After being Klein Barrison’s secret lover for three years, I found out I was pregnant. He made it clear he didn’t like children and was preparing to marry a wealthy socialite of equal status. Not wanting to lose my child, I packed my things, took his money, and fled Rey City overnight. For four years, I raised my child alone, away from that world. My little one grew up stunningly beautiful that he accidentally went viral online. I started live-streaming with my son and managed to build a thriving career from it. When people dug into my background and realized I was a single mom, I had to save face by explaining, “Well, I’m widowed.” Life without a man turned out just fine. I gained a devoted following of independent women who admired my strength. Then one day, I noticed something familiar about the profile picture and IP address of the top donor on my streams. Looking closer, I thought, “No way. This can’t be real.” Klein? Watching short videos? With his uptight, serious demeanor? Impossible. But then he showed up at my doorstep in the middle of the night. He cornered me against the wall, his eyes dark and dangerous, and growled through clenched teeth, “Widowed? Funny, I don’t recall dying.” He grabbed my son, Edmund Croft, by the collar, dragging him forward. His bloodshot eyes burned into mine as he demanded, “And what about this? Care to explain?”
My name was Labia Croft, and I used to be the secret lover of Rey City’s most prominent CEO, Klein. For three years, our arrangement had been… satisfactory. Until today. Holding my pregnancy report, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as I went to his office to see him. Klein was still in a meeting, so his secretary told me to wait. As I sat in his office, my eyes fell on a bridal magazine lying near his computer. Since when did Klein start looking at wedding dresses? Could it be because I’d casually mentioned wanting to take wedding photos before? A small, hopeful flutter stirred in my heart. Maybe I did mean something to him after all. But then I caught sight of him through the office window, walking with a tall, elegant woman who clung to his arm. I recognized her immediately. I’d seen her photo in Klein’s private album before. It was his first love. My heart sank as I lowered my gaze and smiled bitterly. Of course. Klein would never remember something I said in passing. His true love was back, and he was choosing a wedding dress for her. Was he going to marry her? I grew up in a blended family. After my mom passed, my dad remarried and had a son with his new wife, leaving me to be raised by my grandfather in the countryside. When my grandfather suffered a stroke and became paralyzed, I took on the responsibility of paying his medical bills. By the time I was in college, I was supporting myself and him entirely. During my junior year, someone told me nightclub jobs paid well. What I could earn in one night there was equivalent to three or four days working at a café. Desperate, I applied and got a job as a server. That was how I met Klein. That night, he was drunk and heartbroken. I happened to be serving his private room. He pulled me into his suite, and the next morning, I could barely walk. My manager assumed I’d slacked off and ignored my duties all night. Without hearing me out, they fired me. I couldn’t explain the truth, nor did I dare to. So I asked Klein to compensate me for my lost wages. Surprisingly, he was generous and offered me a lucrative job instead: as his companion. If I kept him satisfied, I could earn tens of thousands a month. The arrangement was degrading, but what choice did I have? I couldn’t let pride stand in the way of survival. I’d already given Klein my first night; there was no point being sentimental about it. Besides, he was tall, fit, and ridiculously handsome, with bronzed skin and abs like a model straight out of an action movie. If I had to sleep with someone, it might as well be him. After two seconds of deliberation, I accepted. We signed a contract. Three hundred thousand a month, on the condition that I was at his beck and call. When we signed the agreement, he made one thing clear. “Don’t fall in love with me. I won’t take responsibility,” he said. He didn’t want love, and I pretended not to either. For three years, I played my part, hiding my feelings while we kept things strictly transactional. But now, the woman he truly loved had returned, and he was ready to settle down. He didn’t need me anymore. Not as a lover. Not even as a transaction. And to top it all off, I was pregnant. The timing couldn’t have been worse. I quietly folded the ultrasound report and slipped it into my bag just as Klein walked into the office. I looked up at him. He seemed immaculate as always, his tailored suit sharp against his cool, chiseled features. Sitting down at his desk, he asked, “What do you need?” I’d come to tell him about the pregnancy, but now… what was the point? He was getting engaged. Our arrangement was ending. There was no way he’d let me keep this baby. But after three years of being hidden in the shadows for him, I wasn’t the naïve girl I used to be. Besides, I knew I wouldn’t fall for another man. This baby might be the only family I’d ever have. And I wasn’t about to lose that. I walked over to Klein and poured him a glass of water, feigning ease as I made up an excuse. “I saw a jewelry set I liked.” Klein extended his arm, pulling me into his embrace. His deep, magnetic voice brushed against my ear. “What jewelry? Wasn’t the last set I bought you enough?” “Orvis just released a new emerald-diamond necklace. It’s not too expensive, just over 200 thousand. I really want it,” I replied playfully. “Have Mars take you to get it later,” he said without hesitation. Feigning delight, I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Klein.” A barely perceptible smile played on his handsome features. His warm fingertips brushed across my cheek as his thick lashes lowered slightly. His gaze slid down to my lips, smoldering with suggestiveness. “That’s all you wanted?” As someone who had been his mistress for three years, I’d learned how to read his mind. Catching on immediately, I giggled softly, feigning shyness as I climbed onto his lap. