Shattered Reflections

a's

e city skyline. I had decided to stay home, doing some chores w

ure. His jet-black hair framed his face in a way that accentuated his striking hazel eyes, which held a glimmer of intrigue. A charming smile danced upon his lips, instantly causing my heart to f

nt of uncertainty lacing my

xpected visit," he responded, his voice

knowledgement of a connection that seemed to linger beneath the surface. But just as quickly as i

?" he asked, his voice holdi

I retorted, maintaining a h

nse. "My name is Ethan. I'm sure Maria must have told you a lot

elf with confidence made it difficult to completely dismiss him. There was an air of mystery sur

ked, my curiosity tinged

" he replied, his

canning the surroundings. As he observed my humble abode and took in the sight of my belongin

rying to maintain a sense of hospit

unwavering sense of purpose. His words carried a hint of impatie

ss," he said, his tone

cus on the practical aspects of life. "What business are you

I spend most of my day doing is strictly business. I make my mon

ng is meant to be business. There is more to life apart from that," I replie

is working for you. Last time I checked, you needed my money, and I slept with yo

nce within me. I made no attempt to hide my emotional turmoil, and it was e

ave," he retorted, his voice laced with frustration. "Getting pregnant, I wasn't the firs

reverberating in my mind. I took a deep breath, trying to

unconscious lady?" I asked, my voice tremb

y fault," he retorted defensively. "You got yourself drunk. I only did what I had planned t

he gravity of his actions. I was about to explain how Maria had orchestrated the entire situation, man

his voice filled with exasperation. "I ask agai

ty of his emotions reverberating through the

nderstand the complexity of the situation, but I need you to comprehend that it's my body,

thing that came to my mind. "Abort? I'm doing no such thing. It's not its fault

disbelief. "You want to keep the pregnancy?" he sneered. "Do you really think I'm that naïve? Thi

ed, and suspicion. His reaction only fueled my determinat

leaned in closer. "You know what I think, Emma? I think you're after my wealth and status. You've always been,

efiance, I rose from my seat and struck him hard across the face, tears streaming down my c

laying claim to my life. Well, let me make one thing clear, Ethan. You have no right to tell me what to do. I am not your average everyday woman. I am the one carrying this pregnancy, and I have the right to make

udden change of tone and character that caught me off guar

't mind, I would like us to talk about this at my offi

nything to discuss," I re

tone of finality as he dropped it t

sidered final. I was going to keep the chil

stepped into the lavish foyer, a mix of intimidation and determination coursed through my veins. I had co

seated behind a grand mahogany desk, his confident demeanor on full display. He looked up as

id dismissively. "I assume

d, "Yes, but before we proceed, I want you to unde

bout this. We both know that raising a child in your circumstances would be a fu

ould he be so callous, reducing the life growing inside me to a mere incon

ion. "But this is not a decision I can make lightly. I believe in the po

You don't understand the responsibilities that come with raising a

s not just your legacy, Ethan. It's a precious life, deserving of love,

ing for a moment. He rose from his seat, towering over me, attempting

e hissed, his voice laced with ven

ead, whatever they may be. This child... My child deserves a chance at life, and I won't let your arrogance

lt a mix of relief and sadness. I knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but I was determi

was only the begi