Amelia pressed a hand to her stomach as she leaned over the bathroom sink. Her reflection looked pale and tired, dark circles forming under her eyes. She had been sick almost every morning for the past week, though she did everything to hide it.

She ran the water, splashed her face, and whispered to herself, "You can't let anyone know. Not yet. Not ever."

Her phone buzzed on the counter. It was Serena again.

> "Don't forget the wedding rehearsal tonight. Adrian will be there. And for heaven's sake, look presentable, Amelia."

Amelia's stomach twisted. She wanted to scream. Did Serena ever care how she felt? Did she ever notice when Amelia was falling apart? Of course not. Serena only cared about appearances, about herself, about Adrian.

And Adrian...

Amelia shut her eyes tightly, but she couldn't erase the memory of his voice outside the café. "Since that night..." His words haunted her. He hadn't forgotten, and she knew he never would.

By evening, Amelia dragged herself to the rehearsal. The church was decorated with white flowers and golden ribbons, sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows. Serena stood at the front, bossing the wedding planner around, her voice sharp and demanding.

"You there..no, move those flowers. They look crooked. And Amelia," Serena called, not even glancing at her sister, "stand over there. You're my maid of honor, remember? Don't slouch."

Amelia swallowed her protest and obeyed. She stood quietly, clutching the small bouquet she had been given, her hands trembling. Her stomach felt unsettled again, and she prayed no one noticed.

Then Adrian walked in.

The air shifted.

He looked commanding in his dark suit, his presence filling the room effortlessly. Serena rushed to him with a smile, kissing his cheek and clinging to his arm. "You're late," she said playfully.

"I was in a meeting," he replied coolly, his eyes scanning the room.

And then his gaze found Amelia.

Her breath caught. She tried to look away, but his eyes lingered, sharp and unreadable. She felt her skin heat under his stare, her secret pressing heavily against her heart.

Throughout the rehearsal, Amelia avoided his gaze, focusing on Serena's instructions, on the lines she was supposed to practice. But she could feel him. Watching. Measuring. Waiting.

At one point, as the group paused for a break, Amelia slipped away to the side aisle, pressing her hand to her stomach as nausea rose again. She bent over slightly, trying to breathe.

A shadow fell across her.

"Amelia."

She froze. Slowly, she straightened, and there he was...Adrian, standing too close, his eyes narrowed.

"You're not well." His voice was low, not a question but a statement.

Amelia forced a smile, though her lips trembled. "I'm fine. Just tired."

His gaze dropped briefly to her hand on her stomach. Her breath hitched, and she quickly pulled it away. But it was too late.

"A hint of amusement glinted in his eyes as he watched her...sharp, suspicious, dangerous.

"Are you hiding something from me?" he asked quietly.

Her heart pounded. "No. Of course not. Why would I..."

"Because you avoid me," Adrian interrupted, his tone rough. "Because you can't even look at me. And because something has changed in you since that night."

Amelia's chest tightened. Tears pricked her eyes, but she shook her head desperately. "You're wrong. Please, Adrian... just stop."

For a long moment, he stared at her, his jaw clenched, his eyes dark. Then, finally, he stepped back, his expression unreadable.

"Fine," he said coldly. "But I'll find out the truth, Amelia. One way or another."

Her legs almost gave way as he walked back toward Serena. She pressed against the wall, trembling. Her secret was slipping through her fingers, and she didn't know how much longer she could keep it.

*******

That night, Amelia sat on her bed, the lights off, the city glowing faintly outside her window. She wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking slightly as tears streamed down her cheeks.

She thought about Serena, about how happy she looked whenever she spoke of Adrian. Serena was selfish, yes, but she didn't deserve this betrayal. She didn't deserve to be humiliated.

But what about the baby?

Amelia's hand pressed to her stomach again, her touch gentle. A life was growing inside her. Innocent. Pure. A part of her. A part of him.

The thought made her heart ache. She whispered softly, "What am I supposed to do?"

No answer came. Only the silence of her empty room.

But Amelia knew one thing: the truth couldn't stay hidden forever. Her body would betray her soon, no matter how hard she tried. And when it did, the fragile balance she clung to would shatter.

Because Adrian Knight was not a man who accepted secrets.

