Chapter 245

It was her!

Harrison stood before him.

Yet Nathaniel had mistaken her for someone else entirely.

As memories flooded back - his cold dismissal, those cutting words - Nathaniel wanted to punch himself.

That day in the clinic, he'd pinned her down as she wept, confessing her hatred through tears. So fragile. So pure.

He cursed under his breath.

Muscles coiled tight with self-loathing, his handsome features twisted before settling into a grim smile.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle slept soundly after returning to the apartment. The next morning, Harrison and Rosalind took her shopping.

They wandered through the mall's glittering corridors until a boutique caught Harrison's eye.

Inside, candy-colored hairpins sparkled under the lights - strawberry pinks, watermelon greens, lemon yellows. Playful. Vibrant.

"Harrison, the yellow one suits you!" Rosalind exclaimed.

"I prefer the pink," Gabrielle mused.

Before Harrison could decide, a honeyed voice interrupted.

"What a surprise seeing you here, Harrison."

Daphne stood framed in the doorway, designer bags dangling from her assistant's arms. She removed her sunglasses with deliberate slowness.

"I have wonderful news to share."

Gabrielle arched a brow. "Did you finally win that Oscar?"

Daphne's smile faltered.

"You little-" She caught herself, pressing a dramatic hand to her chest. Suddenly she doubled over, gagging theatrically.

Rosalind crossed her arms. "What's your game now, Daphne?"

Pale-faced, Daphne turned pleading eyes to Harrison. "I've been so ill lately. Nauseous. Exhausted. You're a doctor, aren't you? Check my pulse."

Gabrielle opened her mouth, but Harrison raised a hand. "Fine."

Her delicate fingers found Daphne's wrist.

The pulse beneath her fingertips told the story.

Harrison's gaze lifted.

Daphne's eyes glittered with anticipation. "Well?"

"You're pregnant."

Silence.

Rosalind and Gabrielle gasped in unison. "Who's the father?"

Daphne's smirk returned as she locked eyes with Harrison. "When Nathaniel and I were together, he didn't use protection. I'm carrying his heir."

The words hit like a physical blow. Harrison's fists clenched.

Just then, a familiar baritone cut through the tension.

"What's going on here?"

Nathaniel stood in the doorway, imposing as ever.

Daphne practically tripped over herself to reach him. "Nathaniel! I have amazing news!"

He barely glanced at her. "What?"

"I'm pregnant!"

The triumphant announcement hung in the air.

Nathaniel's lips curled. "Is it mine?"

"Of course!" Daphne gushed. "That night... you're going to be a father."

His expression remained unreadable. "What do you want?"