Claimed by My Ex's Stepbrother

The scent of antiseptic filled the small hospital room. Tessa's hands trembled as the nurse smiled, holding the ultrasound report like a fragile promise.

All she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. Months of pills, hormone injections, and doctor visits had drained her both physically and emotionally.

And now, maybe... a flicker of hope. Maybe, finally, a chance to give her fiancé what he wanted: a child. Their child.

"Congratulations, Miss Quinn." The nurse smiled. "You're pregnant."

"Yes!" Tessa squealed. "I'm finally pregnant with Grayson's baby!" A shaky breath escaped her lips and her eyes sparkled with hope.

Finally. After all the heartache and desperation, she could give Grayson the baby he wanted so badly. The baby who would secure his place as heir to Thorne Industries, just like Grayson's father's will had demanded.

This wasn't just about her anymore. It was about survival.

She clutched the report close, imagining Grayson's smile, the relief flooding his face. This was their future, her future.

Tessa grabbed her purse and jolted out of the hospital in a hurry, excited to share the news.

The elevator dinged open to their high-rise apartment floor. Her heart raced as she fumbled with her keys.

She stepped inside, expecting silence, peace, and maybe a smile from Grayson.

Instead, laughter spilled from the living room.

Grayson lounged on the velvet couch, an arm wrapped possessively around a woman Tessa knew too well - his secretary, Sofia.

Tall, sleek, with an amused smirk curling her lips.

"Grayson," Tessa's voice cracked like glass. "What's happening?"

He didn't even look up. "You again. What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?" Tessa snapped. "We live here, remember? The real question is what is she doing here?"

"That's none of your business, Tessa." Grayson said coolly. "What do you want?"

Tessa's stomach twisted. The casual dismissal hit harder than any shout could have. She stepped forward, eyes locked on Sofia's hand resting on Grayson's thigh.

Her eyes opened in realization.

"You've been lying to me," she said, voice trembling but steady. "How long? How long have you been screwing your secretary while I've been killing myself trying to give you the one thing you keep saying you need?"

Grayson finally met her gaze, his expression flat. "You're making a scene over nothing. Sofia understands me. She doesn't drag me down with endless doctor visits and false hope."

The words landed like a slap. Tessa's breath caught.

Her fists clenched. "False hope? After everything I've put myself through? The pills, the appointments I dragged myself to even when I was shaking, the sleepless nights wondering if this would finally be our chance - and this is how you repay me? By calling me false hope?"

Grayson shrugged, cold and unapologetic. "You've been nothing but a disappointment, Tessa. I don't even think you can get pregnant."

The words hit her like ice water.

"No," she hissed, stepping closer, her voice low but fierce. "I've done everything. Every damn