And Serena Evans was not a woman who forgave betrayal.

*****

The next morning, Amelia tried to act normal. She went to work at the small art gallery she managed, greeting the staff, pretending to smile. She told herself she would focus on her duties, distract herself.

But even there, she couldn't escape.

In the afternoon, the door opened, and a chill ran through her. Adrian walked in, tall and commanding, his presence making the entire room fall silent.

"Mr. Knight," one of the staff stammered, rushing to greet him.

"I'm here for Amelia," Adrian said flatly, his eyes locked on her.

Her knees weakened. She forced herself to step forward. "Why are you here?" she whispered.

"Talk," he said simply. "Now."

Before she could protest, he guided her into a quiet corner of the gallery, away from prying eyes. His grip on her arm was firm, not painful but impossible to ignore.

"Stop lying to me," he said, his voice low and sharp. "I know something is wrong. Tell me what it is."

Her throat closed. She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't."

"You will," he growled softly, leaning closer. "Because if you don't, I'll find out myself. And when I do, Amelia... I won't let you hide from me again."

Her heart raced violently. She wanted to scream, to confess, to beg him to let her go. But the words stuck in her throat. She turned her face away, tears slipping down her cheeks.

Adrian's eyes softened just for a second. His hand hovered near her stomach, but he didn't touch. Not yet.

Then he stepped back, his mask of coldness sliding back into place. "Fine. Keep your secret. But don't think for a second that I'll stop watching."

He left her trembling, her chest aching, her secret burning hotter than ever.

And Amelia knew then... the truth was only a heartbeat away from being exposed

Amelia sat at her desk in the gallery office, staring at the computer screen without seeing a single word. Her mind was a storm. She couldn't eat, couldn't think, couldn't breathe without feeling the weight of her secret pressing down on her chest.

Every morning, the sickness grew worse. Every day, her body changed little by little, and she knew she couldn't hide forever. She pulled her cardigan tighter around herself, as if layers of clothing could hide the truth inside her.

But nothing could hide it from him.

Adrian Knight.

Even the thought of his name made her heart stumble. He hadn't stopped watching her since that day in the gallery. Every glance, every word, every moment with him felt like he was peeling away her lies piece by piece.

And tonight, she had to see him again.

Serena had insisted on a dinner...just the three of them. "It'll be good for you to spend more time with Adrian, Amelia. You're going to be family after all," Serena had said with a laugh.

Family.

The word twisted like a knife.

By evening, Amelia found herself outside Adrian's penthouse apartment, following Serena up the marble steps. The city lights glittered through the tall glass windows as they entered, the air filled with the faint scent of expensive wine.

Adrian stood near the window, his tall frame silhouetted against the skyline. He turned as they walked in, his eyes sweeping over Serena briefly before landing on Amelia.

Her breath caught. His stare was sharp, searching, like he was already pulling the truth from her skin.

"Amelia," he said softly, almost like a greeting meant only for her.

She forced a smile. "Good evening."

Serena, oblivious as always, clung to his arm. "Adrian, darling, the view here is stunning. Amelia's never been in a place like this, have you, little sister?"

Amelia's lips curved in a small, polite smile. "No. It's beautiful."

Dinner was served at a long, elegant table. Crystal glasses gleamed, and candles shine brightly between them. Serena talked endlessly about wedding plans, her voice full of excitement and pride.

Amelia barely touched her food. Her stomach twisted with nausea, her throat tight. She tried to hide it, taking small sips of water, lowering her gaze whenever Adrian looked at her.

But he noticed. He always noticed.

Halfway through dinner, Serena excused herself to take a call. "Don't wait for me. It's just the planner again," she said, rolling her eyes as she left the table.

And suddenly, it was just Amelia and Adrian.

The silence between them was heavy, the only sound the faint ticking of a clock on the wall.

Adrian leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on her. "You're not eating."

Amelia's hand trembled on her fork. "I'm not hungry."

"You're lying." His voice was calm, too calm. "You've been pale for days. You disappear often. And every time I look at you, you can't meet my eyes."

Her chest tightened. "You're imagining things."

His jaw clenched. He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Don't insult me, Amelia. I know something is wrong. And I think I know what it is."

