Adrian sat alone in his office, the silence of the room amplifying the weight of his thoughts. The documents on his desk remained untouched, his focus entirely elsewhere. His mind replayed every decision that had led to this point—every moment he had chosen to trust Sarah over Grace.
He slammed his fist on the desk, rattling the crystal glass of water beside him. "What was I thinking?" he muttered bitterly. "How could I have been so blind?"
He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as the memories came flooding back. Grace's tearful face when she pleaded with him to believe her. The anger in her voice when she called him out for siding with Sarah. And the worst part—the cold realization in her eyes as she decided she had no choice but to walk away.
Adrian ran his hands through his hair, his heart heavy with regret. Grace had stood by him through the darkest times of his life. She had believed in him when no one else did, supported him when even his own family turned against him. And yet, when it mattered most, he had doubted her.
He thought about Sarah, the manipulative games she had played. He had known her since childhood, trusted her inherently, but her actions had proven she was not the person he thought she was.
"Grace deserved better," Adrian said aloud, his voice thick with emotion. "She deserved so much better than the way I treated her."
He glanced at the wedding photo on his desk, the one he couldn't bring himself to put away. In it, Grace was smiling, her eyes full of love and hope for their future. Adrian felt a pang of guilt as he realized how far he had strayed from the man she believed he was.
As the evening wore on, Adrian knew what he needed to do. He couldn't undo the mistakes of the past, but he could start making things right. He had to win Grace back, not with empty words or grand gestures, but with actions that proved he was worthy of her trust again.
For the first time in weeks, Adrian felt a spark of determination. I won't let Sarah's lies destroy us any further, he thought. It's time to fix this—even if it takes everything I've got.
Grace sat on the edge of her bed, clutching the pregnancy test in her trembling hands. Two bold lines stared back at her, unrelenting in their clarity. Tears welled in her eyes, and a whirlwind of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She had spent the last few weeks trying to move on from the heartbreak Adrian had caused, but this—this was something she hadn't prepared for.
She placed a hand on her stomach, the realization sinking in. "A baby," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her emotions shifted between joy, fear, and anger. This child was part of her and Adrian, a bond she couldn't easily sever, even if their relationship had been fractured.
Grace buried her face in her hands, struggling to make sense of it all. How could she bring a child into this chaotic situation? Adrian's betrayal, Sarah's manipulative schemes, and her own heartbreak had left her questioning everything. Yet, a part of her still longed for the life they had dreamed of together—a happy family, a stable home, and the unwavering love she thought they shared.
A knock at the door startled her. It was her best friend, Emily, who had been her rock during these trying times. Emily entered cautiously, noticing Grace's tear-streaked face and the test in her hand.
"Grace..." Emily sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You don't have to go through this alone. Whatever you decide, I'm here for you."
Grace nodded, the tears spilling over. "I don't know what to do, Em. I want to hate Adrian for everything, but this baby... it changes everything. I can't just cut him out of my life."
Emily squeezed her shoulder. "You don't have to make any decisions right now. Take some time to think about what's best for you and the baby. But Grace, don't let Adrian—or anyone else—pressure you into anything. This is your life, your choice."
Grace took a shaky breath, grateful for Emily's support. "I just wish things were different. I thought we had something real. Now, I don't even know if I can trust him."
Emily gave her a sad smile. "He needs to earn that trust back, Grace. Don't let him off the hook so easily. If he's truly sorry, he'll show it."
Grace nodded, her mind still a jumble of emotions. She knew Emily was right. Adrian would have to prove himself worthy, not just for her, but for their unborn child.
Grace stepped out of the hospital, her thoughts preoccupied with the upcoming arrival of her baby. The gentle breeze swept across her face as she adjusted her scarf, making her way to the parking lot. Her hand instinctively rested on her small bump—a source of comfort amidst the chaos her life had become.
But her peace was short-lived.
A black van screeched to a halt beside her. Before Grace could react, two masked men jumped out, grabbing her by the arms. She screamed, struggling against their iron grip, but her cries were muffled as they covered her mouth and dragged her into the van.
The vehicle sped off, leaving her phone and belongings scattered on the ground.
Hours later, Adrian received the news. His world came crashing down when the call came through from the hospital, informing him that Grace had been kidnapped. Panic set in as he barked orders to his security team, determined to find her.
Meanwhile, Grace sat bound to a chair in a dimly lit warehouse. Her head throbbed, and her wrists ached from the tight ropes. The sound of heels clicking against the concrete floor drew her attention. A familiar figure stepped into the light—it was Adrian's stepmother, Margaret, Benson's mother.
"Margaret?" Grace gasped, her voice hoarse. "Why are you doing this?"
Margaret smirked, her elegant figure clad in an expensive coat. "Why? Because you're a threat, Grace. You've turned Adrian into someone who thinks he can challenge my family. Benson may have failed, but I won't. I'll make sure Adrian remembers where his loyalties lie."
Grace's eyes burned with fury. "You're insane! Adrian loves me. He'll find me and expose you for the monster you are."
Margaret chuckled coldly. "Oh, my dear, you underestimate me. Adrian might love you, but he's weak. He'll do whatever I say once he knows what's at stake."
Grace struggled against the ropes, her voice filled with defiance. "You won't win. Adrian isn't the boy you can manipulate anymore."
Margaret's eyes narrowed. "We'll see about that. Enjoy your stay, Grace. It won't be long before Adrian comes crawling to me."
Adrian stormed into his father's estate, demanding answers. "Where is Grace?" he shouted, his voice echoing through the grand hall. "Margaret, I know you're behind this!"
Margaret appeared at the top of the staircase, her face a mask of calm. "Adrian, dear, what a dramatic entrance. I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Don't play games with me!" Adrian's fists clenched at his sides. "I know you've taken her. If you've hurt her—"
Margaret descended the stairs slowly, her tone icy. "Watch your tone, Adrian. You forget who you're speaking to. I've only ever wanted what's best for you. Grace is a distraction, nothing more."
Adrian's eyes blazed with anger. "She's the mother of my child. If you've done anything to harm her, I'll destroy everything you care about."
Margaret smirked. "You're so passionate, Adrian. But passion can be dangerous. If you want her back, you'll play by my rules."
Meanwhile, Grace managed to loosen the ropes binding her hands. Her heart raced as she plotted her escape, determined not to let Margaret's schemes keep her away from Adrian or her unborn child. As she freed herself, she spotted a phone on a nearby table. Quietly, she dialed Adrian's number.
"Grace?" Adrian's voice was filled with relief and fear.
"Adrian," she whispered. "I'm in a warehouse... somewhere near the old docks."
"I'm coming for you," Adrian promised, his voice firm. "Hold on."