PREGNANT FOR MY HUSBAND'S STEPFATHER のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 11 - チャプター 20

Aria"I lost the contract." I told Zachary as I got to the door of my room. I met him parading the corridor obviously waiting for me to come back.I tried everything I could but was still unable to convince Mr Xavier. He said I lacked professional etiquette and that was an undisputable fact, putting myself in his shoes I would also react the same way but all I needed was one chance.I remembered Mr Xavier’s sharp voice in the boardroom. “Miss Aria, passion is good, but manners matter more.” His words hit me hard, I had stood there, lips pressed together, nodding slowly till he passed beside me. And that was all. One meeting where I could show numbers, show results. Just one chance to prove to him that I'm what I defend and more. I didn't build my empire based on connection, it was built on strength, hardwork and consistency of a young woman who knew what independence really is starting from a young age.Late nights came back to me in flashes—typing proposals at 2 a.m., cold coffee, l

Aria "He's a friend." Zachary declared, his expression gave him away, I knew what he seems like when lying, the way he bit his lower lip nervously hoping I do not see through his lies, I knew what they meant anyways. "Yeah, a mere friend." He kept nodding, something felt off but I couldn't pin point it. "Am I a friend?" Nathan twitched his eyebrows in confusion. "Ouch." Nathan suddenly whimpered. They really seem like friends, I was thinking way too deep than I should. I mean I should I thought the only friend he had was Quinn He was literally a nerd back in high school. "Nice to meet you by the way." Nathan smiled. He sounded mature but his face gave him away, he looked far too young, more like someone in his early twenties. He looks like an adorable little kid. "Nice to meet you too." I smiled back at him " That's enough. You can leave now, no one invited you here." Zach gestured for Nathan to leave but he remained unmoved. "It's fine, he can stay." I said an

Aria"It's my pleasure to secure a partnership with you, Mr Xavier." I said and we shook hands."Well, I hope for successful result, counting on you not to let me down." He replied, then moved his legs. His personal assistant followed suit."Why do you....?" I scratched my head, my curiosity will definitely put me in a position where I won't like."Why do I?" He turned back and faced me.That was the moment. No fear. No contemplation. I just had to say what I had to say."Why are you in disguise?" I questioned."Why the mask? The voice changer too? It's really not necessary if you ask me." I commented."Exactly young lady, I never asked you, learn to mind your business, do what is expected of you and don't let your curiosity destroy your pathways to success." He advised, that wasn't much of an advice, it was rude and demeaning. I was curious, I asked, he could have waved it off or walked away.He? It could even be a lady.She? A lady should at least have some butt, but Mr. Xavier, he/

Author POV Aria woke up that morning feeling different. On a normal day, she would leave for work early and carry her breakfast along. But that day, she decided not to. She walked into the dining room and sat down at the table with Athena and Zachary, who were already at the dining table as if hunger chased them awake. Athena placed plates of eggs, toast, and fruit on the table. Zachary poured coffee into his own cup. The maids were moving around each carrying out their task for the day. No one spoke at first. Zachary picked up his fork. He looked from Athena to Aria and back again. The table stayed quiet. Usually, Athena would say something rude to Aria. She would find a way to start trouble. But today, Athena ate without a word. She cut her toast into small pieces and chewed extremely slow. Zachary cleared his throat. “Everything okay this morning?” he asked. No one answered . Aria took a bite of her eggs. They tasted plain. She kept her eyes on her plate. Athena glanced at

AriaMy body was changing in ways I couldn't ignore anymore. Eggs and pasta which used to be my go to meal at any time of the day, now turned my stomach. The smallest things set me off. Anger became a part of me that even when I tried to hold it back, it can't be held back. Everyone around me noticed the shift. The maids now spoke carefully, tiptoeing around me as if one wrong word would make me explode. I hated the effect pregnancy had on me.The vomiting grew worse too. One small inconvenience and I would rush to the toilet, throwing up uncontrollably like a broken tap water. The smell disgusted me even more.I had no choice but to endure it.Kleopatra had called earlier. She stated she came over to discuss the pregnancy result I had asked her to fake, but Zachary’s presence that day stopped her from asking the important questions—like how many weeks to put on the paper.I was relieved she agreed to help. Right now, she was my only real option.The dates on the result had to match