Chapter 4

Taylor’s POV

The following morning, I received a call from the organising committee of the International Couture Awards.

“Am I speaking with Mrs. Taylor Moretti? Your submission has won first place in this year’s emerging designers’ showcase. We’d like you to attend the award ceremony at two this afternoon.”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak.

I had submitted a few designs anonymously after years away from the fashion industry. I hadn’t expected to win anything.

“Thank you. I’ll be there. Please send me the address.”

I arrived at the venue shortly before two. The hall was filled with designers, fashion editors, and representatives from some of the biggest luxury houses.

I had barely stepped onto the stage to accept my award when a familiar voice rang through the hall.

“She has no right to that prize.”

Jacob walked in, his arm wrapped around Bella’s waist. Natalie followed close behind them.

Whispers spread through the room. The organisers immediately recognised the Godfather of the Moretti family.

“Mr. Moretti,” the chairman greeted him cautiously. “Is there a problem?”

“Her design was stolen. I suggest you verify its origins before handing her an award.”

My hands curled into fists.

“Jacob, what are you talking about?”

Bella lowered her eyes, looking close to tears.

“Taylor, I never thought you’d do something like this. You could have asked me for help. Why steal my collection?”

I stared at her.

“You designed it?”

She nodded, wiping at her eyes. “I’ve been working on it for months. I never thought my own sister would take it from me.”

“You studied accounting, Bella. You have never designed a couture collection in your life.”

“People are allowed to learn new things,” she whispered.

The chairman looked between us. “Mr. Moretti, do you have evidence to support this accusation?”

“I believe Natalie has something to show you.”

Natalie stepped forward and took a folder from her handbag.

“These are Bella’s original sketches. I watched her work on them myself.”

My breath caught.

I recognised the pages immediately. They were my original sketches, including the notes and revisions I had made while staying at Natalie’s apartment.

She had taken them.

The judges examined the folder, comparing the sketches with the designs displayed on the presentation screen.

One of them looked up at me.

“Mrs. Moretti, these appear to be your personal design notes. Can you explain why they are in Miss Laurent’s possession?”

“They’re mine. Natalie stole them from my belongings.”

Bella began crying.

“Taylor, please. I know you’re angry with me, but you can’t ruin my future because of Jacob.”

The room grew louder with whispers.

I stepped towards her, unable to contain my anger. “You stole my work, and now you’re pretending to be the victim?”

Before I could reach her, Jacob shoved me backwards.

“Don’t you dare touch her.”

I stumbled and fell against the edge of the stage.

A sharp pain tore through my lower abdomen.

I gasped, clutching my stomach. Something warm trickled down my legs.

When I looked down, blood was spreading across my dress.

“Jacob…”

He glanced at me impatiently.

“Don’t start another scene.”

“Call an ambulance,” I whispered. “Please. I’m pregnant.”

His expression changed.

“What?”

“I’m carrying your child.”

He stared at me in disbelief. “That’s impossible. I haven’t touched you in months.”

Bella hurried forward, her eyes wide with concern.

“Taylor, I know you’re desperate to keep Jacob, but please don’t make up something like this.”

She looked towards the people gathered around us.

“If you’re really pregnant, why didn’t you tell anyone before? Could it not just be your period?”

Jacob’s expression hardened.

“You’ve really sunk this low, Taylor.”

I tried to explain, but the pain was becoming unbearable. Blood continued to spread beneath me as the room blurred.

The last thing I heard was someone shouting for an ambulance.

When I regained consciousness, I was in a hospital bed.

The doctor stood beside me, his expression solemn.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Moretti. We couldn’t save the pregnancy.”

My eyes filled with tears.

He hesitated before continuing. “Your endometriosis may make future pregnancies difficult. You’ll need further assessment, but I don’t want to give you false reassurance.”

I turned my face towards the pillow.

On the television mounted opposite my bed, Bella was standing on a stage, accepting the award for her supposedly original collection.

Jacob, my parents, and Natalie were seated in the front row, applauding.

I was alone.

My hand moved instinctively to my stomach.

My baby.

I’m sorry.

I should have protected you.

Two days later, I checked out of the hospital and returned to the hotel to collect my luggage. I changed my flight and confirmed my departure for Milan.

Before boarding, I blocked Jacob, Bella, my parents, and Natalie. I deleted their numbers and every photograph I had kept of us.

There was nothing left to hold on to.

Goodbye, Jacob Moretti.