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I tilted my head upward to kiss him, cautiously yet seductively. Even when he was sitting still, his presence was overwhelming, exuding a quiet intensity. As our lips met, the faint scent of pinewood filled the air around him. Before long, he took control, tightening his hold on my waist and prying my lips apart with the heat of his tongue. Breath mingling, I could feel the warmth of his exhale against my skin, his restraint unraveling as he carried me into the lounge and pressed me onto the sofa. Just as he leaned over me, a sharp pang shot through my lower abdomen. The sudden discomfort jolted me back to clarity. Protectively cradling my belly, I pushed him away with all my strength. He frowned, his annoyance evident as he stared at me. “I… I’m on my period,” I quickly lied, offering an awkward smile. “It should be the next week, isn’t it?” His scrutinizing gaze pinned me down as if he could see right through me. Flustered, I forced myself to sound confident. “I’ve been staying up too late recently. My hormones are all over the place. Can’t I have an irregular cycle?” He sighed softly and shifted off me, a rare trace of complaint lacing his tone. “And yet you still tried to seduce me.” Adjusting his disheveled tie, he sat up and smoothed out his suit. I followed suit, fixing my own appearance, and hesitated before asking, “Klein, do you like children?” “No,” he answered without a second’s thought. The chill in my chest deepened. Of course. Then, lifting his gaze, he asked, “Why the sudden question?” Feigning nonchalance, I chuckled. My voice came out soft and slightly hoarse. “Oh, it’s nothing. I just ran into a lost little boy at my apartment earlier. He was adorable.” His eyes narrowed slightly, studying me. “You want a child?” “Not at all. I just think they’re cute. If I had to have one, I’d pass,” I replied casually. “Good,” Klein said coldly as he got up, straightened his suit jacket, and left the lounge. I trailed behind him, hurrying to leave the company. Once outside, my resolve solidified. I had to leave. Checking my bank account, I realized I only had 500 thousand. It wasn’t nearly enough. My grandfather was still in the hospital, and I had to ensure his medical bills were covered before disappearing. I had to leave my 500 thousand to him. After all, I wouldn’t come back until I gave birth to my baby a year later. So, I must get all the money I needed from Klein. This seemed to be an urgent mission that was impossible to complete. I was already pregnant, and it wouldn’t take long before my belly became obvious. My time with him was running up. After much consideration, I decided to sell all the jewelry and handbags Klein had given me over the years. At the shop, the owner appraised everything, tallying up the amount. “Five hundred thousand,” she said. Shock rippled through me. These were luxury items, some even limited editions that Klein had spent millions on. How could she only offer me 500 thousand? The owner explained that second-hand items depreciated significantly in value compared to gold, which retained its worth. Though disappointed, I gave her my account information and waited for the transfer. Once the money was in my account, I turned to leave. That was when a well-dressed, dignified middle-aged woman called out to me. Turning around, my stomach knotted. It was Klein’s mother, Marina. “Labia, are you that desperate for money? Looks like my son doesn’t treat you very well,” she sneered. “Not at all,” I murmured softly, overwhelmed by the oppressive aura of an elite matriarch. Instinctively, I wanted to walk away. “Wait,” Marina said, stopping me. “I need to talk to you.” In a nearby café, she casually slid a check across the table and said in disdain, “Klein’s engagement is imminent. Here’s a million. Leave him.” My heart leapt. I snatched the check eagerly, unable to suppress my joy. With this million, along with the 500 thousand I already had, I could start fresh with my baby. Marina’s eyes flickered, her expression shifting from scornful to mocking. “A million was all it took? I thought you’d demand far more.” I didn’t care about her opinion. All I could think about was the money in my hand. Now, I could leave Klein as quickly as possible. “Thank you, Mrs. Barrison. I’ll keep my word and ensure there’s no further…” “Nothing further between us?” A voice, as cold as ice, cut through the air. Turning my head, I froze. Klein’s flawless face loomed before me, his sharp features carved with an icy chill. My body stiffened as I inhaled sharply. “What kind of deal are we discussing?” Klein’s gaze flicked to the check in my hand. His lips pressed tightly together, his eyes filled with frost. I immediately looked down, avoiding his piercing stare.
