care?"

Her mother hummed thoughtfully "Sometimes love start with a small crack. You won't know unless you try" 

Octavia heaved " You're right, Mom"

“I am right.” There was a hint of a smile in her mother’s voice. “Now, how are you feeling? Any sickness?”

“A little nausea, but nothing too bad.”

“Good. And you’re taking care of yourself, right? Eating properly?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Because I know you. You get stressed and forget to eat.”

“I’ll be careful, I promise"

Her mother sighed. “I wish I could be there with you.”

“I know,” Octavia said softly. “But don’t overwork yourself, okay? I know how you get.”

“Look who’s talking.”

Octavia laughed for the first time that evening. “I’ll tell him”

“Take your time, sweetheart. But don’t let fear make the decision for you.”

As the call ended, Octavia pulled up to the Rothschild estate, her heart pounding in her chest in excitement.

As she entered, the housekeeper, Mrs. Hawthorne, approached with her usual stiff demeanor. “Good evening, Mrs. Rothschild.”

“Good evening, Mrs. Hawthorne,” Octavia replied, her voice calm. “Is my husband home?”

“Yes, ma’am. He is in his study.” The housekeeper’s gaze flickered to the envelope in Octavia’s hands but, as always, she remained professional. “Shall I have tea brought to your room?”

Octavia hesitated. “No, thank you.”

Mrs. Hawthorne nodded “Very well, ma’am. If you need anything, you know where to find me.

 “Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne.”

Octavia moved through the dimly lit hallway, trying to remain as composed as possible though her heart thrummed in excitement and hope. She paused when she got the door.

"Calm down Octavia" she breathed out and pressed her lips together in an attempt to hide her broad smile.

But just as she was about to pull the door open,

She heard it.

Vanessa's voice.

Octavia froze outside the study.

"So, what are you going to do about Octavia? It's been five years already"

Silence stretched for a second too long, then Declan replied, his cold, void voice echoing 

"What's there to do about her? She's just here to fulfill her duty as my wife" 

"But the way she looks at you, Declan...she thinks you love her" 

"She's naive and obedient. That's all that mattered"

Octavia almost stumbled, a sharp pain lodging itself beneath her ribs as Vanessa's mocking chuckle echoed.

"So why still keep her around? Do you love her?" 

Declan scoffed "I can never love Octavia. She's nothing but a means to secure the Rothschild's Empire, a means to an heir who will take over"

Something inside Octavia shattered.

"And after she has given you an heir?" Vanessa asked.

"That's just it. She'll continue her duty as my wife and I'll carry out my duty as her husband" 

Tears tumbled down Octavia's cheeks, her fragile hope shattered to pieces. Unable to listen any longer, sh turned and stumbled to her room.

Standing before the mirror and staring at the tears rolling down her cheek, she rubbed her stomach. Swallowing the painful lump in her throat, she muttered under her breath 

"It's okay, baby. We don't him. I'll protect you from all of them...all on my own...