Emma’s hands shook, shielding the life inside her. The hospital rooms, doctors’ words, nights of tears, all collided with the cold reality of Mark’s attack. She remembered the lies he spread after their divorce, how he told everyone she was unstable, broken, unworthy. But Mark had no idea that Emma Reed no longer existed. She was now Emma Harris, married to Alex Harris, heir to a massive family business that controlled every contract Mark depended on.
Three weeks from now, her pregnancy announcement would be broadcast live, and Mark’s world would crumble. Yet for now, she remained rooted, stunned, dialing Alex’s number.
Twenty minutes later, a black SUV pulled up. Two security guards stepped out first, scanning the area as Alex emerged, calm yet radiating fierce protectiveness. Emma handed him the ruined pregnancy test, shaking violently. Alex’s face shifted from shock to determination. He knelt, cradling her face in his hands. “We’ll face this together,” he said softly. “Every appointment, every worry, every moment. You are not alone.”