Used as Payment, Kept as His Own

Vincent didn't release me until I was dizzy and breathless.

"I really hope this baby is born soon. It's starting to interfere with our relationship."

I raised an eyebrow slightly. Hadn't he only bought me for a year? Was he planning to renew?

"Take me back down. If I don't return soon, Elliot will start worrying."

Vincent reluctantly hugged me a bit longer, then called over a server. "I'll have him escort you back. I still have some business to handle, so I need to leave first."

Of course, he wouldn't dare show himself. This debt repayment game needed to end. Once I gave birth, the deal would be over and I'd be free. I didn't want to be deceived by either of them anymore.

The server led me back to the main hall through the garden. I happened to run into Alexander and his friends there. When Alexander saw me, his voice immediately changed pitch.

"What happened to your mouth?"

It seemed Vincent had smudged my lipstick. How vicious of him.

"Didn't you just kiss me, Alexander? Are you finished with your business?"

I couldn't see Alexander's expression, but I heard his friends' suggestive laughter.

"Alright, stop laughing. Don't let her catch on!" Alexander scolded his friends in a low voice, but he clearly hadn't realized how sharp my hearing was.

"I never knew Alexander had this side to him. But Ms. Walker, you should be careful. Since you can't see, you might not notice if someone takes advantage of you."

Kayla's voice rang out softly, filled with malice.

"That's none of your concern. Alexander and I are getting married soon. You're welcome to attend.

"I wonder when you plan to get married, Ms. Mitchell. You shouldn't keep hanging around with men like this. It's bad for your reputation."

"You!" Kayla was furious, choking back a sob as she ran off.

"Did I say something wrong? I'm so sorry, Alexander. You should go check on her. I hope Ms. Mitchell doesn't get into any trouble."

I looked completely innocent, and Alexander eventually ran after Kayla. He didn't come home for the next few days. I knew he was busy consoling an angry Kayla.

Vincent, on the other hand, came every single day without fail. Even when I ignored him, he didn't get angry.

Now that I was pregnant, I was too lazy to maintain appearances. When Vincent tried to kiss me, I pushed him away.

"Are you feeling moody because of the pregnancy?"

He started appearing during the day occasionally as well, cooking, bringing gifts, and trying various ways to cheer me up.

Seeing that I remained unmoved, he worried and wanted to take me to the hospital. I was also concerned something might happen to the baby, so I obediently let him take me.

I was examined from head to toe at the hospital. The results were normal. I was healthy, and the baby was developing well.

But I still showed no signs of happiness, so Vincent crouched in front of me and asked, "What exactly is making you unhappy, Lyddie? Tell me, and I can fix it."

I opened my mouth, not knowing what to say.

What could I say? That I knew he wasn't Alexander, and that I wanted to know why he kept deceiving me?

Even now, I couldn't be sure whether he cared about me or just the child in my belly. I sat there in the hospital garden listening to him blame himself, but he still wouldn't come clean.

In the distance, I thought I heard Kayla's and Alexander's voices too. The footsteps grew closer, and she spotted me.

"Well, if it isn't Ms. Walker? What are you doing at the hospital? What's that in your hand..." Her voice cut off abruptly.

The pregnancy test results in my hand were too obvious, and Alexander suddenly shouted, "You're pregnant? How can you be pregnant?"