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“Congratulations, you’re pregnant. The baby is healthy.”
Eva’s hands trembled as she clutched the report, her mind struggling to process the words. Pregnant? She was flooded with a mix of disbelief and joy. Could it really be true?
The moment she stepped out of the hospital, the gentle drizzle outside seemed to mirror her thoughts. She ran a hand over her abdomen, feeling the reality of the new life growing inside her. It was Adrian Blackwood’s child.
Her phone buzzed in her hand, pulling her from her reverie. A message from Adrian. “It’s raining. Bring an umbrella to this address.”
Eva glanced at the address: XX Clubhouse. What kind of place is this? Didn’t he mention a meeting today?
But the thought barely lingered. Without hesitation, she instructed the driver to take her there.
The rain had grown heavier by the time they arrived. She stepped out of the car, told the driver to head back, and walked toward the entrance of the club, umbrella in hand.
The building was a billiards club, its sleek, upscale decor almost intimidating. Just as Eva was about to enter, she was stopped by a doorman.
“Sorry, miss, could I see your club card?”
Eva hesitated, then stepped back, pulling out her phone. She sent Adrian a quick message: “I’m here. How much longer will you be? I’m waiting downstairs.”
She stood by the entrance, her umbrella held against the downpour, her thoughts drifting back to the pregnancy report. Should she tell Adrian right away? Or wait until his birthday to surprise him?
She didn’t realize that, upstairs, a group of people had already begun to take notice of her.
“Adrian, your wife really is something. You tell her to bring an umbrella, and she does it. Does she think you’ll melt without one?” one of the men chuckled.
Another voice added, “She really does love you, doesn’t she?”
A lazy, cool voice interrupted. “Nonsense.”
The group turned toward the speaker. Adrian Blackwood. Tall, with striking features and an almost otherworldly air, he leaned back in his chair, his legs long and crossed in front of him. The expensive watch on his wrist caught the light as he raised his hand slightly.
“Give it back,” he said, his tone icy.
One of his friends sheepishly returned Adrian’s phone, the one they’d used to prank Eva by asking her to bring the umbrella.
“Is the joke over so soon? Boring,” one of them sighed.
“Alright, enough,” said Vivian Morrison, sitting next to Adrian. Her voice was soft, but there was an undeniable authority behind it.
“Oh, Vivian’s defending him,” someone teased. “Adrian cares about Vivian most, doesn’t he?”
Vivian’s gaze instinctively darted to Adrian. He didn’t deny it, and her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and satisfaction.
Seeing this, the teasing grew louder. Adrian’s expression remained unchanged, but his fingers moved swiftly over his phone as he sent Eva a message.
“No need for the umbrella. Go home.”
Eva stared at the message, confused. “Is something wrong?”
She waited for a response, but Adrian didn’t reply.
Perhaps he really was busy. After a moment’s thought, Eva made up her mind to leave.
Just as she turned to walk away, two girls approached her. One was taller, her gaze cold and dismissive.
“Are you Eva?” she asked, her tone sharp.
Eva arched an eyebrow, her own expression unfazed. “And you are?”
The taller girl sneered. “I don’t matter. What matters is that Vivian’s back. If you’re smart, you’ll stay out of Adrian’s way.”
Eva’s heart skipped a beat. Vivian. It had been so long since she heard that name. So long, she had almost forgotten it.
“You’ve been playing the fake Mrs. Blackwood for two years,” the girl mocked. “Do you really think that position is yours?”
Eva bit her lip, her hand tightening around the umbrella.
“Still hanging on, are you? Want to compete with Vivian?” the girl scoffed. “You? Really?”
Without a word, Eva turned and walked away, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. The insults faded as the sound of the rain drowned them out.
When Eva finally returned to the Blackwood mansion, the butler’s surprised gasp caught her attention.
“Mrs. Blackwood! You’re soaked through! Come inside, quickly!”
The staff rushed to her side, wrapping her in a warm towel as they ushered her to the sofa, drying her hair.
“Prepare a hot bath for Mrs. Blackwood!” someone called out. “And get her some Nutrition Soup!”
In the commotion, no one noticed a sleek black car pulling into the driveway. Moments later, Adrian stepped through the door, his dark gaze falling on Eva.
“What happened here?” His voice was cool, but there was an edge of concern.
Eva’s lashes fluttered, the familiar chill of his presence making her feel small. Wasn’t he supposed to be with Vivian?
“Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood got caught in the rain,” the butler explained.
Adrian’s eyes locked onto Eva, his frown deepening as he crossed the room.
She looked a mess—her hair clung to her face, her skin pale, her lips devoid of color.
“What happened to you?” he asked, his tone sharp.
Eva struggled to maintain her composure. She forced a smile, though it trembled on her lips. “My phone died, and I saw a child without an umbrella… so I gave mine to him.”
Adrian’s eyes hardened.
“Are you out of your mind?” His voice dropped with disbelief. “You gave your umbrella to a child and stood there in the rain? For what? To play martyr? Are you reveling in self-sacrifice?”
Eva felt the sting of his words like a slap. Her fingers clenched into fists, but she remained silent, refusing to cry.
But then Adrian stepped forward, his arms wrapping around her. His warmth enveloped her, and that was when the tears finally came—silent, but heavy.
“Why are you crying?” Adrian murmured, his voice softer now, though his frown remained.
