Chapter 8
Chapter 8
The room went silent.
Every eye locked on Nina.
She flushed under the attention, one hand fluttering to her stomach almost unconsciously.
Victoria sat forward, barely able to contain herself.
“Nina, honey… are you pregnant p>
Derek’s head whipped around, his whole body going rigid.
Nina looked genuinely startled, like she hadn’t meant to cause a scene.
She bit her lip, not answering.
Victoria pressed harder.
“Don’t torture us! If you’re expecting, just tell us. You two are legally married now-there’s nothing to be ashamed
of p>
Derek’s father nodded enthusiastically.
“Absolutely. Derek’s only got Simon, and the boy could use a sibling. If you’re giving us another grandchild, the family will make sure you want for nothing p>
With the chairman himself offering guarantees, Nina’s eyes brightened noticeably.
She glanced at Derek through her lashes, then admitted quietly:
“I am. Just barely a month, though. It’s too early to really know if it’ll p>
The room exploded with excitement.
Derek’s grandfather actually laughed out loud.
Victoria pressed both hands to her chest like her heart might burst.
Derek looked like he’d been punched in the throat.
He grabbed Nina’s wrist and yanked her off the sofa before e could think better of it.
“What the hell did you just say p>
Chapter 8
“That’s impossible p>
Nina had been glowing seconds ago.
Now Derek’s fingers were digging into her arm and his face had gone scary.
“Derek, ow-you’re hurting p>
She tried to soften him with a wounded look, but whatever she saw in his expression made her go very still.
Derek realized he was still gripping her and let go, but his voice stayed sharp.
“Why would you say that in front of everyone? When Annie finds out-Christ, how am I supposed to explain this p>
Nina backed away toward Victoria, her voice going small and trembling.
“I’m not lying. You really don’t remember? A month ago? You’d been celebrating and you drank way too much p>
Nobody moved.
Derek’s face went sheet-white. For a second he couldn’t seem to form words.
“I gave you money for-you said you took the pill. Are you telling me you
lied p>
The IPO celebration had gotten out of hand.
His college buddies had been buying rounds all night. He’d blacked out most of it.
What he did remember: waking up next to Nina and immediately panicking because he’d thought she was Annie.
One night. One stupid, drunken mistake.
He’d made sure Nina took Plan B the next morning before she left. Watched her swallow it.
And now she was pregnant anyway?
Annie was already suspicious about the marriage.
If she found out he’d actually slept with Nina-accident or not-she’d never believe it was a one-time thing.
Derek pressed his fingers hard against his temples.
When he spoke again, his voice had gone flat and cold.
“If it was an accident, you’re getting rid of it. Tomorrow p>
Nina swayed like she might faint.
Our Con for Her? Your ‘Hapy’ Ending Just Crashed. Asshole!
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Chapter 8
She’d convinced herself that even if the marriage was fake, the pregnancy would change things. That Derek wouldn’t be able to turn her away once there was a baby involved.
But here she was, carrying his child, and he was still choosing Annie.
After everything-after growing up together, after she’d been the one he’d wanted first-he was really going to throw her away again?
Victoria shot to her feet and physically stepped between them.
“Over my dead body. Derek, I don’t care how rich you’ve gotten-your grandfather’s sitting right there. You don’t get
to make this call p>
Even Simon ran over and wrapped himself around Nina’s legs.
“Daddy, no! Don’t hurt Mommy’s baby p>
Surrounded by his mother’s fury, his son’s tears, and the severe expressions on both his father and grandfather’s faces, Derek felt like his skull was splitting.
He turned back to Nina, his jaw tight.
“Fine. Have the kid. I’ll pay whatever you need-the Connors don’t shirk financial responsibility p>
He leaned in slightly, dropping his voice to something dangerous.
“But don’t for one second think this makes you Mrs. Connor.
He straightened.
“And you’re leaving the country tomorrow. I’ll set everything up. If Annie hears about this-if anyone leaks a single word-I’ll have the pregnancy terminated myself. We clear?
He was out the door before anyone could respond, the slam choing through the house.
Nina stood frozen in the middle of the room, her legs giving out as she collapsed back onto the couch.
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Joseph King
Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.