Chapter 6

*Elena's POV*

“Deal,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Deal,” Liam replied, his hand was warm and strong around mine as we shook on it. Our eyes locked for a second longer than necessary, and something electric passed between us. I quickly looked away.

“Come on,” Liam said, still holding my hand. “Let’s go see him now before he gets worse.”

He led me upstairs through the hospital corridors, his fingers gently intertwined with mine. The touch sent a small, unexpected spark through my chest. I quickly pushed the feeling aside. This was just a deal. Nothing more.

We reached the door of his father’s private room. Liam gave my hand one last soft squeeze before pushing it open.

The old man was lying in the hospital bed, propped up against pillows, wires and tubes connected to monitors that beeped steadily. When he saw us, a tired but genuine smile spread across his face.

“Son, you came back fast,” he said, his voice was weak but full of hope. “And you brought her. Good. Let me see the mother of my grandchild.”

Liam stepped forward, still holding my hand. “Dad, this is Elena. Elena, this is my father, Mr. Richard.”

Before Liam could say anything else, the smile on Richard’s face vanished completely. He stared at me with wide eyes, his expression shifting from joy to shock, then something darker.

I froze. Why did this man look so familiar? His sharp gray eyes, the strong jawline even in old age… it was like looking at an older version of someone I knew. The thought nagged at me, but I couldn’t place it.

“Dad?” Liam said, confusion clear in his voice. “What’s wrong?”

Richard shook his head slowly, his gaze never leaving me. “No. You two cannot marry each other.”

The words hit like a slap. Liam’s grip on my hand tightened.

“What?” Liam’s voice rose in surprise. “Dad, what are you talking about? There’s a problem with Elena? Is that what you’re saying?”

“There is no problem with the girl herself,” Richard said firmly, his voice gaining strength despite his frail state. “She is perfectly fine. But this marriage cannot go on. I won’t allow it.”

Liam let go of my hand and stepped closer to the bed, his face flushing with disbelief and anger. “You won’t allow it? Dad, I just told you she’s carrying my child! I love her. I’m not going to abandon the mother of my baby and the woman I truly love just because you suddenly say no. Tell me why! Give me one good reason!”

Richard’s eyes flicked between us, heavy with something I couldn’t read. “Liam, you don’t understand...”

“No, you don’t understand!” Liam cut in, his voice cracking with emotion. “I’ve done everything you asked. I run the companies. I work the bar to stay humble. I’ve given up so much for this family. And now, when I finally bring you the one thing you’ve been begging for — a grandchild and a woman I care about you tell me no? Without any explanation? That’s not fair, Dad. That’s cruel.”

I stood there, my heart was pounding, feeling completely out of place. My own voice came out shaky. “Mr. Harrington, I… I don’t understand either. If there’s something wrong with me, please just say it. I’m not here to cause trouble. This wasn’t planned, but the baby is real. And Liam… he’s been kind to me when no one else has.”

Richard sighed deeply, his chest rising and falling with effort. “Elena, it’s not you. You seem like a good girl. Strong. But this union… it can’t happen. There are things you both don’t know. Old wounds that will be opened if you both come together.”

Liam’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. “Then tell us! Stop speaking in riddles. I’m standing here ready to give you everything you wanted and you’re shutting it down? I won’t walk away from her, Dad. Not now. Not when she needs me and I need her. She’s carrying my child. I love her. If you want me to choose between you and them, I swear I’ll...”

“Don’t say that,” Richard interrupted, his voice breaking. “Don’t you dare put me in that position, son. I built this empire for you. I fought every day so you wouldn’t have to struggle. But some lines cannot be crossed. Some blood cannot mix.”

Tears stung my eyes again. The weight of everything crashed over me. “Please, Mr. Harrington. Whatever it is, we can talk about it. I’m scared too. I have nothing left. This baby is all I have. If Liam is willing to stand by me, why can’t you give us a chance?”

Liam turned to me, his eyes soft but determined. “Elena, don’t beg. You don’t have to. Dad, look at her. She’s hurting. We’re both hurting. I’m not asking for your permission out of weakness. I’m telling you this is happening. I love her. I want this baby. If you have a real reason then say it now. Because if you don’t, I’m walking out of here with her and we’ll figure it out ourselves. But I won’t abandon the mother of my child. Not for you. Not for anyone.”

Richard stared at us for a long moment, his face pale and conflicted. The monitors beeped faster. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.

Liam’s voice dropped, raw with pain. “Dad… please. Don’t make me choose.”

The old man’s eyes filled with tears he tried to hide. “Liam… my boy… you have no idea what you’re asking.”

“Then tell me!” Liam shouted, emotion cracking his voice. “Tell us both why the woman I love and the child she’s carrying aren’t good enough for you!”

I reached out and touched Liam’s arm gently, my own heart was aching. “Liam… maybe we should...”

“No,” he said firmly, turning back to his father. “I’m not leaving this room until he gives me a real reason. I can’t abandon you, Elena. Not after everything. You’re the mother of my child. I love you. And if my own father can’t accept that, then maybe this empire isn’t worth it after all.”

Richard’s breathing grew labored. He looked at me again, long and hard, as if seeing a ghost.

“Liam,” he finally whispered, voice heavy with regret and something deeper. “You cannot marry her because...