The knock on Tessa's door came sharply in the dead of night, shaking her to her bones. Her heart thudded painfully as she raced down the stairs of her small apartment.

"Tessa," Grayson's voice called out, low and rough. "Please, open up."

Grayson-what the hell was he doing here?

"Tessa, I know you're in there. Please open the door, let's talk."

She pressed her back against the wall, her breath caught in her throat. After everything-his insults, the way he pushed her away, the cold cruelty-she wasn't about to just let him back in.

"What do you want, Grayson?" she yelled, her voice shaking. "Go away."

"Please," he begged, desperation bleeding through the door. "I was wrong. I shouldn't have said any of that."

She swallowed hard, torn between anger and something stubborn inside her that still wanted him.

"Please open the door, Tessa, let's talk." He begged again.

She took in a deep breath, her heart racing in her chest. She walked slowly to the door, yanking it open with all her strength.

"WHAT?" she snapped. "What do you want?"

"Baby," he started. "I didn't mean any of what I said. Please believe me."

"It's too late for all that now, Grayson. You hit me and you insulted me and you let Sofia-"

"Sofia doesn't mean anything," he shrugged. "She was just something that I used to pass the time. I don't love her. I only love you."

She shook her head, backing away from him. "You said she'd be the one to give you your baby."

He chuckled like his words didn't make sense even to him. "That was just something I said because I was drunk. I had a lot to drink before you came in."

"Grayson-"

"You're the one having my baby." He swallowed. "It's you I want. I want the mother of my heir to be you."

Her eyes narrowed in disappointment. So he was only here because he found out she was pregnant? Not because he cared?

He stepped closer, his voice softening just enough to move her. "Tessa, you think I don't want this? You think I'm just saying all this because I'm desperate?"

She shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat.

"No," he said, his eyes locking onto hers. "I want us. I want you. Not because of the baby, but because you are everything I ever wanted. I know I was a terrible bastard, but I'm not asking for forgiveness-I'm asking for a second chance."

She wanted to throw him out. God, she did. But his words were like poison wrapped in honey.

"You're scared," he whispered, his voice dropping lower. "Scared that I'll hurt you again. But I'm different now. You're carrying my child. That means something. We can be a family, Tessa. You and me, and the baby. We can be happy."

Her heart hammered against her ribs. Part of her wanted to scream, run away, and never look back. But another part, a smaller, desperate part wanted to reach out, to believe in his promises.

Before she could think it through, his hand brushed her cheek, warm and firm. His eyes searched hers for permission.

She didn't pull away.

Then his lips were on hers with a desperate urgency that stole her breath away. She wanted to push him off, for all the pain he'd caused.

But instead, she found herself melting into the kiss, the anger and heartbreak tangled up with something else-something dangerous.

Tessa paused quickly, her hand still on Grayson's chest, a sudden flicker of worry cutting through the heat.

"The baby... it's still so early. After all the hormones, the injections, the constant monitoring-I don't want to risk anything."

Grayson pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, his expression softening for the first time that night. "I know. I called the clinic after I saw the report. The nurse checked your latest levels-they're strong, the ultrasound looked perfect. She said the pregnancy is stable now, and you're cleared for normal activities... including this. As long as it feels good and there's no pain, we're okay."

Relief flooded through her, warm and unexpected, chasing away the last of her hesitation.

She smiled faintly, fingers tightening in his shirt. "Then don't hold back."

His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, as if trying to erase all he'd done and said. Her body betrayed her, responding to the warmth, the familiarity, the promise he made with that kiss.

He yanked her shirt over her head without a second thought, his fingers rough and claiming. His mouth left hers to trail scorching kisses down her bare chest, his tongue flicking over every sensitive spot, making her shiver uncontrollably.

"Fuck, Tessa," he growled, his breath ragged as he pressed his body hard against hers. Without warning, he scooped her up, carrying her like she weighed nothing as he stormed toward the stairs.

