EX-HUSBAND'S REGRET: PREGNANT FOR THE BILLIONAIRE

TARA’S POV Cameras flashed everywhere as Daniel and I stepped out of the exhibition hall, fingers intertwined. Voices came from every angle as we walked down the red carpet. “We love you Mr and Mrs. Bryce,” someone from the crowd screamed. “I want a husband like yours, Tara,” another yelled. I waved gently, blew kisses and chuckled. I played my part as a perfect couple. My husband, Daniel waved at them with a smile. If only they knew what went on underneath. Our car was already parked in front of the hall. We slid in, finally escaping the eyes of the public, then the car zoomed off. Daniel's eyes became fixed on his phone the moment he sat down. He kept refreshing his messages every 5 seconds, eyes flickering between me and his phone. He wore a forced smile every time he looked at me. Then his phone beeped. “Stop the car,” Daniel instructed the driver, but we were only a few miles away from the event centre. I took a peak at his phone while he spoke, and Deborah

TARA'S POV “I'll pay well, don't be shy,” I said trying to coax him as I leaned in closer. He didn't react or respond. Simply watched. Maybe they were told not to talk much so they don't piss off their customers. I grabbed him by the collar and dragged him towards the counter. He had a steady balance. “Get me a room,” I said to the receptionist. It was a guy. He looked at the guy and back at me with wide eyes. My vision was still blurry, but I could see the look in his eyes go from confusion to fear. “A…a room?,” He stuttered. I nodded, that made the ground move. “Mmhmm.” “Ma'am, do you …know who you are wi… " I shot him a fierce look before he could finish his question. “Of course, he is my ….” I trailed not wanting anyone to know I had ordered a callboy. “Just give me the room card,” I added impatiently. I didn't know what gave me the boldness. Heartbreak or vodka. The receptionist choked, glanced at the man beside me then back at me, his hands trembling. My

TARA’S POV The air in the cab grew heavier as my mind circled around the possibility of the stranger being dangerous. What if he took pictures and videos? What were his plans? My chest tightened as I wrapped my hands around my phone. I inhaled and leaned backwards. Over half the city knows I am married to Daniel Bryce and Daniel has a lot of rivals. What if I fell into a trap created by one of them? My mind reeled on the worst case scenario. “Turn the car around,” I yelled, coming out of my thoughts. If my suspicions are right, then going back would be a silly move. But… I had to know who the stranger was. The driver turned to me with a dark expression. I figured he'd see me as crazy, judging from my actions and appearance but that was the least of my worries. “You'll pay for my time, ma'am.” I nodded and he turned the car back to the hotel next to the bar from last night. I tried convincing myself that I was making the right choice and I needed to meet the stranger

Sebastian’s Pov “Everything should be in place before 10 a.m.” My voice was calm. “Don’t disappoint me… or you’ll lose your job.” I ended the call before she could respond. I dialed another number. “Any news?” Silence lingered on the other end before the private investigator finally spoke. “I’m sorry, sir. Nothing yet.” I ended the call. I twirled my chair back, eyes drifting to the floor-to-ceiling window. Six years. Six years of searching. And still… nothing. No trace. Not even a body to mourn. Marilyn was just… erased. But I wasn't going to give up my search. I didn't stop six years ago and I won't stop now. I leaned back and shut my eyes briefly. Then… thoughts of her clouded my mind. Not Marylin. The woman from last night. A soft chuckle escaped my lips. Her voice echoed in my head. Not pleading. But demanding. She was bold. Fearless even. The hair at the nape of my neck became erect. What an experience. I had to see her again. One more time at lea

TARA'S POVMy eyes caught Stella's car the moment I stepped out of the building. My hands were still shaking. I forced my legs to move.One step Then another.By the time I got to her car, I tried to pull my face together.“Hi babes,” I said, trying to force a smile. My eyes were still red and stinging from the tears.Stella didn't bother returning the greeting. She just looked at me. Like really looked at me. “Don’t,” she said calmly.I blinked, pressing my lips against each other. “Don't try to pretend, Tara,” her voice softened.“You were crashing out a few minutes ago.”“What happened?” She asked, turning fully towards me. “You know you can talk to me.”I swallowed.Hard I tried to hold it in. The hurt.The tearsBut Stella was my safe space. I breathed in. Ready to let it out. Let out all that my heart carries.“Just get me out of here, Stella,” my voice broke.“I’ll be better when I'm out of here.”Silence lingered for a while.Stella locked eyes with mine and my best