Chapter 12

Christina POV

City lights sparkled like a sea of stars through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Sean's executive office.

I sat in his leather chair, my fingers scrolling through medical investment data on his iPhone.

Until the message appeared.

"I'm pregnant."

Two words from Angela Wilson Shaw that made my world tilt on its axis. I glanced up at Sean. He was absorbed in his work, completely unaware.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to stay composed, careful not to let him notice any change in my demeanor.

Time seemed to stop as my mind raced through the implications.

A baby. How was this possible?

I'd always thought their marriage was purely for show, that there would never be any real sex between them. But she was pregnant!

She must have seduced him, I thought bitterly.

With her plain figure, how else could she have attracted Sean's attention?

But... they had been living together for two years. Sean was a man, after all. He had... needs. The thought of them together, of them being intimate, made my chest tighten until I could barely breathe.

Angela had always pretended she didn't care about their marriage, acting so noble and detached. But look at her now - secretly trying to compete with me.

What a cunning little bitch！

This baby would be the one thing Elizabeth Shaw wanted more than anything - the perfect weapon for Angela to secure her place in the family permanently.

Suddenly, everything made sense. This was why Angela had refused to go to the hospital the other night, why she'd been so adamant about not getting any injections.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me - thank goodness I'd insisted on staying with Sean that evening. If I hadn't been there, Angela might have already told him everything.

Suddenly, Sean looked up from his work, his eyes meeting mine. "Who just sent a message?"

"Just spam," I replied smoothly, keeping my voice casual. "I deleted it already."

His brow furrowed immediately, a flash of annoyance crossing his features. My heart skipped a beat.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly. "I shouldn't have deleted anything without asking. Please don't be angry."

He shook his head. "I'm not angry." But something in his tone suggested otherwise.

I walked over to his desk and returned his phone, my fingers lingering on the smooth surface for just a moment. Thank goodness I deleted it in time, I thought.

I need to act fast now.

I placed my hands on Sean's shoulders. "How's work going today?"

"Making progress," he replied quietly.

I began massaging his shoulders, feeling the tension in his muscles. Though his body remained stiff under my touch, he didn't pull away.

I pressed my body against his back, my curves molding to his shoulders. My fingers slipped beneath his collar, a gesture that had once been welcome, expected even.

But Sean stepped away, polite but firm. "We should focus on the proposal."

To break the awkward silence, I managed a casual smile. "Let me get you some coffee."

Once outside his office, anger and frustration washed over me. I know when a man truly loves a woman, he never rejects her touch.

Yet yesterday in the car, he stopped my wandering hands. And just now, when I was clearly inviting him to kiss me, touch me, even... he pulled away again.

I checked my reflection in the break room mirror. The woman staring back at me was still beautiful, still seductive. I had absolute confidence in my allure - few men could resist my charms.

Sean must just be exhausted! Of course he loves me!

After this little pep talk, I picked up his coffee and headed back to his office. We were the only ones left on the floor now. This was my chance!

"Your favorite blend," I said, placing the coffee on his desk.

He took a sip and nodded. "It's good."

I leaned against his desk, deliberately casual. "Remember how we used to share coffee at that little café near Harvard? Those morning study sessions..."

But Sean's mind seemed elsewhere. "Angela doesn't like coffee," he said suddenly. "She always prefers tea."

Before I could respond, he pulled out his phone and dialed.

"Sarah? Make Angela some cinnamon tea." His voice softened when mentioning her name.

Rage and jealousy coursed through me. Here I was, trying to create an intimate moment, and he was thinking about her? About her drink preferences?

Sean glanced at his watch, not noticing the shift in my expression. "It's getting late. I'll have the driver take you home."

"I thought maybe we could..." I let the suggestion hang in the air, heavy with possibility.

"Christina." His voice was gentle but firm. "It's been a long day."

The dismissal was clear, though couched in politeness.

I straightened, adjusting my dress with fingers that wanted to shake. "Of course. Don't work too late."

As Sean walked me to the elevator, my mind was racing. I had to find a way to keep him with me tonight. If he went home, Angela would tell him about the pregnancy.

What could I do?

When we reached the steps at the building entrance, an idea suddenly struck me.

I deliberately caught my heel on the edge of a step and let myself fall, crying out in pain.

"Christina!" Sean rushed to my side, helping me up. "Are you alright?"

I collapsed into his arms, feigning weakness. "I think I twisted my ankle... I'm not sure if it's broken."

"Hospital," Sean immediately instructed the waiting driver. Then he lifted me into his arms and carried me to the car.

As he settled me into the backseat, I allowed myself a small smile. The pain would be worth it.

Angela, you will never win!