Every step echoed his hunger. He didn't waste a second, slamming the bedroom door shut behind them, and pinning her against the bed with wild, hot kisses that left her dizzy.

His hands tore at her jeans, ripping them open and sliding inside, skin burning against skin. She gasped as his fingers explored, teasing, dragging her closer to the edge.

Then, with no warning, he slipped inside her, hard and demanding, moving with a brutal urgency that took her breath away. Her nails dug into his back as waves of pleasure and pain came together.

He kissed her fiercely, biting her neck as he drove deeper inside her, his voice rough and ragged in her ear. "You're mine, Tessa. Always will be."

She lost herself in the storm of pleasure, the fierce, intense rhythm of his body moving with hers, the desperate heat pooling between her legs until she shattered, screaming his name into the night.

When it was over, he held her close, sweat slick and heart pounding, whispering promises she wasn't sure were true but she didn't want to let go of.

She woke up to Grayson's arms wrapped around her stomach like he was protecting what was his.

She really let him in last night? Maybe it was for the best; she couldn't raise this child on her own, not with her father's hospital bills piling every second. At least Grayson was the son of a rich family. He could help them both.

The sharp buzz of her phone cut through the silence of her small apartment. She glanced at the screen. It was the hospital. She hesitated for just a second, then she answered.

"Ms. Quinn?" The nurse's voice was soft but serious on the other end.

"Yes?" she said, her heart already pounding.

"I'm sorry to inform you, but there was a mistake during your insemination procedure."

Her breath caught. She sat upright, pushing Grayson's hand away from her. He shrugged but didn't wake up.

"What kind of mistake?" she whispered, slowly stepping out of the room.

"Ma'am. The sperm used for your IVF was not from Grayson Thorne."

She stiffened, her eyes widening in horror.

"What did you just say?"

"There was a mix-up. The sperm belonged to someone else. We're really sorry for this misunderstanding."

Her mind spun. She didn't know what to say. This wasn't just a 'misunderstanding'; this was her life. Grayson's life.

"This isn't Grayson's child?" she whispered, disbelief washing over her.

"Yes, Ms. Quinn," the nurse confirmed gently. "It's not his."

She backed against the wall... trembling, the weight of the news crushing her.

"If this baby is not for Grayson... then whose baby am I carrying?"

"Okay, Tessa, you have to tell me, what's really going on?" Her best friend, Gina, said as she sat across from her. "You've been off since yesterday."

"It's... It's not Grayson's baby, Gina," Tessa said, her voice low. "The hospital called. There was a mix-up. Someone else's sperm was used."

Gina's eyes widened. "What? Wait, are you serious?" she asked, shocked.

Tessa nodded, her voice breaking. "I'm serious. I don't know what to do. I'm so confused. And terrified."

"But... what does that mean? What are you going to tell him?"

She shook her head, swallowing hard. "I don't know. I can't tell Grayson. Not like this. He'll think I'm lying. Or I cheated. Or worse... He'll hate me. He's obsessed with having an heir."

Gina leaned back, sighing. "That's a lot to carry, Tessa. But you have to do something about it. What if he finds out for himself?"

"If he finds out, it'll destroy everything. And not just with him... his mother, his family - they won't stop until I'm broken."

"So what?" Gina snapped. "You're just going to keep this secret?"

"I have no choice. I'm scared. But I can't lose him, not yet."

A heavy silence fell between them, the air thick with tension. Tessa knew Gina didn't approve of her hiding this from her fiancé, but she had no other choice.

Suddenly, the front door opened. The click of heavy boots. Grayson stepped in, his eyes immediately locking onto them.

"What are you two whispering about so late?" he asked.

Gina and Tessa froze. Tessa's heart pounded.

Gina stood, giving Tessa a quick look.

"Nothing," she said. "Just... catching up. I'll be leaving now."

"Uhm... Gina." Grayson stopped her as she moved toward the door. "We're throwing a party tonight, to celebrate Tessa and the baby. I want you to come."

