He Ditched His Bride for Her Pregnant Sister

Adalee Morgan watched Cruz Nichols finish his dinner. She opened her mouth, ready to ask about the estate, but hesitated—then let out an awkward laugh. "Never mind."

Cruz gave her a cool glance. "Something on your mind?"

Adalee hadn't figured out how to even bring it up, so she just shook her head. He gave a casual nod and rose. "I'll be in the study," he said, walking out without a backward glance.

Watching him go, Adalee frowned, sighed, and headed to her room.

Once there, she planned to shower. Opening the wardrobe, she found it stocked not only with men's clothes but also an unexpected selection of women's clothing—including lingerie.

Curious, she picked up a piece and held it against herself, surprised to find it fit perfectly. How bizarre! She brushed the thought aside and chose a modest silk nightgown before disappearing into the bathroom.

After her shower, she climbed into bed, intending to talk with Cruz about their relationship when he returned. But the moment her head hit the pillow, sleep won.

Sometime later, she felt the bed dip beside her, and the fresh scent of coffee wrapped around her. A large, warm presence seemed to pull her in, and instinctively, she scooted closer.

Something pressed against her belly—warm and ticklish. With a soft groan, she reached down and touched it. A deep, even breathing sounded right by her ear.

Startled, Adalee's eyes flew open, coming face to face with Cruz's handsome visage—magnified. To her shock, she was curled up in his arms, his hand resting on her belly.

Terrified, she scrambled away from him. "W-why are you here?"

Unperturbed, Cruz remained perfectly composed, as if stating the most ordinary fact. "This is my room."

He lay less than two feet away, dressed in perfectly fitted pajamas that subtly hinted at the strong, muscular frame beneath the fine fabric.

Adalee's gaze lingered on his hands, remembering the warmth they had left on her belly. Her cheeks flushed without warning. "Then... where's my room?"

Cruz looked at her impassively. "We're married. My room is your room."

Adalee gripped the blanket, speaking earnestly. "I know, but we don't have any feelings for each other. Wouldn't sharing a bed be... awkward?"

Cruz raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you hug me and call me ‘darling' at the hotel this afternoon? Seemed pretty comfortable to me."

Adalee's eyes widened. "How—how is that possible?"

How could she have hugged him and called him ‘darling'? Just the thought made her cringe internally!

Cruz squinted at her, catching her sudden denial. It reminded him of the night she'd ambushed him and then vanished—right before Miranda barged in.

His tone darkened. "Are you accusing me of lying?"

Seeing the shift in Cruz's expression, Adalee quickly backtracked. "No, no, it's just... hard to wrap my head around."

Cruz stared at her, his lips curving slightly. "Earlier, you snuggled into my arms all on your own."

"..."

Adalee dropped her gaze, too embarrassed to respond.

"Go to sleep," Cruz said calmly. "An expert said parents sharing a bed helps the baby bond with both. And trust me—I'm more reliable than you think. I won't cross any lines."

With that, he tugged the blanket from her grasp, turned away, and fell silent. He looked distant, unreachable.

Blinking, Adalee noted that Cruz didn't speak again. She felt reassured—Cruz was a proper gentleman who wouldn't take advantage of her. And since he said it was for the baby, there was no reason to overthink it.

She relaxed and soon drifted into a peaceful sleep.

In her dream, she was swimming, almost drowning, when someone pulled her to safety. She couldn't see their face, but she knew it was a man.

The next morning, Avery Larson woke her with soft knocks.

"Ma'am, time for breakfast."

Adalee peeked out from the covers, hair messy, eyes puffy, as if she'd survived some ordeal.

"Oh my gosh!" Avery exclaimed, pointing at Adalee's swollen lips. "Ma'am, your lips are really swollen!"

"Are they?"

Fully awake now, Adalee touched them instinctively.

"Ouch—"

They tingled with a numbing sting.

Adalee furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "Probably mosquito bites."

She remembered a persistent buzzing near her ear as she was falling asleep last night.

Avery scratched her head. "That's weird—the villa is always spotless. There shouldn't be any mosquitoes."

Adalee said seriously, "Just like there are always a few students who don't study, maybe a mosquito snuck in. Don't be surprised."

Avery nodded, unable to argue.

After washing up, Adalee looked in the mirror and noticed her red, puffy lips, and slightly reddened eyes—like she'd been crying.

She remembered the dream about nearly drowning and maybe crying, figured it must have leaked into reality, affecting her appearance.

Suddenly, Avery's anxious voice rang out from outside.

"Miss, miss, please wait!"

"Get out of my way! I want to see the shameless woman who stole my brother's inheritance and forced him into marriage at the wedding!"

Adalee stepped out of the bathroom just as a fiery young woman in a black blazer and trousers burst into the room.

Scanning the room, the girl's gaze landed on Adalee, and her eyes widened at the fresh, unadorned beauty before her.

Adalee was taken aback by her striking entrance, but the girl quickly remembered why she was angry. "You're the shameless woman who dared to steal my brother's legacy?!"

The girl—probably around Adalee's age—sported a spirited high ponytail. Her small, proud face screamed pampered rich girl. This had to be Lacey Nichols, Cruz's younger sister.

Seeing Adalee stay silent, Lacey huffed. "Hey, I'm talking to you. Why aren't you answering?"

Adalee smiled calmly. "I'm the woman your brother married, yes."

Lacey blinked, thrown off. Adalee's serene demeanor, gentle smile, and steady gaze were the last thing she expected. Her anger deflated a little. "Just know that if you try anything, I'll make sure my brother sends you packing!"

Adalee chuckled, meeting her gaze without flinching. "Guess we'll see."

For a long moment, their eyes locked. Then Lacey spun on her heel, vowing not to be shaken by Adalee's composed aura.

Meanwhile, across town, Miranda Jenkins simmered with fresh resolve—determined to reclaim her status and win Cruz back at any cost.