The Billionaire’s Redemption

Nadine glanced around the room, buzzing with soft chatters, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The party was going smoothly as she had planned.

"Champagne, Miss?" a waiter asked politely, holding out a tray.

Her gaze shifted to the glass of champagne, but her hand instinctively went to her belly.

"No, thank you," Nadine declined with a soft smile.

The waiter nodded in understanding and walked away.

"Mommy can't have any alcohol. I have to take care of you, my little one," Nadine whispered, her lips curving into a tender smile. "I can't wait to tell Daddy about you. He's going to be so excited, and maybe he'll finally stop acting distant."

Adrian, her boyfriend, had been avoiding her lately, going on more business trips, having fewer conversations, and a coldness she couldn't explain. She figured he was stressed, which was why she planned this party to celebrate his latest business success.

It was the perfect opportunity to share her big news.

"I'm so excited," Nadine giggled softly.

"She's so beautiful," a voice commented.

"They look so good together. I'm losing my breath just seeing this awesome match!" another added.

Nadine snapped back to reality and noticed the guests' attention was all focused on something at the entrance.

"Is Adrian here?" Nadine asked herself, glancing at the door.

Her heart stopped as she saw Adrian walk in, but he wasn't alone. He held hands with a stunning woman, her gown shimmering under the chandeliers, demanding everyone's attention.

"Adrian and Vanessa Laurent... what a power couple," one of the guests commented.

"Couple?" Nadine gasped, her face contorting in confusion.

"I heard they're engaged..."

Engaged? Adrian?

Nadine became more confused but decided there had to be a mix-up. Adrian couldn't be engaged to anyone while still in a relationship with her.

"Adrian," Nadine called, her voice quivering as she approached them. "What's going on?"

Adrian looked at her, his expression cold, "Nadine, don't ask questions you don't want answers to. Excuse us."

Nadine gasped, shocked by how he tried to dismiss her.

"Adrian, no!" Nadine snapped, blocking their path. "I have endured enough silence, dismissals, and coldness from you. I want an explanation now!"

"Can you stop shouting?" Vanessa demanded, her voice sophisticated but laced with irritation.

She was one of the top models in the entertainment industry. It was shocking to see how she could play nice in front of everyone, but now she was showing her true colors.

"Adrian," Nadine called sharply, but Vanessa cut her off.

"Adrian and I are getting married. He was unfortunate to fall for a gold digger like you but thankfully I was able to save him from your clutches," Vanessa smirked, leaning possessively against his chest.

"Look at my diamond ring," Vanessa smugly grinned, flashing her hand in Nadine's face. "A golddigger like you'll never have him or this ring."

Nadine's eyes welled with tears. She finally understood why Adrian was so distant. It was because of this woman.

It felt like thousands of knives were piercing her heart. Her world crumbled at that moment. The man she loved had betrayed her so horribly.

"Adrian, how could you do this to me?" Nadine cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Oh, don't play the victim. I know you tried to steal from him—"

"Shut up!" Nadine snapped, rage surging through her. "You're nothing but a liar. I have never been after Adrian's money. You're the one who's being a golddigger and a slut!"

The guests gasped at her words. Vanessa was well-loved by many, and they couldn't stand anyone tainting her image.

"You're the golddigger! I'm sure you trapped poor Adrian here!" one of the guests accused.

"Nadine, you're embarrassing yourself," Adrian spat, his voice emotionless cutting through the chaos.

More tears slipped down Nadine's cheeks as she stared at him in utter disbelief. How could he be so heartless?

She was carrying their child—the child he had always dreamed of. Why was he treating her this way?

"Adrian, please stop this," Nadine sobbed, clutching her hurting chest. "If you tell me this is just an act or a prank, I'll forgive you. But please don't do this to us. I beg you."

"How pathetic," Vanessa mocked, her voice dripping with disdain.

Nadine ignored her. She didn't care how pathetic she looked. She just wanted Adrian and her to fix their issues for their baby.

"Adrian, please..." Nadine's shaky hands reached for him, but he stepped back as if disgusted by her. His reaction stung her deeply.

"Nadine, you're causing a scene," Adrian said coldly. "And I don't like it."

"A scene?" Nadine repeated, fresh tears stinging her eyes— her chest tightening with unbearable pain. "Is that all you're worried about? Your reputation? What about me? What about how much you've hurt me?"

Adrian simply averted her fiery and heartbroken gaze. When he tried leaving with Vanessa again, Nadine completely lost it. She began crying hysterically, pounding her fists angrily against his chest.

Vanessa was annoyed by this and stepped forward, "Enough of this nonsense!"

Without hesitation, Vanessa pushed Nadine away violently.

Nadine crashed hard into a champagne tower nearby. The glasses shattered around her, and the shards pierced her skin as she hit the floor.

She let out a sharp cry, her arms instinctively wrapping around her belly to protect her unborn baby.

"My baby," she whimpered, her voice barely audible as blood trickled from the cuts on her arms and legs.

Instead of helping, some of the guests began laughing, hurling cruel insults at her.

"She's just doing this for attention," one of them murmured.

Nadine felt so humiliated and broken. But she knew she couldn't stay there. She had to protect her baby from more harm.

She struggled to her feet, her body trembling. She cast one last glance at Adrian, the love in her eyes, only replaced with fury and hate.

"I'll never forgive you for this," Nadine released whimpers, tears streaming down her face.

Without another word, she staggered out of the mansion.

As she got out of the mansion, she continued staggering warily on the empty road, her hand tightening around her belly.

"I'll protect you, okay baby?" she sobbed, her body trembling with every step.

But then, a sharp, stabbing pain shot through her stomach.

"Argh!" she cried out.

She froze, her breath heavy as she felt something warm trickling down her leg.

"My baby," She gasped, looking down at the growing red stain on her dress. "No...no, no, no!"