Gina looked at Tessa as if searching for approval on her face. "I'm sorry," she said. "I might not be able to make it, but congratulations."

She turned toward Tessa. "I'll see you tomorrow, Tessa."

The party was everything Tessa dreaded. A sea of expensive suits, forced smiles, and champagne flowing like water. Grayson's family and friends buzzed around them, their eyes always flicking to her, some with curiosity, others with judgment.

She tried to smile, to pretend like everything was normal, but the knot in her stomach tightened with every passing second.

Guests came over, offering warm smiles and congratulations. Eleanor approached her first, her usual icy gaze softened into something almost maternal.

"Tessa, darling," she said, her voice somewhat sweet as she took Tessa's hands in hers. "I owe you an apology. My behaviour the other day was... uncalled for. I hope you can forgive an old woman's mistakes."

Tessa forced a small smile, nodding. The warmth felt like a fragile mask, but she needed every ounce of goodwill she could get.

Nearby, Grayson's younger brother stood with his arms crossed, his jaw tight with barely hidden frustration. His eyes flicked to her more than once.

"So she's the one," Tessa overheard him say quietly to Eleanor, "the one who's going to give Grayson the heir."

Eleanor nodded, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Yes, and we need to make sure everything goes smoothly. This family's future depends on it."

The brother's expression hardened. "It's unfair, Mother. Grayson gets everything - the company, the respect. And now the heir. What about me? My wife and I were trying for that baby!"

Eleanor's smile didn't waver. "Patience, darling. Your time will come. For now, focus on supporting your brother."

He didn't say anything, just clenched his jaw like he'd had enough.

"And, I guess we should be grateful that your illegitimate brother isn't the one to have this privilege," she continued. "I can't imagine what would become of us."

Illegitimate brother? Tessa never knew Grayson had another brother.

She caught Eleanor's eyes again. Her smile held a glint of something sharp beneath the kindness. It was like she was marking Tessa, testing her limits.

Grayson was the centre of attention, laughing and charming everyone, but Tessa could see him glance at her ever so often, like she was a prize he wasn't sure he wanted but couldn't let go.

Then, like a shadow sliding into the light, Sofia appeared.

She floated across the room, a glass in hand, her eyes scanning the crowd until they locked on Tessa. Her smile was slow, deliberate, the kind that promised trouble.

Then she turned toward Tessa, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "What a beautiful party. Shame some people here can't be quite so honest."

Tessa turned to Grayson. "Why is she here? I thought you said you were done with her?"

"I am done with her." His laughter faltered as he looked from Sofia to Tessa, the tension snapping tight between them.

"What are you doing Sofia?" He whispered. "You're not supposed to be here."

Tessa felt the room close in, the celebration turning cold and hostile.

Sofia's voice cut through the silence, ignoring Grayson. "Tell them, Tessa." She spat. "Tell them the truth about that child you carry in your womb."

The room fell deathly silent after Sofia's venomous words. Everyone's eyes locked on Tessa, some filled with shock, others with confusion. She stood frozen, her heart pounding like a drum in her ears.

What!? How did she know?

"What are you talking about, Sofia?" Eleanor snapped. "No one invited you here."

"I know that, Mrs Thorne," Sofia said sharply. "But I love Grayson too much for him to walk into this blind and that's why I'm here to tell everyone the truth."

Grayson's smile twisted into something darker, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward.

"The baby Tessa carries in her womb is not for Grayson," Sofia scowled. "Yes she is pregnant, but it's not with your child. And here's the proof."

She handed him a red folder. His eyes scanned it and then Tessa saw his hand tighten as the papers began to crumble.

"Where'd you get this?" Grayson asked.

"Let's just say I called in a favour at the hospital," Sofia smiled, voice dripping with satisfaction. "Seems like Tessa's been keeping quite the secret."

Tessa froze, the room tilting as the weight of it crashed over her-her most private medical history, the IVF struggles, the mix-up, all exposed like cheap gossip.

