Rejected, And Became A Heiress

Chapter 32

As I feel myself falling, I cradle my belly with my hands, instinctively moving to protect my unborn child. I twist my body in the air to land on my bottom, protecting my stomach. Lilia looks at me with wild, wide eyes. "Why are you holding your belly like that? Like you're.. pregnant?!"

Cara

The instant Lilia says the word "pregnant, I know that my escape plan is in danger. That my baby might be in danger.

I pretend I didn't hear her words and rush out of the office. I have to see Ruby.

I need to know my baby is okay after Lilia tripped me and I fell need to see an obstetrician.

Also, I'm deeply, incredibly shaken up and upset. I need to see my best friend.

I arrive at the hospital quickly and explain to Ruby what happened.

"I should be charging you extra for all these frequent hospital vis" Ruby jokes. She's trying to make me feel better, to take my mind off the hurt of Lilia's insulting words.

I smile, but I'm sure it doesn't reach my eyes. I feel so exhausted

"You look terrible. Sweetheart." Ruby says.

This gets a good belly laugh out of me. "Thanks, Honey. I knew could count on you to cheer me up!" I say sarcastically.

"Do you think she's going to tell Alaric? About the pregnancy?" Ruby asks sincerely.

any real proof.." I mull over the idea in my

hear what Ruby says over Lucy's words, but I can tell by the look on her face that the

much longer are you going to keep letting them hurt you like this?" Ruby's staring

know... Alaric promised he would let me go after the wedding is over tomorrow, but I

ceremony."

wants you to

be surprised at this point if he asked me to do just that. It's a sign of how bad

an idea!" Ruby says suddenly. "I'll cover for you-I'll say you're sick or something-and you leave tomorrow morning before the wedding starts." It's

would save me the agony of wondering whether Lilia would say anything to anyone else

myself out of it, I muster up all the determination

at me, and we plan the details for

now, I just need to follow the plan. I'm feeling better than I have in a very long time when I exit Ruby's

is until I look at the man standing right outside the door, arm raised

14

Wed Jan

Chapter 20

his

Richard.

was just coming to ask Ruby for your number." He says when he sees me, but he seems a

an unwelcome gold digging interloper's phone number?" I ask, repeating the same words

Richard actually looks guilty. "I'm sorry about

when I ask the question, but the solemn look on his face tells me my guess was correct. "Yes. I am truly, very sorry, Cara. I am... mistaken... and I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. His

"It's fine."