The hum of the city vibrated through the penthouse windows, muffled but ever-present, a reminder that life outside moved relentlessly forward. Inside, however, the atmosphere was heavy, tense. Nixus paced the length of his living room, his sharp movements a stark contrast to the stillness of the space. Selene's words from the previous night echoed in his mind, each syllable a thorn digging deeper.
Pregnant.
The notion wasn't entirely impossible, but something about the way Selene had delivered the news didn't sit right. She'd always been calculated, always knew how to twist situations to her advantage. And this—this felt like her most elaborate ploy yet.
His jaw tightened. If it was true, he'd step up. He'd never shirk responsibility. But if it wasn't...
He grabbed his phone and scrolled through his contacts, his finger hovering over Selene's name. Before he could overthink it, he pressed call. It rang twice before she picked up.