Marina’s voice was sharp with arrogance. “See? This woman is willing to leave you for just a million. She’s only after our family’s money.” Klein let out a sneer, gripping my wrist tightly as he dragged me out to his car. Once inside, he turned to me, his gaze icy. “The check.” I didn’t dare make a sound and handed it over with trembling hands. Without hesitation, he tore the check into pieces, letting the scraps fall to the floor. My heart clenched at the sight, but I didn’t dare protest. Klein’s eyes darkened, his voice laced with mockery. “Feeling bad for it? Tell me, Labia, is that all I’m worth to you? Just one million?” My chest tightened, his words slicing through me. Was this supposed to be some grand act of wounded pride? The same man who once told me we were only a transaction was now upset that I treated it like one. He was the one getting engaged. What right did he have to scold me? I stayed silent. A million meant nothing to him, but to me, it was life-changing. I bit back my frustration, knowing I couldn’t afford to upset him just yet. The money wasn’t in my account. “You’re getting engaged, aren’t you?” I asked softly, my eyes filling with tears. I made sure I looked as pitiful as possible, a picture of heartbreak. Klein’s cold demeanor faltered. His eyes softened, guilt flickering in their depths. After a long silence, he finally muttered, “Maybe.” Maybe? That was laughable. He was clearly getting married, yet here he was, acting conflicted. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I forced a tremble into my voice. “We’ve been together for three years. I didn’t expect to feel so deeply for you, but I respect your decision. I just… hope you’ll be happy.” Now I had the upper hand, making him the one who needed to apologize. Klein’s guilt hit him in full force. His grip on me tightened as he whispered, “I’m sorry. “I know my mother is the one pressuring you to leave. But if there’s anyone who should compensate you, it’s me. I’ll transfer one million to you.” Yes! My guilt worked perfectly. Relief washed over me. The deal was still intact. We sat in silence for a while before he finally looked up, his expression hesitant. “How about… we break up next month?” Seriously? A scheduled breakup? What kind of person would treat relationships like a business calendar? Rage simmered beneath my calm exterior, but I forced it down. After all, the money wasn’t in my account yet. I leaned into him, playing the obedient, heartbroken lover. “Even though it hurts, I’ll do whatever you say.” Klein’s guilt deepened at my words. He brushed his cheek against mine, his voice soft and apologetic. “I’m sorry.”
