Chapter 503

Vivian's mind went completely blank. The realization that she might be carrying a child left her frozen in disbelief.

She studied her reflection in the boutique's restroom mirror, fingers trembling as they hovered over her still-flat abdomen. Could this tiny space inside her really hold Adrian's baby? Their baby?

She'd always heard love-conceived children grew up happier, more resilient.

Exiting the stall felt like wading through molasses, each step requiring conscious effort.

Near the mall's grand entrance, a pastel-colored baby boutique caught her attention like a magnet. Before she realized it, her feet had carried her inside.

What Vivian didn't see was the adjacent stall door creaking open moments after she left. Bianca emerged, sharp eyes scanning the empty restroom before zeroing in on the trash bin.

Spotting the discarded pregnancy test, she hesitated only a second before fishing it out with a tissue. The two pink lines made her breath hitch.

Fumbling with her phone, Bianca captured multiple angles of the damning evidence before stuffing it back and rushing out, mind already spinning with possibilities.

Vivian Hartley - pregnant!

The Thornton family had been in chaos since Adrian severed ties over Vivian. Her parents' constant fighting had turned their mansion into a battleground, with her father disappearing for days after each explosive argument.

The final insult? Dominic - her longtime crush - was now dating Audrey, Vivian's closest friend.

Bianca's nails dug into her palms. Everything wrong in her life traced back to Vivian. The family disgrace, her ruined romantic prospects, the gnawing bitterness - all Vivian's doing.

And now this pregnancy? An heir for Adrian Blackwood? Unacceptable. If Vivian delivered this child, her position as Mrs. Blackwood would become unshakable.

Bianca swore silently. Vivian would pay - dearly - for every ounce of her suffering.

Inside the boutique, cheerful murals and plush toys surrounded Vivian. There was a time she'd dreamed of motherhood, but life's harsh lessons had buried that fantasy deep.

Now, gazing at tiny booties and pastel mobiles, that long-forgotten yearning surfaced with startling intensity.

Adjusting her designer sunglasses, she feigned casual browsing.

"Looking for a gift, miss?" A sales associate approached, taking in Vivian's fashionable ensemble.

"Yes," Vivian lied smoothly, forcing a smile. "Just browsing for now."

The test could be wrong. Early results weren't always reliable. Until confirmed by a doctor, there was no point panicking - or getting hopeful. This secret would remain hers alone.