Chapter 4

Zara Pov

Catching a glimpse of that secret felt like a brutal awakening.

How could I still harbor any illusions about him?

He announced the marriage for her. He gave her my necklace. And now… he’s even gotten her pregnant?

I hurriedly slipped the ultrasound photo into my bag and turned instantly to leave, but then our eyes met.

“Zara—” he called, his voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing here?” He frowned, stepping forward with Aurora beside him like a handbag.

“Stomachache.” I lie, resting my hands on my flat stomach where our child is growing.

My eyes immediately narrowed to the ultrasound photo in Aurora's hand. The granny black and white photo seemed to shine brighter under the hospital light.

My blood ran cold.

Sylvester's face went pale. “Zara, I can explain...”

"Sylvester!" Aurora yelled, clutching his arm tightly when he tried to move closer. “You promised me.” Her voice turned sharp.

I saw Sylvester's face switch between confusion and regret. How his hand twitched before turning into a fist.

Aurora rested her head on his shoulder. She whispered something to his ear, and his hands dropped beside him, slacking.

My husband stood trapped between two women. And I could see regret clearly written in those piercing eyes as he stared at me.

Before they could see the hurt in my eyes, I turned around and bolted out.

“Zara...” Sylvester called, voice dripping with hurt, and I never looked back.

Cold air hit my skin the moment I stepped outside. I remain standing for minutes trying to catch my breath.

Three wasted years of being his wife.

And now— a baby.

My hand rested on my flat stomach. I'm carrying the King's heir, a secret I will carry with me to Wellington.

A secret he would never know.

And by the time he finds out… it will be far too late.

******

My phone buzzed with a message from my supervisor concerning the business project in Wellington. I've been given a special privilege and a position as their top researcher.

The position would fully cover my living expenses. This offer is only for me because my professor spoke highly of me to them, and they've gone through my qualifications and found out I'm the best fit for the job.

I should have felt happy.

Instead, my hand slowly moved to my stomach.

Because I was twelve weeks pregnant with my ex-husband’s child.

Not everyone knows I'm Sylvester's wife, except a few family members.

This made my divorce process and moving easier for me.

I went ahead to fill out the form specifying that I'm pregnant. I might no longer have a chance, but that's not a reason to give up now.

Just three days until the divorce is finalized.

A knock came on my door.

I opened the door and saw one of Sylvester's guards standing at the door.

“Mr Sylvester wants to see you.”

I frowned. Sylvester, what could he possibly want to see me about now?

I came out of my room and met my husband leaning against his SUV.

Sylvester stood a few steps away, tall and imposing as always. His broad shoulders filled the space around him, his dark hair falling slightly over his forehead the way it always had. His sharp blue eyes, the same ones that once softened whenever they looked at me, now seemed distant and unreadable.

Everything about him was still painfully familiar—his strong jaw, the quiet confidence in the way he stood, the faint crease between his brows when he was thinking. I had spent three years memorizing every detail of the man who no longer looked at me the same way. Even standing still, there was something dangerous about him, something untouchable.

I quickly looked away, denying any trace of feelings I still had for this man. Three years of being married, yet my body reacted like we're newlyweds. After all that he did to me, my body shouldn't react to him this way. This is the most forbidden craving I wouldn't accept.

“Zara,” he called, removing his sunglasses. I felt butterflies in my stomach when my eyes met his tempting blue eyes.

“Date this evening, Skye hotel.”

My throat tightened. The last time Sylvester asked me on a date, he left me alone in the cold to go sort business with Aurora.

“Fine.”

Sylvester's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Even my robotic reply surprised me. Why so eager to eat with this man alone?

Maybe because this will be our last.

And it's better to follow up with everything he said without being suspicious because Sylvester will notice and suspect any slight change and weakness. I can't afford any mistakes at this critical moment now that the child is involved.

Just three days to endure. I reminded myself.