Semua Bab BILLIONAIRE’S REVENGE BRIDE: Bab 41 - Bab 45

Ariana’s POVThe gates closed behind me with a finality that felt louder than it should have but I kept walking.Not fast or slow just enough to stay ahead of my thoughts. The morning air pressed cool against my skin, but it did nothing to settle the tightness coiled in my chest. Slade hadn’t followed me. I hadn’t expected him to. Part of me was relieved. Another part felt abandoned by the very restraint I’d asked for.Amanda’s voice lingered in my head, bright and intrusive, threaded through spaces that were supposed to be mine now.I hailed a car at the corner instead of walking all the way.The clinic was quiet when I arrived clean, neutral, calm in a way the mansion hadn’t been in days. The receptionist smiled when she saw me, already familiar, already expecting me. That alone steadied me more than I cared to admit.The appointment passed in a blur of soft questions, measured reassurances, routine checks.“You’re doing well,” the doctor said gently, eyes scanning the chart. “Every

Ariana’s POVThe knock pulled me from sleep gently.“Madam,” the chef called through the door. “Dinner is ready.”For a moment, I didn’t move.My body still felt heavy. Not just from exhaustion but from everything I was holding in.“I’ll be down shortly,” I replied.When I stood, the room tilted faintly before steadying again. I pressed my palm against my stomach instinctively, breathing through it.You’re fine.No one knows.I freshened up quickly and headed downstairs.The dining room was already set. Amanda sat comfortably in one of the chairs, scrolling through her phone as though she belonged at the head of the table. She looked up when I entered.“There you are,” she said casually. “Feeling better?”Her eyes snapped not to my face but lower.“I’m fine,” I answered, taking my seat. “It was nothing.”“Mm,” she hummed, like she didn’t quite believe me but was willing to pretend.The chair at the head of the table remained empty longer than usual.Amanda filled the silence easily, c

Ariana’s POVHow long do I plan to still keep this a secret?The question didn’t leave me after it formed. It lingered heavy and accusing.I stared at my reflection, searching for signs. A change in my face or a shift in my body. Something obvious enough to justify the fear rising in my chest.But I looked the same.A wife under contract.A woman carrying a child conceived in a moment that wasn’t supposed to become permanent.My fingers pressed gently against my stomach again.The expiration date hovering over us like a silent countdown.If I told him now, what would change?Would he feel trapped? Or would he think I planned it?Would he believe it was an attempt to extend something that was always meant to end?A knock startled me.“Ariana?” Amanda’s voice floated through the door.I stiffened.“Yes?”“Are you coming to bed, or should I assume you’re admiring yourself?”My jaw tightened slightly.“I’ll be there.”A pause.Then, casually, “You really should eat more carefully. You loo