Chapter 27

The shrill ring of my phone sliced through the quiet hum of the morning as I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the loose curls that framed my face. My hands froze mid-air, the flat iron suspended while the screen of my phone lit up with Max’s name.

I had only just started preparing for work, my blouse already picked out, loose, flowy, just enough to conceal the gentle swell of my belly. I still had time before it became obvious, but each passing day chipped away at that illusion.

I reached for the phone and answered the call.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound light.

“Good morning, Lila. Did I wake you?” His voice came through warm and smooth.

“No, I was just getting ready for work.”

“Perfect timing then.” There was a brief pause, like he was gauging my mood. “I wanted to ask you something. I’ve been invited to a charity gala tonight, it’s one of those networking things, lots of important people, media, that sort of crowd and I thought maybe you could come as my plus one?”

My fingers froze on the button of my blouse. “Tonight?”

“Yeah. I’ll pick you up by 7 p.m. You don’t have to stay long. Just thought it would be… good for us. Plus, it might help you see a little more of my world. And also I'm not trying to pressure you though. If you’re not up for it…”

“No, no. It’s fine,” I said quickly, thoughts already racing. I hadn’t expected an invitation like this, but maybe this was the chance I needed. A peek behind the polished curtain Max always kept drawn. If there was something he was hiding, I might just find a crack tonight.

“Great.” His voice brightened with excitement. “I’ll be at your place by 7 sharp.”

After the call ended, I exhaled deeply. This wasn’t just a casual night out, it was a chance. If Max was hiding something, he might slip up tonight.

The day at work passed in an oddly smooth blur. For the first time since I joined the company, people didn’t look through me or over me.

Since the incident with Drew, the energy in the office had shifted dramatically. No snide remarks. No subtle undermining. People looked me in the eye, acknowledged my contributions during meetings, and even smiled in passing. It was really unnerving.

Miriam, ever warm, stopped by my desk just before lunch and gave me a thumbs up because one of my suggestions was accepted. “You alright?” she asked gently, her voice laced with that maternal calm that always disarmed me.

I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks, Miriam.”

“Good.” She smiled, then added, “You look brighter today.”

“Thank you” I responded as she walked away to go for lunch.

I hoped I did look good. Because inside, I was still navigating a storm.

By 5:30 p.m., I was out of the office and rushing home. After a quick shower, I stood in front of my wardrobe, frustration bubbling. I didn’t want anything too tight, not with the faint swell at my waist. I rifled through options until I found it: a deep emerald green dress with delicate sleeves and a flowing silhouette. Tight just beneath my bust, allowing the fabric to fall softly over my midsection without drawing attention.

It was classy, modest, and flattering. I added gold earrings, minimal makeup, and a soft nude lipstick. Hair in a low bun. Elegant, but understated.

I took a final glance in the mirror. It was enough to make a statement without screaming for attention.

As I stared at my reflection, a tiny voice in my head whispered, You’re doing this for the baby. You’re doing this for the truth.

At exactly 7 p.m., Max arrived. Ever punctual.

“You look... wow, absolutely beautiful.” he said, eyes widening the moment he saw me.

“Thank you,” I replied with a reserved smile.

He offered his arm, and I hesitated only a moment before slipping my hand into it.

We got to the venue after like 45mins of drive. The venue buzzed with laughter, champagne flutes clinking, and music floating through the air. The lights were warm, chandeliers casting soft golden hues across the room. The elite. Wealth, power, influence, people who spoke in quiet tones but made loud impacts.

From the moment we entered, Max became a different man.

He was no longer the calm, easygoing guy who checked in with me every night. He was charming, smooth-talking, his smile broader, his confidence infectious. He walked me through the crowd like he owned the place, pausing every few steps to introduce me.

He introduced me to everyone. Colleagues, investors, friends. All with confidence and charm. His hand lingered on my back too often, drifting just low enough to make me uncomfortable. Each time, I politely inched away, pretending not to notice.

“And this is Lila,” he’d say, each time placing his hand subtly, but purposefully, on the small of my back.

Too low.

Too possessive.

I’d gently move away, pretending not to notice, but each time he’d do it again. I smiled through it all, all the while watching. Listening.

Something wasn’t sitting right with me.

But I didn’t let it show.

Then, just before a string quartet began their performance and the crowd quieted, Max gently took my hand.

“There’s someone I want you to meet.”

He led me toward the far side of the ballroom. My heels clicked softly on the marble floor as we approached a tall woman in a striking wine-red gown, who stood confidently beside a man whose back was turned.

The woman was standing tall with a smug expression and perfectly styled black curls cascading down her shoulders. Her posture screamed power. And beside her, a man stood with his back turned to us, speaking in a low voice.

But I knew that frame. That stance. The tension that wrapped itself around my chest.

It was Drew.

He turned just as we reached them.

His eyes landed on me, then on Max’s hand still pressed against the small of my back. His face betrayed nothing, but the tension that suddenly wrapped around my lungs was undeniable.

Max smiled broadly, too pleased. “Drew, didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Apparently we both have interesting company tonight,” he continued, eyes drifting back to me, then to the lady beside Drew.

Then he turned towards me and said “Lila, this is Kimberly. We run a few businesses together” he now turned to Kimberley and said "Kimberley this is Lila.”

The woman beside him let out a quiet, calculated laugh. “So this is Lila,” she said, dragging her eyes down and back up as if she was appraising me. “I’ve heard quite a bit.”

I blinked. “Well I can't say the same about you, nice to meet you Kimberley.”

Kimberley tilted her head, smiling like she knew a secret no one else did. She leaned closer to Drew in a way that was clearly intentional, her red nails gently brushing his arm. “Drew and I go way back.”

Max chuckled, low and smug. “Seems like you’ve upgraded,” he said, glancing at Drew and then pressing a quick kiss to my cheek.

The act.

The claim.

My blood ran cold.

My heart raced wildly in my chest as all three eyes landed on me; Max’s, Drew’s, and Kimberley’s.

And in that moment, everything inside me screamed:

What the hell have I just walked into?