Chapter Ten

Dakota was too stunned to speak. She had suspected that Elias was a very straightforward person but she had not been expecting this much honesty.

“What did you just say?” She choked.

He leaned back, amused. “I can’t help that I find you insanely attractive, Miss Stone.”

She didn’t know how to respond. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest and to her dismay, she suddenly felt self conscious.

“You shouldn’t say things like that. It might complicate this whole…arrangement.” She managed to say.

She couldn’t let herself be swayed by his words. He probably had a string of ladies at his beck and call. Ladies that fit right into his caliber of women. She should just be grateful he had accepted her proposal that easily.

“You’re going to be my wife, Miss Stone. You should start getting used to hearing those words.” He said with all seriousness.

She had to agree that he had a point. “You’re right, but we don’t have to keep up appearances when we’re alone.”

“I didn’t say that to keep up appearances. I meant it.” He revealed.

Her cheeks felt hot. “Oh.” Was all she could say.

He chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. “You’re adorable.”

She rolled her eyes to hide her flushed cheeks. How was it that he always left her at a loss for words? She couldn’t even think of anything to say to him.

“Now tell me, why is this marriage so important to you?” He finally asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

She exhaled deeply. “It’s the key to my freedom.”

“Freedom from your family, you mean?” He asked.

She nodded. “Yes.”

She wondered how much he knew about the complicated relationship with her family. “Look, it’s no secret that I was adopted into my family at a very young age and contrary to what people might think, I’ve never felt like I truly belonged. I…I tried so hard to win their approval, constantly feeling like I had to prove my worth to them and what did I get in return?” She laughed bitterly.

Elias looked on. His eyes gave nothing away.

She smiled mirthlessly. “I’m sorry, but you must think I’m ungrateful for having such thoughts. At least they took me in when no one else did, right?”

“Don’t. You have nothing to apologize for.” He stopped her. “I only see a young woman who’s tired of living for others and wants to take control of her own life. You have no idea how strong that makes you.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Elias…”

He placed his hand over hers. “You shouldn’t have to continue living like that. Let me help you.”

She slipped her hand away. “How do I know I can trust you?” She didn’t know if she could believe any word that came out of his mouth even though he looked sincere. She had already been betrayed by the people she thought she could trust.

“You don’t. Although, I would never hurt you. You have my word on that.” He assured her firmly.

***

“No, it can’t be.” Diana shook her head as she stared at the test kit in horror.

It showed two lines. Two lines meant only one thing. She was pregnant.

She threw the pregnancy test kit in the trash can. There had to be some kind of mistake somewhere. She couldn’t be pregnant at this time.

“No, no, no. This can’t be happening.” She whispered to herself.

What would her mother say if she found out who was responsible? There was no way she could tell her the truth. It would justify Dakota’s accusation against her and everyone would know she had lied about the affair.

“Diana? Diana, where are you?” Her mother called out.

She scrambled out of the bathroom before her mother walked in. “Coming!”

Her mother stood in the middle of her bedroom, arms akimbo. “What are you doing in there? Are you alright?”

“Nothing. I’m fine, mom.” She smiled shakily.

Her mother observed her with a slight frown. “What’s that look on your face? You look shaken up.”

Diana struggled internally. It was only a matter of time before her mother found out about her pregnancy. As she couldn’t reveal the person that was actually responsible for it, she would have to improvise.

“I had a slight stomach upset, but I’m fine now.” She lied. “You wanted to see me?” She swiftly changed the subject.

“Yes. Come, we need to talk about your marriage prospects. We certainly can’t give up now.” Her mother carried on, obviously too distracted to notice. “Elias cannot marry your sister. You had your eyes on him first!”

“Mom, there’s nothing more we can do. Dad has already agreed to the marriage.” Diana spoke wearily. The sudden news of her pregnancy had somehow drained her.

“So you’re just going to give up? Is that it?” Her mother looked appalled. “She took what was supposed to be yours. You can’t possibly let her win!”

She let out a loud huff and folded her arms together. “What am I going to do then?”

“We need to think of something. Something that is sure to drive them apart and create the perfect opportunity for you to come in.” Her mother took her hand and led her to the bed. “I know there’s more to this so-called marriage between the two of them because I don’t buy it. Dakota’s been acting strange ever since the spring collection launch.” Her mother continued thoughtfully.

Diana thought about her new state and how she could use it to her advantage. This had to be the perfect opportunity to make Elias hers. She just had to be smart about it.

She cleared her throat. “Mom…there’s something I have to tell you.”