Chapter Three

Months passed, and then the unthinkable happened.

Stephanie discovered she was pregnant.

Unable to believe the result, she rushed to the hospital, hoping the pregnancy test had been wrong.

After several examinations, the

doctor returned with the results.

"Congratulations," the doctor said with a gentle smile. "You're approximately two months pregnant."

Stephanie felt the room spin around her.

"What...?" she whispered in disbelief.

"The test results are accurate," the doctor confirmed.

She left the hospital in a daze, unable to process what she had just heard.

By the time she reached her apartment, the weight of reality came crashing down on her.

She sank onto the couch and burst into tears.

How was she supposed to raise a child on her own?

She had no parents.

No family.

No stable job.

No one to lean on.

She gently placed a trembling hand on her stomach, her tears flowing freely.

"What am I going to do?" she whispered through her sobs.

For the first time in years, Stephanie felt completely helpless.

Meanwhile...

Kai Ray sat in his luxurious executive office, reviewing the day's documents.

The spacious office reflected his remarkable success. Shelves lined with prestigious awards and trophies decorated one side of the room, while a large framed photograph of him with his late parents hung proudly on the wall behind his desk.

A gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in."

The door opened, and Ken walked in carrying a brown file.

"Good afternoon, sir."

Kai looked up from his paperwork.

"What is it, Ken?"

"I've received new information about Miss Stephanie."

Kai immediately set his pen aside.

"What information?"

Ken placed the file on the desk.

"I believe you should read this yourself."

Kai frowned slightly before opening the file.

As his eyes scanned the contents, his expression changed instantly.

His eyes widened.

"What?"

He shot to his feet, staring at Ken in disbelief.

"Is this true?"

Ken nodded.

"Yes, sir. Our people confirmed it. Miss Stephanie visited the hospital this morning. The examination shows she's approximately two months pregnant."

Kai remained speechless.

His mind went completely blank.

A child...

His child.

He slowly lowered himself back into his chair, running a hand through his hair as countless thoughts raced through his mind.

After several moments of silence, he stood up again and began pacing around the office.

Finally, he stopped and looked at Ken.

"Ken."

"Yes, sir."

"I want you to move her out of that apartment immediately."

Ken listened attentively.

"Find her a comfortable place to live. Buy whatever is necessary. I don't care about the cost."

"Yes, sir."

"She is carrying my child," Kai continued firmly. "Neither she nor my child should have to struggle. Make sure she has the best medical care, nutritious food, and anything else she may need."

Ken nodded respectfully.

"I understand, sir."

"But remember this," Kai added. "Treat her with the utmost respect. Do not force her or make her feel pressured. If she refuses, be patient and persuade her. Let her know she's free to make her own decisions. I simply want her and the baby to be safe."

"I'll handle it personally, sir."

Kai gave a slight nod.

"Go now."

"Yes, sir."

Ken bowed politely before leaving the office.

The room fell silent once again.

Kai walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city skyline.

He rested one hand against the glass and closed his eyes.

He had never imagined becoming a father under such painful circumstances.

No amount of fame, wealth, or success could change the past.

But one thing was certain.

He would take responsibility for his child, no matter what it cost.

---

At Stephanie's apartment, the constant ringing of the doorbell pulled her out of her thoughts.

She wiped the tears from her swollen eyes before walking to the door.

When she opened it, she froze.

"Mr. Ken?" She looked at him in surprise. "What are you doing here again?"

Ken offered an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Miss Stephanie. I know I'm disturbing your privacy, but I really need to speak with you."

Stephanie folded her arms across her chest.

"About what? I thought we had already settled everything."

"We did," Ken replied. "But Mr. Kai Ray has asked me to move you to a more comfortable place... for the sake of the baby."

Stephanie's eyes widened in shock.

"My... baby?" she stammered. "W-What baby are you talking about?"

Ken sighed softly.

"Please don't pretend, Miss Stephanie. Mr. Kai Ray didn't mean to invade your privacy, but he instructed us to keep an eye on you and make sure you were safe. That's how we found out about your pregnancy."

Stephanie's expression immediately hardened.

"What?" she exclaimed. "You've been following me?"

"We're truly sorry," Ken said sincerely. "It wasn't our intention to make you uncomfortable."

"Then what was your intention?" She demanded. "What does Kai Ray want from me? I already made it clear that I wasn't going to press charges or cause any trouble. Why can't you people just leave me alone?"

