The Trap

Sandra's Pov 

I sat across from them at breakfast, barely touching my food, stomach churning with nausea that had nothing to do with the pregnancy.

They talked business, projections, things I couldn't bring myself to care about. My father was charming in a way I rarely saw, engaging Dorian with questions and compliments that made it clear he approved.

That terrified me more than anything.

"Sandra," my father said suddenly. "You've been quiet."

"I'm fine."

"You didn't look fine." His eyes narrowed. "You look unwell."

"I'm just tired."

"Perhaps you should see a doctor," Dorian offered.

"I said I'm m fine," I snapped, visibly irritated. 

"You should take his advice," my father said with an edge to his words. "See Dr. Mark tomorrow."

"That wouldn't be necessary."

"I'd be happy to accompany her," Dorian said. "Just to make sure she's well taken care of."

My father's gaze lingered on me. "Very considerate, Mr. Carrington."

I wanted to scream. Why was no one listening to me?

After lunch, Dorian left with promises to pick me up tomorrow. 

The moment the door closed, the atmosphere shifted.

"We need to talk," my father said quietly.

"About what?"

He gave me one long dreadful look, reached into his jacket and pulled out something small, wrapped in tissue.

My heart stopped.

He unwrapped it slowly and out came the pregnancy test I'd hidden in my bedside drawer.

How was that even possible? 

"About this."

The world tilted.

"Dad, how did you..." My voice barely made it past my lips. “How…”

“No Sandra. I am the one who is going to do the asking. You thought I don't pay attention to what happens under my roof?" His tone was ice. "You thought I wouldn't notice when my daughter starts hiding things?"

“But you don't even live here.”

One look at him told me I had messed up. I couldn't breathe. "It's not what it looks like dad. "

His eyes burned. "Is it his? That boy…"

I couldn't lie. "Yes."

Disappointment washed through his face. His jaw tightened and for a moment I thought he might explode. But when he spoke, his voice was calm, controlled and absolutely terrifying.

"You've made a very serious mistake, Sandra."

"I love him. When he comes back..."

"He's not coming back."

The words hit like a slap. "What?"

"Men like Zadok don't come back. They chase opportunities until they find better ones. And when he does, you'd be left here pregnant with a bastard, disgraced, with nothing."

"That's not true."

"Isn't it?" He stepped closer. "You think he'd drop everything when he finds out and come running to you? You think he'd sacrifice his career for you?"

"Yes. Because he loves me."

"Love is a luxury, Sandra. And you couldn't afford it anymore."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying you have two choices." His voice was cold.

“What?”

“I was going to suggest someone else but along came err… this Dorian boy with a secure future for yourself and that child. So it is either you marry him or walk away from everything, your trust fund, your inheritance, this family, and raise that bastard alone."

The word hit me like a physical blow.

"You don't mean that."

"I thoroughly do." He leaned close. "And if you chose Zadok, I would destroy him completely."

Tears burned my eyes. "You can't do this."

"I already am." He straightened, adjusting his cufflinks. "I already had a word with Dr. Mark and he would write it off as malaria. 

The wedding is going to happen so I will suggest that you start preparing."

"I won't marry Dorian."

He turned back, “What?”

“I said, I… won't… marry… Dorian.”

“Oh my love, you will. Actually, you would call that boy right now and end it."

"What?"

"Stop making me repeat myself young woman." He picked up my phone and held it out to me. The lump in my chest was suffocating. I felt like I was going to die from the oppression. 

"Call him and end it. Or I would."

I had no choice. None at all. My hands trembled as I took it. 

"Dad, please..."

"Now, Sandra."

I stared at the screen, Zadok's contact photo smiling back at me and something inside me broke.

I dialed the number and prayed he wouldn't pick it up. He hardly ever did. But fate had a fucking twisted sense of humor and today, unlike other days, he answered on the second ring, voice warm.

"Sandra? Hey baby, I'm sorry I missed your calls, things have been crazy..."

"Zadok," I interrupted, voice hollow.

He paused. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"I can't do this anymore."

"What?"

"I can't wait for you. I can't be with you."

A long, awful silence followed.  

"Sandra, what are you talking about?"

"I don't love you anymore." The words tasted like poison. "I thought I did, but I don't and you deserve someone who does. Someone better, someone who can wait. But I can't be that person."

"Sandra, what's going on? Please, just talk to me..."

"There's nothing to talk about." My voice cracked. "It is over, Zadok. I'm sorry."

“Did I do anything? I am sorry, I am so sor…”

I hung up before he could finish. Guilt washed over me as the pain and fear in his voice replayed in my head. I broke him. 

My father took the phone from my trembling hands. "Good girl."

I sank to the floor, my entire body shaking.

I'd just destroyed the only person who had ever truly loved me.

And I was about to be married off to the one person I hated with passion. 

I can't let that happen, I need a plan.