Her voice came out small, cracked, barely above a whisper. "Isn't that illegal? You had no right."

Sofia laughed, sharp and cruel. "Oh, honey! money talks. The truth is out now. I'll deal with the consequences later - but I don't think Grayson would want to sue me once he finds out the full truth. And last I checked, you don't have a penny to your name to even try."

"Is this true?" Grayson asked, his voice thundering across the room as he shut the file.

"Grayson-" Tessa said, her voice trembling.

"Is it true?" he barked, louder this time, so the whole room shook.

"Yes!" The words left Tessa's mouth, sharp and clear. "Yes, it is."

"So you've been cheating on me, haven't you?" He spat.

Her hands trembled. "No. I swear, it's not like that."

He grabbed her arm, his grip bruising her wrist as she squealed in pain.

"Then whose baby are you carrying, huh?" His voice was ice cold.

Tessa shook her head, tears blurring her vision. "I don't know."

Sofia laughed, loud and cruel. "You've been playing us all for fools."

Grayson's jaw clenched so tight she thought it might snap. His eyes burned with a dark fire she'd never seen before.

"You lying slut," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "How dare you drag my name through the mud?"

Tessa opened her mouth to defend herself, but no words came out.

His fist slammed into the wall inches from her face, murmurs filling the whole room.

"Tell me the truth!" he growled, stepping closer, his breath hot against her skin. "Who's the father? Who the fuck have you been sleeping with?"

Tears blurred her vision. "It's not what you think-"

Before she could finish, his hand shot out, yanking her by the hair so hard she gasped in pain.

He shoved her against the cold wall, his fingers digging into her arm.

Before she could react, his hands moved quicker, slapping her hard across the face.

"AH!" she cried out, her cheeks hot from the slap.

Gasps filled the room, but no one moved to stop him.

"You shameless slut," he snarled, choking her with his other hand. "Tell me who knocked you up, who has been screwing you?"

Panic exploded in her chest. She gasped, struggling to breathe, trying to push his hands away from her neck.

"You worthless whore! Who's the father?" Eleanor's cold voice sliced through the room, echoing with cruel satisfaction.

Tessa couldn't form words. Her vision blurred, and the choking pressure crushed her lungs.

"Grayson, please," she begged, her voice breaking, barely more than a whisper.

His eyes burned with fury as he yanked her roughly by the hair, slamming her against the wall again with a force that knocked the breath out of her.

Then came another slap-a sharp, stinging crack across her face that sent stars exploding behind her eyes.

Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. The metallic taste filled her mouth as she tried to steady herself.

"I will make your life a living hell," he hissed, his eyes wild and merciless.

She looked around. No one was coming to save her.

Grayson's eyes burned with cruel fire as he shoved her roughly. "Get out. Now."

She stumbled back, clutching her stomach, tears streaming down her face.

"You're nothing but a worthless liar and a cheap skank," he spat. "Get out before I do something I regret."

He shoved her outside the door with a force that nearly knocked her off her feet.

Cold air hit her as the door slammed shut behind her, cutting her off from everything she knew.

She collapsed onto the pavement outside, her heart pounding, her breath ragged, clutching the life inside her that was the only thing she had left.

Why was this happening to her? What would she do now? And where was the father of this baby?

Roman Blackwood sat in his office, his fingers drumming against the polished desk. The night went on behind him, like the world didn't give a damn about the chaos swirling in his life.

His phone rang, breaking the silence. Caller ID flashed: Saint Mercy Hospital.

He answered, trying to keep his temper in check. "Roman Blackwood."

"Mr. Blackwood, this is Nurse Fletcher from Saint Mercy Hospital. I'm calling with an urgent matter regarding your sperm sample."

His brows drew tight. "Go on."

"There was an error during a recent insemination procedure. Your sperm was mistakenly used on a patient named Tessa Quinn, without your authorisation."

Roman's jaw clenched as he sat straight. "What kind of fucking mistake is that?"