Her heart slammed against her ribs. Fear rushed through her veins. "You don't know anything."

For a long moment, they stared at each other. His hand tightened around the stem of his glass. Then his eyes dropped down....just for a second...toward her stomach.

Amelia froze.

She gripped the edge of the table, fighting back tears. She wanted to deny it, to scream at him to stop, but her voice was trapped.

Serena's footsteps broke the silence as she returned, still chatting on the phone. "Honestly, Amelia, you look sick. Are you catching something?"

Amelia forced a laugh, her voice breaking. "Maybe. I should go home early."

Serena waved her hand dismissively. "Fine. Just don't ruin the rehearsal dinner tomorrow. It's important."

Adrian said nothing. He just watched her, his gaze burning into her as she gathered her things with trembling hands.

****

Back in her apartment, Amelia sank onto the floor, sobs shaking her body. She pressed her palms to her face, whispering broken words into the empty room.

"I can't do this. I can't keep lying."

Her hand moved to her stomach again, the small curve barely noticeable but real to her. "What will happen to us?" she whispered, tears falling freely.

She thought of Serena's laughter, of the way she flaunted Adrian like a trophy. She thought of Adrian's eyes, dark and unyielding, demanding the truth she couldn't give.

Her life was a fragile glass, and every moment it cracked more, ready to shatter.

The next day, Amelia tried to carry on as usual, but the universe seemed determined to betray her.

At the boutique, where Serena was trying on her wedding dress, Amelia felt the wave of nausea return. She excused herself quickly, rushing to the restroom, locking the door before collapsing against the sink.

Her stomach heaved, and tears burned her eyes. She turned on the water to mask the sound, her whole body trembling.

When she finally looked up, her reflection was pale, sweaty, broken. She whispered fiercely, "Hold it together. Just hold it together."

But when she opened the door, her breath caught.

Adrian was there.

Standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall as if he had been waiting. His eyes narrowed as they swept over her face, her trembling body.

"You're sick," he said quietly.

Amelia's voice cracked. "I'm fine."

"You're lying again." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming, his voice low and sharp. "How long were you going to hide it from me? How long were you going to pretend?"

Her knees weakened. "Adrian, please... don't."

His jaw tightened. His hand lifted slightly, hovering near her stomach but not touching. His eyes burned into hers. "You're carrying my child, aren't you?"

The words struck like lightning.

Amelia's heart stopped. Her lips parted, but no sound came. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she shook her head weakly. "I... I can't..."

"Answer me," he demanded, his voice rough, his control breaking. "Tell me the truth, Amelia."

Before she could speak, Serena's voice echoed down the hall. "Amelia? Adrian? What are you two doing out here?"

Amelia jerked back, wiping her tears quickly, her chest heaving. Adrian straightened, his mask snapping back into place, his expression cold and unreadable.

"Nothing," he said smoothly, glancing at Serena. "Your sister wasn't feeling well."

Serena frowned, her gaze moving between them suspiciously. "She looks awful. Amelia, are you sure you can handle standing by my side tomorrow?"

Amelia forced a smile through her tears. "I'll be fine."

But as Serena returned to the fitting room, Adrian's eyes found hers again. Dark. Intense. Unforgiving.

And Amelia knew then..he would not stop until he had the truth.

Amelia sat on the edge of her bed, both hands resting protectively on her stomach. The doctor's words from earlier that day kept replaying in her head like a haunting song.

"You're six weeks pregnant."

Her heart still throbbed with disbelief. Pregnant. And not just with anyone's child, but with Adrian's...her sister's fiancé.

A tear slipped down her cheek as she buried her face in her palms. How could she explain this? How could she destroy her sister's happiness? Serena deserved the world. She was beautiful, kind, and had always been the perfect daughter. And Amelia... Amelia had made the one mistake that could ruin everything.

She thought of Adrian...Every time she closed her eyes, she saw him. She hated him, but at the same time, her heart betrayed her.

This is wrong, she told herself again. This child should not exist. But it does.

Her phone buzzed suddenly, jolting her out of her thoughts. She picked it up and saw a text from Serena.

Serena: "Dinner tomorrow with Adrian and his parents. Don't be late."