Ken lowered his head slightly.

"Mr. Kai isn't trying to trouble you. He's simply worried about you and the baby."

"And why should he be?" she asked bitterly.

"Because that baby is his too".

Silence filled the room.

Ken spoke gently.

"Please, Miss Stephanie. Accept this offer—for your baby's sake."

Stephanie looked away.

"I don't want anything from him."

She took a deep breath before looking back at him.

"I just want to live my life peacefully."

Without waiting for another word, she gently closed the door.

Ken stood there for several seconds before letting out a helpless sigh and walking away.

The days that followed were no different.

Ken returned again and again, patiently asking Stephanie to reconsider.

Each time, she refused.

Kai Ray even suggested meeting her personally, hoping he could convince her himself.

However, Ken advised against it.

"Please leave this to me, sir," he had said. "Seeing you now may only make things worse."

Kai reluctantly agreed.

A week later, after spending countless sleepless nights thinking about her unborn child, Stephanie finally made a decision.

When the doorbell rang again, she opened it to find Ken standing there.

This time, she stepped aside.

"You may come in."

Relief washed over his face.

"Thank you, Miss Stephanie."

Once they were seated, Stephanie looked at him seriously.

"I'll accept the offer."

Ken smiled.

"Thank you."

"But..."

His smile faded.

"I have conditions."

"I'm listening."

Stephanie took a deep breath.

"If I'm leaving this apartment, then Mr. Kai Ray must respect my wishes."

Ken nodded.

"What are they?"

"I don't want to see him."

Ken looked surprised.

"I don't want him visiting me, calling me, or trying to meet me in person," Stephanie continued. "If he has anything to say, he can pass the message through you."

"Miss Stephanie..."

"No," she interrupted firmly. "There will be boundaries."

She looked directly into Ken's eyes.

"He's a global superstar. I'm an ordinary woman. I don't want to become the center of media attention or be harassed by his fans on social media. I've lived a quiet life, and I want to keep it that way."

Ken remained silent.

"He can keep his distance," she continued. "After the baby is born, he'll have every right to see his child. But until then, I don't want any contact with him."

She paused before adding,

"And no one must ever know what happened between us."

He nodded slowly.

"If we ever happen to cross paths in public," Stephanie said quietly, "we'll act like strangers."

A long silence followed.

Finally, Ken gave a respectful nod.

"As you wish, Miss Stephanie. I promise your wishes will be respected."

----

A few hours later, Stephanie arrived at her new residence.

The moment the gates opened, she was speechless.

The property was a magnificent modern villa surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens filled with colorful flowers, trimmed hedges, and tall palm trees. A stone pathway led to a grand entrance with towering glass doors and elegant marble pillars.

Inside, the villa was even more breathtaking.

The spacious living room featured high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, imported marble flooring, and luxurious cream-colored furniture arranged around a modern fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the house with natural light and overlooked a peaceful garden with a sparkling swimming pool.

The kitchen was fitted with state-of-the-art appliances, while the dining room held a long polished table that could seat more than ten people.

Upstairs, Stephanie was shown to a large master bedroom furnished with a king-sized bed, a comfortable sitting area, a walk-in wardrobe, and a private balcony overlooking the city skyline. The attached bathroom featured a soaking bathtub, a rainfall shower, and elegant marble finishes.

The villa also included a private library, a home theater, a fitness room, and a nursery that had already begun to be prepared for the baby.

To ensure Stephanie was well cared for throughout her pregnancy, Kai had quietly hired trusted staff.

There was Mrs. Linda, a warm and motherly housekeeper who managed the home and often treated Stephanie like her own daughter.

Chef Daniel prepared nutritious meals specially designed for her pregnancy.

Grace, a gentle personal assistant, helped with appointments, shopping, and anything Stephanie needed.

A professional obstetric nurse, Nurse Evelyn, visited regularly to monitor Stephanie's health and the baby's development.

Outside, discreet security guards protected the villa around the clock, ensuring her privacy without interfering with her daily life.

As Stephanie stood in the middle of the grand living room, she couldn't help but wonder how a life that had once been filled with rejection and hardship had suddenly changed so dramatically. Even so, she reminded herself of one thing—no matter how luxurious her new surroundings were, she would not allow herself to become part of Kai Ray's glamorous world.