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 reason you chose to announce this happy news at a hospital?" the host asked with a smile.

Felix's arm was possessively around Isabella's waist, his eyes brimming with affection.

"Because this hospital is where the symbol of our love was conceived. Isabella, my first love. She's seven months pregnant, and the child is mine."

I froze on the spot, the sound of my own heart shattering in my chest.

Seven months?

"Mr. Blackwood, you've always been very private. Why have you chosen to go public now?"

"Because I love her," Felix said, gazing deeply at Isabella. "And our child deserves to be celebrated."

Isabella lowered her head shyly, one hand resting gently on her visibly swollen belly.

I thought of all the times over the past three months I'd asked Felix to come to my check-ups, and he'd always said he was swamped with work.

It turned out he was with another woman.

With the woman carrying his child.

"How romantic! Congratulations to you both on becoming parents!"

A round of applause broke out.

When the interview ended, I turned to leave, tears blurring my vision.

But just as I reached the doors, a familiar voice called out from behind me.

"Vivian?"

Damn it.

I turned around stiffly.

Felix stared at me in shock, instinctively dropping his hand from Isabella's waist.

Isabella, sensing something was wrong, followed his gaze to me.

"Who is she?" Isabella's voice was soft, but I heard the challenge in it.

"My—" Felix started.

"Ex-girlfriend," I cut in coldly.

The color drained from Felix's face. "Vivian, let me explain—"

"Explain what?"

The image of him with his arm around another woman, announcing their child to the world, was burned into my mind. "Explain how you cheated on me? How you shattered everything we had?"

"The child isn't mine!" Felix denied it frantically. "Nothing happened between Isabella and me. This is all to protect her reputation—"

"Felix."

Isabella cut him off, her voice trembling as tears instantly welled in her eyes. "How could you disown our child just because she showed up? We can get a paternity test!"

My head snapped up.

I stared at Felix, my heart twisting in my chest.

"Are you still going to lie?!"