ESTELLE Going with him wasn’t a part of the plan. In fact, I wanted to run away from him, but here I was, throwing away any doubt out the window, or out rather out of his window, kissing him all the way back to his room. Never had I ripped off my coat so fast, kicked my shoes off, and tossed carelessly off my clothes on the floor while Linden did the same on his last sock. We barely caught our breath. We were back on each other as I hopped back into his arms. He caught me quickly, and I wrapped my legs around his waist as we kissed like we hadn’t seen in years. I admired his reflex, though. Linden sat me down carefully on his well-made bed. His lips moved slowly down my jaw to my neck, nibbling, sucking, licking the spot. My hands went to his head, fisting handfuls of his hair. Then he went to my breast as if he couldn’t get enough of it, his free hand on the other, cupping, kneading, rolling my nipple between his fingers, making me squirm under him. “Gabriel, I want you now,” I

ESTELLE “Estelle.” A snap of fingers on my face brought me back to reality. “Hey. Are you okay?” Micah’s eyebrows were drawn together, then pulled back. “Yeah. Sorry.” I blinked. “I’ve been calling your name, but you seemed in deep thought.” I looked down at the shade of lipstick I was trying to mix. It came out candy red when what I wanted was vermilion. “I think you need a break. Should I book you a spa?” I shook my head and began mixing again. “I’m fine. I have to reset my eyesight. I’ll be just outside.” I quickly stood up. Suddenly everything spun around me, almost knocking me off the ground. I might have found my butt on the floor if it weren’t for Micah. “Hey, hey. Deep breath. Close your eyes for a few seconds.” I did as she said, shutting my eyes close and everything around me and doing deep breathing. “You’re pale. Have you been sleeping well lately? I think you might just lose a few pounds.” I cracked my eyes open. “I slept well. My appetite is good, and I don’

ESTELLE “Tell me, Dr. Scott. Am I dying?” Ominous, I asked. I went to his office personally as soon as he said the result was ready. “No, dear. You’re healthy. All you need is Iron and folic acid supplements.” “Supplements?” My heart skipped a beat. My gut churned. “Yes. Congratulations. You’re pregnant.” He beamed at me while I was struck with a myriad of emotions. I didn’t know what to do with them. “Oh, my God.” I stared incredulously at my doctor while my hand flew to my abdomen. It was still flat, but a tiny human was growing in there. “I am pregnant.” I choked back the bile rising in my throat as I shook my head in disbelief. I was quick on my feet and stormed out before I could throw up in his office. I found myself in the restroom, wanting to throw up, but nothing came out except for dread settling in my stomach. I washed my face and mouth and stared at myself in the mirror. My gaze dropped to my abdomen in my dress. Devastation hit me. “Hey. Are you okay?” Micah asked

ESTELLE“Oh, hey, Estelle. I didn’t expect to see you here.”I didn’t even know what to say or what I was doing in here in his penthouse. The smell of alcohol and sex was everywhere, making me want to throw up.Klayton swayed in my direction in his boxers. His eyes were blotched red. At two in the afternoon, he was still wasted in his boxers in his penthouse. Wow. And this was the man that I was going to marry? What did I put myself into? “I need to talk to you, but not when you are drunk.”“I’m not. I just woke up. Wait, how did you get in?”I ignored his question because he should know it by now. “At two in the afternoon.”“Don’t be a bitch.” He stopped and towered to me. His face was just mere a few inches over mine. “I will have you after we get married, and get ready that ass of yours. These tits were mine before, anyway.” He was about to have his hands on my breasts. Thankfully, my bodyguard, Qamar, was quick enough to grip his hands away from me.“I suggest you take a few step

ESTELLE “Hey.” I went downstairs to look for Linden when I found the side of the bed empty. After turning me down last night, I realized that no matter how much he liked me, we could only be friends without the benefits. It was a disappointment, really, but maybe it was good for us. “Good morning.” He met me at the bottom of the stairs, still wearing the same smile. “Where have you been?” After that question came out of my mouth, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry. Forget that I asked.” “Breakfast?” “I called Qamar. He’s on his way, but do you have tea?” His brows knitted. “What’s with you with not drinking coffee and wine?” “Let’s just say my life is a little complicated right now. I can’t pump myself up with alcohol and caffeine.” I followed him to the kitchen. “Are you sure you can’t wait till I make breakfast?” “Maybe you can come by later. Let’s say dinner at my house.” “Alright.” He boiled water and grabbed a teacup. “Do you prefer green?” “Any.” “Green then.” He put