Chapter 887

The past weeks had slipped through Rosalind's fingers like sand. Her thoughts were consumed by Lucian, so much so that she hadn't realized her period was late.

Her cycle was normally precise as clockwork, yet now it had been over four weeks.

Memories surfaced of those intimate moments with Lucian—no protection used. He'd always spoken of marriage and children, and she adored kids. Subconsciously, they'd both welcomed the possibility.

Could this mean...? Was she expecting?

Rosalind couldn't bring herself to tell Victoria. Her parents had enough worries already.

"I haven't been hungry lately," she murmured, pushing food around her plate. "Probably just exhausted. Meat doesn't appeal to me right now."

Victoria stroked her daughter's hair. "Let me make you some vegetable soup then."

"Thank you, Mother."

The moment Victoria disappeared into the kitchen, Rosalind grabbed her purse and slipped out. The neighborhood pharmacy's bell jingled as she entered.

The clerk glanced up. "Can I help you find something?"

Rosalind's voice barely rose above a whisper. "A pregnancy test, please."

"Two dollars."

Hands trembling, she hurried home and locked herself in the bathroom.

The result appeared instantly—two bold pink lines.

Pregnant.

With Lucian's baby.

This child had been conceived in love, during their happiest days. It should have been cause for celebration.

Yet now they were strangers.

Rosalind cradled her still-flat abdomen. Motherhood—a first for her.

A tiny heartbeat fluttered beneath her palm. Life growing where only emptiness had been.

No hesitation. No second thoughts. This baby was hers to keep!

Lucian's striking features and brilliant mind, combined with Lillian's academic excellence—this child would inherit the best of both bloodlines.

The crushing grief in Rosalind's chest lightened. Because now...she carried life.

Motherhood without matrimony—a path she'd never envisioned, yet here she stood.

"Welcome, little one," she whispered, tears spilling onto her shirt. "You'll be loved beyond measure."

Her phone buzzed. Harrison's name flashed on screen.

"Rosalind?"

"Free for dinner tonight? My treat."

"The Velvet Lounge at seven?"

When Rosalind arrived, Harrison was already seated, her baby bump prominent beneath a silk dress.

"Where's Charlotte?"

"Victoria took her out. With twins on the way, she won't let me lift a finger."

Rosalind reached across the table, pressing a hand to Harrison's stomach. "I have news...I'm pregnant too!"

Harrison's eyes widened. "Does Mr. Graves know?"

Rosalind shook her head sharply. "And he won't. That chapter's closed."

"When I treated his injuries last week, his mood was...stormy. I suspected a rift between you."

Rosalind gripped Harrison's wrist. "His face—has it healed completely?"

"You haven't seen him?"

Another shake of her head.

Harrison's lips curved mysteriously. "Wait until you do."

A soft smile touched Rosalind's lips. She could picture it perfectly—Lucian's sculpted features restored to their usual perfection.