CHAPTER SIX_ Lucian’s POV

I expected the headlines to slow down after a few hours. But instead, they multiplied.

CEO’S WIFE UNABLE TO CONCEIVE — SOURCES CONFIRM.

DARK CLOUD OVER DHARK SUCCESSION.

I closed the article without finishing it. There was nothing new to read.

My assistant knocked once before entering. “Mr Dhark,” she called carefully. “The board is waiting.”

I knew what I was stepping into before I walked in.

The conference room was already full_ every seat was taken. The air was thick with tension.

The headlines about Claire’s condition slid across glowing screens. It was what my father would call a corporate catastrophe.

I took my seat at the head of the table, without reacting.

Claire’s name was not mentioned at first, but it was obvious she would be the topic of discussion.

The chairman didn’t waste any time. “We need to address the situation.” He pointed at the screen. “This is a threat to your legacy and our market.”

“Your succession has always been a concern,” a board member spoke, “now it’s public.”

“Investors are anxious,” another board member added. “They’re asking questions we don’t have answers to.”

I tapped my fingers restlessly against the table.

I could have said something then.

I could have reminded them that Claire was still my wife.

But I remained silent.

This was bigger than personal feelings.

“The Dhark legacy has always depended on continuity,” the chairman continued. “An heir.”

The word stirred something inside me_ something restless.

The other board members nodded in agreement.

I couldn’t argue because deep down, I knew they were right.

I sat there, expressionless, as they discussed my succession. And Claire’s inability to provide the one thing I needed the most.

“A Dhark without an heir is not something the market likes,” the chairman stated. “You need to provide reassurance. Quickly.”

For a moment, no one spoke. They just watched me expectantly, like they were waiting for me to argue. Or concur.

Then, the chairman spoke again, “Your wife’s condition complicates things.” He said sharply. “With all due respect, the marriage is becoming a liability.”

The board members exchanged meaningful glances, nodding in agreement.

No one argued. No one defended her.

“What matters,” the chairman continued, “is stability.”

I nodded once.

The meeting ended shortly after.

No solutions were proposed, no objections were raised.

Only expectations.

Eva was waiting for me in a private lounge. It was discreet, polished and expensive. The kind of place where secrets were exchanged for service.

She looked radiant_ dressed elegantly with her blonde hair falling perfectly over her shoulders.

Her lips curved into a smile the moment she saw me.

“You came,” she said softly.

I didn’t return the smile. “We need to talk.” I said, skipping pleasantries. “I shouldn’t have come back into your life. That was a mistake. I think it’s time we put an end to this.”

Eva’s smile was unwavering. “Is that what you want?” She asked.

“Yes.” I answered bluntly.

She tilted her head, then slowly moved her hand down to her abdomen.

I froze.

“I'm pregnant."

The words landed like a bomb.

For a second, I thought I hadn’t heard her correctly.

I studied her made up face, searching for any signs that this was all just a big, distasteful joke.

“How far along?” I finally asked.

“A couple weeks." Eva answered, sliding an envelope across the table. "The doctor confirmed it this morning."

I didn't touch the envelope.

“That’s not possible.” I said quietly, almost like I was trying to convince myself.

Eva leaned forward. "It is. And before you ask me any silly questions; yes. It's yours."

I finally opened the envelope.

A positive pregnancy test result. The dates aligned perfectly.

I dropped the result on the table again, and ran a hand through my hair.

“This doesn’t change anything.” I said, trying to appear firm and composed_ everything I wasn’t at the moment.

Eva’s smile sharpened. “Oh, Lucian," she said gently. "It changes everything."

She continued. “I want stability. I want my child to have a legitimate name. That means you have to choose."

“Choose what?" I snapped.

“Me or her."

There it was— the ultimatum I had been dreading since she the moment she touched her stomach.

I paused, a thousand thoughts running through my mind at once.

An heir.

The Dhark legacy.

Claire.

“Claire can't give you what I can." Eva spoke, almost as if she could read my mind.

“Leave Claire out of this." I snarled.

Eva's smile faltered then. “I’m being realistic. You want an heir— you always have. And now you finally have one."

“I won’t be your dirty little secret,” she continued. “And I won’t give birth just to watch you go back to her.”

My breathing slowed.

“What are you saying?” I asked.

Eva’s voice was calm and precise. “Divorce Claire. Or I won’t keep the baby.”

Alarms blared loudly in my head, even though the room was silent.

“You're sick.” I said hoarsely.

“I won’t be second place again.” Eva countered sharply.

I looked toward the window. I could hear the board’s voices echoing loudly in my head.

“Stability.”

“An heir.”

Eva stepped closer. “Decide who you want to build a future with. Me and our child... or Claire and her broken body."

I clenched my jaw, but refused to answer.

Instead, I reached for my phone and dialed the housekeeper’s number.

“Prepare the east wing.” I said calmly.

I ended the call without waiting for a response.

A satisfied smile lit up Eva’s face.

That evening, I came home like Claire had begged me to.

But not alone.