Chapter 003

I wasn’t sure what I heard. My heart pounded in my chest as doubt and dread swirled in my mind. I knew I shouldn’t, but I had to know. I traced the sounds to the room next door, my hands trembling as I pushed the door open slightly.

And there they were—Jordan and Naomi. My boyfriend, tangled in bed with my stepsister.

My heart shattered into a million jagged pieces. I clutched the doorframe to steady myself, silent tears burning my eyes as I tried to breathe through the crushing weight in my chest. How could they do this to me? How could he do this to me?

They lay there, tired and content, their naked bodies tangled together. I bit down on my lip, hard enough to draw blood, fighting the urge to scream. I wanted to burst in and demand answers, but my feet stayed frozen to the ground.

“This is so fun,” Naomi said with a giggle, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Jordan chuckled, brushing her hair off her shoulder. My fists clenched at the way he touched her so intimately, like she was the only one that mattered.

They kept talking, the filth of their words stinging more than I thought was possible. My whole body shook, anger and betrayal twisting in my gut.

Naomi’s tone shifted, turning curious. “How long are we going to keep sneaking around?” she asked, her fingers trailing down his chest.

Jordan smirked. “Not much longer. Once Lana marries Adrian and gets pregnant, everything will be set. Adrian’s not gonna wake up—he’s practically dead already. And once he’s gone, I’ll take control of the Knights Corporation through the kid.”

I felt like the floor had dropped out from under me. I covered my mouth to keep from gasping out loud, struggling to breathe past the betrayal that crushed my chest. Jordan... planned this all along.

He continued, his voice cold and calculating. “I already told Lana I’d raise the baby as mine. She’s so desperate, she’ll go along with it without a second thought.”

Naomi squealed with excitement. “This was all my idea! Aren’t you proud of me?”

Jordan grinned, pulling her closer. “Of course, babe. I’m proud of you.”

I felt sick. My legs wobbled beneath me, the weight of their words pressing down on me like a heavy stone.

Then Naomi smirked and ran her hand over his chest. “So... who’s better in bed? Me or Lana?”

Jordan laughed, low and smug. “Please, Naomi. I’ve never even slept with Lana. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted.”

My vision blurred with fury. That bastard. He tried countless times to get me to sleep with him, and I always said no—because I wanted to wait until we were married. And this is what he was doing behind my back.

Their laughter burned in my ears as Jordan kissed her again, his hands squeezing her breasts while Naomi moaned, already inviting him for round two.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I backed away from the door, heartbroken, furious, and disgusted. My hands shook as I stumbled down the hallway, tears streaming down my face.

When I reached Adrian’s room, I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, gasping for air. I wiped my tears angrily, but they kept falling no matter how hard I tried to stop them.

I looked at Adrian’s unconscious face, linked to the machines that kept him alive. He looked so peaceful, as if he were just sleeping.

I sniffled and walked over to him, gripping his hand gently. “You’d be faithful to me... wouldn’t you, Adrian?” I whispered through my tears. “You wouldn’t betray me... not like this.”

The machine beside him let out a soft beep, as if responding to me. My heart clenched painfully. At least you won’t lie to me... even if you can’t hear me.

Just as I wiped my eyes again, the door swung open, and Jordan walked in.

“Lana,” he said, breathless, as if he’d rushed to find me. “I had to fight with security just to come see you, my love.”

The sheer audacity of his words made my blood boil. He’s a good liar. I’ll give him that.

I took a step back, narrowing my eyes at him. “How do you feel seeing me marry another man? Does it even bother you, Jordan?” My voice was cold, sharper than I intended.

Jordan smiled softly and reached for my hands. “Of course not, Lana. I chose you, not Adrian. And I understand why you’re doing this. I’ll always support you, no matter what.”

I jerked my hands away, disgusted by his touch. “How far, Jordan?” I spat, my voice trembling with rage. “Why? Why did you do this to me?”

He blinked, clearly confused. “What are you talking about?”

I pointed toward the wall, my voice rising. “I heard everything! You were screwing Naomi!”

His face paled, and he opened his mouth to speak, but no excuse could possibly fix this. “Lana, I can explain—”

“Explain?” I cut him off, fury bubbling over. “Explain how you were fucking my stepsister while planning to use me and my child to steal Adrian’s inheritance?”

He ran a hand through his hair, panic flickering in his eyes. “Lana, listen, it’s not what it seems—”

“Save it,” I snapped, my voice dripping with venom. “You can kiss all your plans goodbye, Jordan. Whatever you thought you had? It’s over.”