Her stomach twisted. Dinner? With Adrian sitting right across from her, pretending like nothing happened? Could she even handle it? She wanted to throw her phone across the room, but instead, she typed back with shaky hands.

Amelia: "Of course. I'll be there."

She placed the phone down and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep didn't come easy that night. Every time she drifted off, she saw Adrian's face, felt his touch, and remembered the secret now growing inside her.

******

Amelia dressed carefully for dinner. She chose a simple black dress that flowed loosely, hoping it would hide the faint changes in her body. Her stomach wasn't showing yet, but she felt as though everyone would see the truth written on her face.

Downstairs, Serena was radiant, as always.and her smile was so bright it almost hurt Amelia to look at her.

"You look pale," Serena said, frowning a little. "Are you okay?"

Amelia forced a smile. "I'm fine. Just tired from work."

Serena reached over and squeezed her hand. "Don't push yourself too hard. I need you by my side when I become Mrs. Adrian Knight."

The words stabbed Amelia like a knife. Mrs. Adrian Knight. The title her sister would soon have. The man Amelia should never have touched.

They arrived at the luxurious Knight mansion for dinner. The grand dining hall glittered with chandeliers, silver cutlery, and polished marble floors. Adrian was already there, dressed in a sharp black suit that made him look even more intimidating. His dark eyes locked on Amelia the second she walked in.

Her breath caught. His gaze didn't soften. If anything, it hardened, as if he was silently reminding her that their secret bound them together now.

"Good evening," Adrian said politely, his voice steady but his eyes burning into Amelia's.

Serena rushed to his side and kissed his cheek, completely unaware of the storm between them. Adrian's parents greeted everyone warmly, and soon they all sat at the long dining table.

The meal was exquisite....but Amelia couldn't taste a thing. She kept her eyes on her plate, afraid that if she looked up, someone would see the truth written in her eyes.

But she could feel Adrian's stare on her. It was suffocating.

At one point, Serena leaned close to whisper to Amelia. "He's perfect, isn't he? I'm the luckiest woman alive."

Amelia's chest tightened so hard she thought she might choke. She forced a nod and smiled, but inside she was screaming.

When dessert was finally served, Adrian excused himself to step outside for air. Amelia tried to ignore him, but when her phone buzzed in her lap, her heart skipped a beat.

Adrian: "Meet me outside. Now."

Her hands shook. She glanced at Serena, who was busy chatting with Adrian's mother, then quietly slipped away.

Outside in the garden, the night was cool and fragrant with roses. Adrian stood beneath the moonlight, his tall figure casting a long shadow.

The moment Amelia approached, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close.

"You've been avoiding me," he said in a low, harsh tone.

Amelia yanked her hand back. "What do you expect, Adrian? Pretend nothing happened? Pretend we didn't make the biggest mistake of our lives?"

His jaw clenched. "A mistake? Is that what you call it?"

"Yes!" she snapped, though her voice trembled. "You belong to my sister, Adrian. Whatever happened between us... it can't happen again. so can you just make me comfortable!,stop staring at me adrain

His eyes darkened. He stepped closer, so close that she could feel his breath against her skin. "You think you can just erase that night? You think I can forget the way you looked at me, the way you trembled under my touch? Don't lie to yourself, Amelia. You feel it too."

Her heart raced, but she forced herself to look him in the eye. "Stop it. Just stop. I'm not like Serena. I don't want your world, your power, or your games. Stay away from me."

For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and dangerous. Then Adrian's gaze dropped...slowly...down to her stomach.

Amelia froze. Had he noticed? Could he already tell?

His voice dropped even lower, almost a whisper. "You're hiding something."

Amelia's blood ran cold. She shook her head quickly. "You're imagining things. I have nothing to hide."

But his sharp eyes searched her face, and she knew he wasn't convinced.

"You can't lie to me," Adrian said firmly. "Whatever secret you're keeping, Amelia... I'll find out."

Before she could reply, Serena's cheerful voice called from inside. "Amelia! Where are you?"

Amelia stepped back quickly, her chest heaving. Adrian's eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, then he turned and walked away, leaving her trembling in the moonlit garden.

She pressed a hand over her stomach, her mind spinning.

How much longer could she keep this secret?

How much longer until Adrian...and Serena...discovered the truth?