The Heir’s Deception

Three months into my pregnancy, I watched my husband on the news, claiming to be the father of another woman's child.Two hours ago, I came to the hospital, alone."Congratulations, Ms. Sterling. The baby is very healthy."The doctor smiled at me, but I couldn't feel a shred of joy.I walked out of the OB-GYN's office in a daze. The doctor had just reminded me to stay happy, that too much anxiety could affect the baby's development. But in three months, Felix had never once come with me to a check-up.The hallway was bustling with people. As I was about to leave, a commotion erupted from the hospital lobby."To all our viewers, we are live from St. Mary's Hospital, bringing you an exclusive interview."The clear voice of a female host from the financial news channel drifted over.I found myself drifting closer.Two people stood before the camera.My blood ran cold.Felix. My secret fiancé.And Isabella Rosewood, the woman he called his "savior.""Mr. Blackwood, is there a special re

I stared at that photo all night.The next morning, a text from Felix arrived: "Isabella's heart was acting up last night, so I stayed with her at the hospital. Stop making a scene and get some rest."It was painfully dismissive.I didn't reply. I just grabbed my suitcase and prepared to leave. It was time to go back to my father.But as I reached the front door, it was violently thrown open, sending me stumbling backward."So this is the woman?"A middle-aged woman in a Hermès suit strode in, followed by a lawyer and two bodyguards in black.Margaret Blackwood. Felix's mother."Mrs. Blackwood, what are you—""Shut up." Margaret looked me up and down with cold disdain. "I agreed to your engagement because you were pregnant. I never expected that the child wouldn't be Felix's! How dare you try to trap my son with a bastard child?""It's not a bastard, it's Felix's—""Felix's?" Margaret scoffed. "My son already has a child on the way, and it's the one in Isabella's belly. You shameless g

Margaret sneered. "Get a grip, Felix. That Vivian girl was just some commoner trying to marry into money. Getting rid of her bastard child is nothing but a benefit to this family.""Bastard?" Felix shot up, his eyes bloodshot. "Mom, do you have any idea who you killed?" He stood, trembling with rage. "Vivian was carrying the one and only heir to the Blackwood family!"Margaret's wine glass froze mid-air."Isabella's child was conceived through IVF. She was never my lover!""What?" Margaret's face went white."I never touched Isabella," Felix said, his voice choked with agony. "It was all to help her fulfill her dream of being a mother. I only provided a sperm sample."The wine glass slipped from Margaret's hand and shattered on the floor, red wine splashing like blood."You mean… the one I had the doctor get rid of was…""Your only grandchild," Felix's voice was a death sentence.Margaret sank onto the sofa, speechless. But after a moment, her composure returned."What's done is done

Vivian's POV"Vivian, focus."My father's voice pulled me from my thoughts. We were sitting in the top-floor conference room of Sterling Technologies, the magnificent view of the San Francisco Bay spread out before us."Artificial intelligence and clean energy are the most promising sectors for the next decade," my father said, pointing to the data on the screen. "What are your thoughts on this project?""The ROI is good, but the risk assessment needs to be more detailed," I said, flipping through the file. "I suggest a small-scale pilot investment to test the market first."My father nodded, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "You have a natural instinct for this, Vivian. I always knew you did." An assistant knocked and entered. "Mr. Sterling, the financial news is on."A familiar scene appeared on the television screen: a rerun of the scandalous Blackwood wedding. I saw Felix standing frozen on the aisle, Isabella sobbing on the floor, and the guests in an uproar.I suddenly remember