Chapter 18 - The Ultrasound on the Big Screen“Eight weeks,” I said, stepping closer to him, my voice steady and unyielding. “According to Dr. Park’s office, right around the time you were busy sneaking around with Clare behind my back, I was growing your child. After two previous losses, a miracle I thought my body couldn't sustain anymore.”
Adrien reached out, his hand trembling. “Nat... please. That changes everything. We can—we can fix this. A family—"
“A family?” I laughed, a short, sharp sound devoid of any warmth. “You don't want a family, Adrien. You want control. You want trophies. First a company, then a fiancée, then a mistress turned wife when it suited your social climb.”
I turned toward the grand projector screen at the end of the ballroom, which had been displaying corporate logos all evening.
“In fact, since everyone is gathered here to celebrate new beginnings,” I announced loudly, “let’s share a family photo.”
With a tap of my phone, the screen flickered.
Instead of a corporate chart, a high-resolution medical ultrasound scan appeared in glowing white light across the entire wall. At the bottom, clear as day, read the patient name: Sterling-Hayes, Natalie. And right beside it, the tiny, distinct flicker of a heartbeat.
Clare stared at the screen, her face crumpling in absolute devastation. She looked at Adrien, realization hitting her like a freight train. “You... you knocked her up too? While we were dating? While we were planning to get married?”
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“Clare, listen to me—" Adrien reached for her, but she slapped his hand away with a sharp, echoing crack across his cheek.
“Don't touch me!” Clare cried out, tears spilling down her face as she turned and bolted toward the grand doors, pushing past the stunned crowd and disappearing into the night.
