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Chapter 17
Claire’s hands shook as she stared at the pregnancy test in her hands. The two lines on the test stared back at her.”
She looked at herself in the mirror. All the blood had drained out of her face, so she looked so pale.”
She had been feeling ill since Thomas left, but when it persisted, she realized it was something more. The pregnancy test was just a precaution. She hadn’t truly believed it would come back positive.}
If it were any other time, she would have rejoiced. She had always imagined this moment, telling Thomas, seeing the joy on his face as he pulled her into his arms, whispering about the perfect family they would build together.
But now, the father of her child was several miles away, chasing after another woman. That had not been the plan.
Claire tightened her grip on the test, and her nails dug into her palm. It was all Gabriella’s fault.”
If that woman had just just given up everything to Thomas without making things difficult, then none of this would have happened. Thomas wouldn’t have had to leave. He wouldn’t have needed to grovel and chase after his ex–fiancée like some desperate fool.”
And now, because of Gabriella, Claire’s child might grow up without a father.
Her stomach twisted. She felt sick, but she didn’t know if it was from the pregnancy or from the anger boiling inside her.“]
Claire clenched her fists. No, she refused to accept this.
from ney
Thomas was hers. He always had been. Gabriella had just been a tool that they used for money. But Claire? Claire had given him love, passion, everything he needed.
She wouldn’t let Gabriella win.
Claire took a deep breath and forced herself to think. She needed to act fast.”
Glaire
First, she had to tell Thomas. He had been ignoring her calls, but this was something he wouldn’t ignore. He would have to come back. He would have to choose her.}
Claire picked up her phone and called Thomas. As usual, he didn’t answer. But to her surprise, when she called again, he picked.” “What is it?” He demanded, his voice was harsh, like she had interrupted him from something very important.”
She ignored the twinge in her chest. “I…I have something to tell you.” She said softly.
Thomas groaned. “Would you hurry up! I just saw Ella, and-“}
“I’m pregnant.” Claire announced, cutting him off, but her grip on the phone tightened.”
There was silence for a moment.
Claire held her breath, tightening her grip on the phone. She imagined Thomas’s face. Was he shocked? Was he confused? Maybe he was a little happy. That’s what she wanted. That’s what should happen.
But when he finally spoke, his voice sounded odd. “You’re lying.“@
Claire’s stomach dropped. “What?”
“You’re lying,” he repeated, his voice was sharp this time. “This is just another one of your tricks to get me back, isn’t it?”
“No! Thomas, I swear, I took the test, and it’s positive,” she rushed out. “I didn’t plan this, but it’s happening. You’re going to be a father.” She waited, expecting something, but all she got was silence.
She thought he had disconnected when he released a bitter laugh.
“A father,” he muttered. “Like hell I am.”
Claire’s breath hitched. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?“}]
“It means I don’t have time for this,” Thomas snapped. “I’m trying to fix things with Ella, and you-” He stopped himself, breathing heavily. “I need to think.“}
“Fix things with her?!” Claire screeched. “Thomas, are you even listening to yourself? That bitch is never taking you back! But I…I’m carrying your child, and you think you can just walk away?”
“I’m not walking away!” He snapped. “Can’t you see what I’m trying to do? We have nothing! We don’t have the money to raise a child, but if I can get Ella back, everything will change!“}
Claire scoffed. “It’s not just about the money, Thomas. You refused to admit that you don’t have feelings for her! So don’t lie to me!“}
There was another silence. She sighed.”
“Please, just let go of the money. We’ll figure something out. Together. But I don’t want to lose you. I need you. Your child needs you.” she said softly, her voice pleading.”
Another silence.M
“I’m sorry, Claire. You won’t understand.” He said quietly, then he disconnected the call.
Claire’s stomach dropped.”
The phone slipped out of her hands, and she breathed heavily.
He hung up.”
She laughed bitterly. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.”
Claire clenched her jaw and stared at her reflection in the mirror.
Gabriella. This was all because of her.