"I'm terribly sorry, sir. It was a mix-up in the storage lab. We're investigating how this happened, but the procedure was carried out, and the patient is now pregnant."

The room suddenly felt too small, suffocating. His voice dropped low, dangerous.

"We realise this is a serious breach and are prepared to cooperate fully with any legal action you wish to take."

Roman sank back into his chair, muscles coiled like steel. "I will be in touch. This won't be left unchecked."

He ended the call and stared out the glass walls surrounding him.

A storm churned inside him-anger, disbelief, frustration. This wasn't how it was supposed to go down.

He never wanted anything to do with that damn heir race. The Thornes and their empire? They meant nothing to him.

He had built everything on his own, with no reliance on his father's money or name. He had the Blackwood name now-a name he made for himself. That was what mattered.

And yet here he was, dragged into their games against his will.

Davin, his PA, appeared at the door, hesitant. "Sir, you own shares in that hospital. How could they let something like this happen?"

Roman shook his head, already feeling the itch to control the situation. "I don't know. But I'm not letting it slide."

"Boss, should I look into this Tessa Quinn?" Davin asked.

"No," Roman said, cold as ice. "Whoever she is, she's probably after a payout. And no one's getting a dollar out of me."

Davin nodded, though disappointment flickered across his face. Roman stood, grabbing his coat jacket.

"Where are you going, sir?" Davin asked.

"The hospital. I have to sort this shit out," Roman replied. "And you're coming with me."

Before he could step out, his phone buzzed in his pocket again.

He glanced at the screen, a sigh already burning his chest.

"Mom," he muttered, bracing himself.

"Roman, what's going on?" Her voice snapped over the line.

"Mom, I know why you're calling and-"

"I don't want excuses. I hear your stepbrother Grayson and his mother are racing to produce an heir," she said, venom dripping from every word.

Roman's eyes narrowed. The competition was real. Ruthless. And he didn't give a damn. But his mother? He couldn't fail her.

"Roman, you need to take this seriously. I won't be embarrassed by that family. Show me you belong-and bring me a grandchild. Now."

She hung up before he could say a word.

Roman turned to Davin, his voice low and hard. "Bring me that woman. Immediately."

**********

Tessa didn't remember walking.

One minute she was on the cold marble floor, the taste of blood thick in her mouth, and the next she was stumbling down the driveway, clutching her coat tighter around her though it did nothing to stop the shaking.

The night air stung her skin, every step sending sharp pain up her ribs. Her face throbbed. Her lip was split. Her cheek was swelling. She didn't have to see a mirror to know she looked as bad as she felt.

Somewhere between the gates and the street, she called Gina. Gina didn't ask questions, just told her to get to her place.

By the time she made it up the narrow stairs to her friend's apartment, her legs nearly gave out. Gina's eyes went wide when she saw her.

"Oh my God, Tessa!" Gina grabbed her, guiding her inside. "What the hell happened?"

"Grayson-" Tessa choked on something that felt like her own blood. "Grayson found out it wasn't his baby."

"And he did this to you?" Gina snapped. "Oh hell no." She headed toward the door.

"No, Gina, stop!" Tessa yelled after her.

"What do you mean stop?" Gina shot back. "That asshole can't hurt you like this and get away with it."

"I don't want to talk about it," Tessa said, her voice breaking. She dropped onto the couch, pressing a trembling hand to her stomach. "Just stay with me. For a second."

Gina looked at her like she was weighing options, then her shoulders dropped.

"Fine." She didn't push, just fetched an ice pack and pressed it gently to Tessa's face. They sat in silence, the only sound her uneven breathing.

Then her phone rang. It was the hospital-again.

She hesitated, dread curling in her gut, but answered anyway.

"Hello?"

"Ms. Quinn?" A woman's voice came in, professional but softer than before. "This is Nurse Fletcher from Saint Mercy Hospital. I'm calling with an update regarding the matter we discussed earlier."

Tessa's chest tightened. "Oh, okay?"

"We've confirmed the identity of the sperm donor. He goes by the name of Roman Blackwood."

