Chapter 223

Vanessa's breath hitched as panic surged through her. She had been uncertain about keeping the baby, but she never imagined it might leave her on its own. The choice had always been hers—until now.

The sound of movement outside snapped her back to reality. She shoved the thought aside and turned on the shower faucet, scrubbing away the bloodstains on the floor before rinsing herself clean. A quick glance confirmed no traces remained. Relief flickered through her, but it was short-lived.

She couldn’t stay here.

Drying off hastily, she dressed and bolted for the door, desperate to escape the suffocating room.

Lucien’s voice cut through the air before she could turn the knob. "Did I say you could leave?"

Vanessa forced a tight smile. "I’m sorry, Lucien. Something urgent came up."

He rose from the bed, his steps unsteady as he closed the distance between them. One hand slammed against the door, trapping her. "And what about your promise?"

She blinked, scrambling to recall. "I haven’t forgotten. I just need the right opportunity. I’ll handle it—I gave you my word."

His smile was razor-thin. "Opportunities don’t wait. Neither do I." His fingers traced her jaw, lingering near her lips. "You know what happens if you disappoint me."

Her pulse spiked.

Lucien was unpredictable on a good day, but under the influence? A nightmare. She needed to leave—now.

Swallowing her fear, she forced a laugh. "Of course I know. And I also know you’ll reward me if I make you happy. Just give me a little more time."

She eased his arm down, and to her surprise, he let her. His smirk deepened. "No tricks, Vanessa. Be good."

His kiss was rough, possessive. She stiffened but nodded when he pulled back. "I will. So—I should go."

This time, he didn’t stop her.

The moment the hotel doors closed behind her, she exhaled sharply. But even on the street, her guard stayed up.

Lucien was too dangerous. She needed a new ally.

And more urgently—

One hand pressed to her stomach, the other hailed a cab. "Take me to Mercy General. Now."

The doctor studied her test results, his expression unreadable. "Do you want to keep this pregnancy?"

Vanessa’s lips pressed into a thin line.

Silence stretched between them.