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"How long were you planning to keep it a secret?" Vincent inquired, his deep voice filled with sharp disappointment.

Noémie swallowed, feeling trapped. "I wasn't..." She shook her head, gripping the skirt of her dress tighter in her fist. Why was her heart pounding so fast? Why did she feel guilty, as if she had done something wrong? "I didn't plan anything. I only found out yesterday."

Vincent hummed, choosing not to ask any more questions as he drove in silence the whole way.

It was impossible to gauge what he was thinking. Trying to do so was even more absurd.

After passing out in her apartment the night before, she had woken up on the private jet she knew all too well. For three years, she had assisted Ajax with countless meetings and events worldwide. She had traveled on this plane more times than she could count.

She remembered him sitting in his usual spot by the window, asking her to review files before they landed or reminding him of his schedule to avoid double bookings. Ajax had been such a workaholic. Unintentionally, he had turned her into one as well.

They had spent several nights in the office, arguing and discussing projects or politics.

While those memories brought a bittersweet longing to her heart, they also carried the shock of that night.

As she dwelled on those thoughts, her chest suddenly constricted.

Was she really going to surrender control of her life to these people?

Was there no part of her willing to resist?

But what other choice did she have besides letting fate run its course? The baby she carried might not be a product of love, but it belonged to the Halest family. Or at least that's what they would claim. And what would she be able to do in front of a powerful family like them anyway?

No matter how many times she ran, or how far she got, she had an inkling they would always bring her back.

When the car finally halted in front of the grand Halest Villa, Noémie knew she had reached her destination. It was time to confront the undeniable issue.

Brushing aside the strands of dark hair that had fallen in front of her eyes, Noémie stepped out of the car as a uniformed man opened the door and held it for her.

"Welcome, madam!" the man greeted.

Noémie offered him a polite nod, recognizing him as Albert, the long-serving butler of the Halest family. "Thank you, Albert!"

As Noémie and Vincent stepped into the mansion, a familiar female voice greeted them with enthusiasm. "Noémie, my dear, you've come!"

Mrs. Sonia Halest, the mother of Ajax and Vincent Halest, enveloped Noémie in a warm hug, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. She released her but held onto Noémie's hand, guiding her towards the dining room and pulling out a chair for her.

"How have you been, Noémie? I hope your journey wasn't too exhausting. I still can't believe you're here. I was worried you'd still be angry and want nothing to do with us."

Noémie had known Sonia Halest for as long as she had known her sons. This wasn't their first encounter, of course. The woman had always been kind to her. Polite, generous, and the epitome of a lady. The kind of person everyone admired and aspired to be. So, it came as no surprise that even now, she displayed only her accommodating side.

"Here, try this," lost in her thoughts, Noémie failed to notice the abundance of food piled onto her plate.

What on earth? How was she supposed to eat all of that?

"Mrs. Halest," Noémie spoke up, trying to be as polite as possible. "This is too much. I don't have that big of an appetite."

"What?" Mrs. Halest appeared offended. "These are just appetizers, my dear. The actual breakfast is yet to be served. Berney!" She called out elegantly. "Bring out the rest."

"Yes, madam!"

Noémie was left speechless, but she also knew it was pointless to argue with the determined woman. She was just as stubborn as her sons.

After the elaborate breakfast, Albert, the butler, guided Noémie to a room upstairs. Mrs. Halest hadn't allowed her to leave the table until she had finished every last morsel on her plate. Having consumed so much, Noémie longed to collapse onto the bed and close her eyes.

Exhausted and suffering from jet lag, she didn't realize when sleep enveloped her in its deep embrace.

———

Noémie had never been a deep sleeper, so the knock at the door startled her awake. Rising from the bed, she made her way to the door, rubbing her eyes and pushing her messy dark curls out of her face.

Seeing Vincent standing outside didn’t surprise her, but the worried lines etched on his forehead did pique her curiosity.

Before she could ask, he preempted her.

"It’s time," he said, nodding toward the other end of the hallway. "Let’s go meet him."

Hesitation and dread surged through her veins. Noémie visibly paled. "Already?" she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"Why not?" Vincent frowned, puzzled.

"I..." She struggled to find an excuse. A lump formed in her throat, making it difficult to speak. "I haven’t even showered," she blurted, grasping for anything that might buy her more time. "I… smell bad."

Vincent glanced at her briefly.

"You look fine. Come on, let’s not keep him waiting any longer."

Before she could protest further, Vincent gently grabbed her arm and led her down the hallway, as though escorting a hesitant child to school.

When they reached the office doors, he let go and stepped back.

"Go."

Noémie looked at him in disbelief. "You’re not coming?"

"No. You go in by yourself."

"But—"

"I’ll be right here if you need me. Now stop wasting time and go inside."

Before she could argue, Vincent pushed the doors open and gave her a little nudge, forcing her inside before closing the door behind her.

What the—?

Panic began to rise in her chest, tightening her throat. She turned to pound on the door.

"Vincent! How could you?" she whispered fiercely, though her voice was raised.

But there was no response. She wasn’t even sure if he could hear her.

Damn it. Get me out of here! Her mind raced as her trembling hand reached for the doorknob in a desperate bid to escape.