The name hit her like a slap. She'd heard it before-whispers, news articles, the kind of man whose name carried weight and danger.

She forced her voice steady. "Okay, why are you telling me this now?"

There was a pause. "Mr. Blackwood has requested to see you. In person."

Her pulse quickened-not from the bruises this time, but from something colder.

After everything tonight-after Grayson's rage, after being thrown out like trash-now the real father of her child wanted to see her.

And she had no idea if that was a good thing-or the beginning of something even worse.

**********

The next morning, Tessa sat in the quiet lobby of Blackwood Hotel, her heart hammering so loud she was sure he could hear it.

Who was this Roman Blackwood? The name sounded like a threat, but she had no choice but to face him.

She looked up, and her breath caught. A tall, well-built man strode in. His dark hair fell across his face and his shirt was unbuttoned at the collar.

He looked cold-like a man used to control and getting what he wanted without question.

"Ms. Quinn," he said, his voice calm but sharp-edged. "I'm Roman Blackwood. CEO of Blackwood Hotels. Thank you for coming."

She swallowed hard, trying to steady her voice. "I don't even know how this happened. How everything got... messed up."

His gaze didn't waver. "Mistakes happen. But what matters now is what comes next. Please, sit."

She sat down slowly. "I'm... I'm not sure I want to keep this baby," she admitted, panic creeping into her voice. "I've thought about terminating it. I just can't keep it."

His expression tightened, like she had said something unforgivable.

"No," he said flatly. "You'll keep the baby. You'll carry it, and you'll give me a healthy child."

The finality in his tone shocked her. "What? You can't just-"

"I've drawn up a contract," he interrupted. "You'll be paid. Plenty of money. But you don't get to back out. You don't get to try anything stupid. Or else you won't be paid."

The walls closed in, dread tightening her chest. "This isn't fair. You can't make me do this."

Roman leaned closer, his voice low and cold. "Sign the contract. Get the money. Keep the baby. Or walk away with nothing."

She wanted to fight. To tell him to shove his contract up his ass. But then her phone buzzed.

"Excuse me," she murmured, answering.

"Ms. Quinn, this is Dr. Moreno. I'm afraid your father's condition has worsened. Without immediate payment, we'll have no choice but to discharge him."

Her stomach dropped. "How much for his operation?"

"Seventy thousand dollars," the doctor said gently. "We need it by tomorrow morning."

Seventy thousand. Her throat tightened.

"Okay, I'll try to get it as fast as I can." She hung up before the tears could spill.

Her hands trembled as she dialled another number.

"Hey Daniel, it's me," she whispered. "I need help. Dad's in the hospital. They're going to discharge him if I don't pay seventy thousand by tomorrow. Can you-?"

The line clicked dead.

She tried again. And again. Silence each time.

The truth hit her like a punch to the gut-she was alone.

She walked back to the table slowly and sank into the cold chair. Roman sat across from her, waiting.

Her voice cracked as she spoke. "Fine. I'll do what you want. But I want ten million dollars. That's what it's going to take."

He smiled faintly, then shook his head as if disappointed.

"Fine." He slid the contract across the table.

Tessa stared down at the contract, the paper heavy in her hands. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the pen.

Her father's face flashed in her mind-weak, pale, fighting for every breath.

She signed slowly.

Roman's eyes flicked to her signature, then back to her. "When the baby is born, I take it. You get your money. We never see each other again."

The finality in his tone hollowed her out.

"Here's your advance." He slid a sleek black card toward her. "My number's on the back. Don't call me unless it's urgent or about the baby."

She nodded, her fingers numb.

"Take care, Tessa."

Roman stood, buttoned his coat, and walked out like he had just closed a business deal-leaving her with the paper, the pen, and the weight of a choice she couldn't undo.

Tessa sat there long after he was gone, the silence pressing in on her.

Her hand drifted to her stomach.

She shivered. What the hell just happened? And did she just sign her baby away to a stranger?