The next few days passed with me pretending nothing had changed, dutifully playing the perfect companion. Today was Klein’s birthday. He had a refined palate and would only eat the custom cakes from the Crown Hotel. Months ago, I’d secretly taken lessons from the hotel’s private kitchen to learn how to bake his favorite cake, hoping to surprise him. That morning, I headed to the Crown Hotel to make the cake myself. But fate seemed determined to toy with me. Before I even started, I ran into Christie Anderson, Klein’s first love. I instinctively turned to leave, but she spotted me immediately. “Labia, isn’t it?” she said, her tone carrying a hint of superiority. Since she knew who I was, hiding would be pointless. Someone of her status could uncover my identity with ease. “I didn’t think you’d know me,” I replied casually, picking up the baking tools and ingredients as if unfazed. “Are you making a cake for Klein?” she asked, her tone tightening when I didn’t give her the attention she wanted. “Mm-hmm,” I answered indifferently. “I’ve already ordered his birthday cake. There’s no need for you to make another. It’ll just go to waste,” she said with an air of authority. Her words lit a fire in me. “How do you know it’ll go to waste? He can eat yours during the day and mine at night. After all, he spends every night at my place. I’d say our relationship is far more intimate than yours.” Her face turned pale, then red. “How rude! How could Klein have anything to do with someone like you?” “And yet, here we are,” I shot back with a smirk. “If you have a problem, take it up with him.” Ignoring her, I returned to my baking, leaving her fuming as she stomped off. For the past three years, I’d been the one celebrating Klein’s birthday. Now that his first love was back, I was clearly no longer needed. But that was fine. If he didn’t eat the cake, I would. I’d been craving sweets anyway. Baking wasn’t easy. It took me over a dozen tries to get the decorations right, but I found the process oddly satisfying. The chefs were also patient, teaching me repeatedly. When I finally finished and brought the cake home, it was already late afternoon. Exhausted from the morning’s effort and my pregnancy, I collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep immediately. When I woke, the sky outside was dark. A wave of loneliness swept over me as I lay in the quiet, empty house. Klein hadn’t come home. Of course, Christie was more important to him now. He was probably with her, celebrating his birthday, blowing out candles together. I closed my eyes, trying to will myself back to sleep. But then the mattress dipped beside me, and the familiar scent of pinewood filled the air. I opened my eyes to find Klein’s face inches from mine. “Awake?” His deep, magnetic voice carried a surprising warmth. “Were you planning to skip my birthday entirely?” His familiar yet distant face blurred as my chest tightened. My nose stung, and tears welled up in my eyes. I asked, my voice thick with emotion, “Why did you come back so late?” Klein raised an eyebrow. “I left work at 4:30 and came straight home. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up. It’s already past six.” “I thought… you weren’t coming back,” I murmured. “Why wouldn’t I? You mentioned you had a surprise for me. Don’t tell me you didn’t prepare anything.” “Of course I did!” I exclaimed, quickly getting up. I went to the living room, opened the fridge, and pulled out the cake I’d worked so hard on. “Ta-da! I made this just for you. Isn’t it a nice surprise?” I asked with a bright smile. Klein’s gaze softened as he looked at the cake. “You put in a lot of effort, didn’t you?” “Of course! So, where’s my reward?” I teased, leaning closer playfully. “Later, I’ll have Mars transfer a million to your account,” he said casually, “and the title to this property as well.” My heart leaped at the unexpected bonus, but I kept my excitement hidden behind a facade of sorrow. “Klein, I don’t care about things like that,” I said, pretending to be emotional. He cupped my face gently and kissed me. “But I care. I want to make it up to you.” We ate the cake together, laughing and chatting, and ended up curled up on the couch watching a show. Klein, who usually only had a small piece of cake on his birthdays, surprised me by eating more than half this time. I lay with my head on his lap, gazing up at his perfect jawline. He might not be a good man, but he was undeniably the epitome of male beauty. As I thought about it, my hand instinctively moved to my flat stomach. If my baby inherited his looks, they’d surely be stunning. Klein had said he came straight home after work. Did that mean he didn’t spend his birthday with Christie? Could it be… I still had a place in his heart? The thought made my heart stir, and I couldn’t help but call his name. He was engrossed in the movie but still responded with a soft, indulgent grunt. “If I got pregnant… would you want the baby?” I asked tentatively. His focus finally shifted, and he looked down at me, placing a warm hand on my stomach. “You’re pregnant?” My heart raced at the sensation of his hand against me. “No… I mean, what if?” Klein thought for a few moments before answering. “I don’t want kids, and I don’t like them. But if…” I hung on to his every word, waiting for the rest of his answer. But just then, his phone rang, cutting through the moment. He glanced at the caller ID, hesitated briefly, then picked up. From the faint sound on the other end, I recognized Christie’s voice. My heart sank. Klein kept his tone neutral, speaking only a few words before hanging up. I couldn’t help but wonder. Had they argued? Was that why he came back to me? As if confirming my suspicion, Klein turned to me after the call and said, “Labia, I need to stop by the family estate. Don’t wait up.” I forced a lighthearted “Okay” as he left, the sound of the door closing echoing in the silent apartment. He was probably going to be with Christie now.
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