Pregnant & Betrayed

The pregnancy test sat on my bathroom counter, two pink lines staring back at me like a secret waiting to be shared. My hands trembled as I picked it up again, just to be sure. Three tests had confirmed it, but somehow I needed to see it one more time before I could believe it.

"I'm pregnant," I whispered to my reflection, watching my lips curve into a smile that couldn't contain itself. "We're going to have a baby."

Nolan and I had been together for three years. Three years of me managing his career, supporting his dreams, believing in him when no one else would. And now, finally, we would have something that was truly ours.

I tucked the test into my purse, alongside the small gift I'd picked up for him—a vintage watch I'd found at a flea market, nothing extravagant, but perfect for someone who was "struggling" like we were. Nolan would love it.

"You can do this," I told myself, applying a final touch of lipstick. "This will be the perfect surprise."

The drive to Nolan's apartment felt longer than usual, my excitement building with each passing minute. I'd texted him earlier, asking if I could stop by with dinner. His response had been delayed but enthusiastic.

When I arrived, he wasn't home yet. I let myself in with the key he'd given me months ago, setting the takeout on his kitchen counter. His apartment was tidy but modest—exactly what you'd expect from a struggling artist trying to make it in the city.

"I'll just wait," I murmured, wandering into his bedroom to set my purse down.

Something caught my eye—a slight discoloration on his bedroom wall. I pressed against it, feeling a slight give. A hidden safe. My curiosity piqued, I searched for the combination, finding it scribbled on a scrap of paper beneath his nightstand lamp.

Inside, I found a black American Express card with the name "Nolan Hart" embossed in silver. Below it, a stack of documents—property deeds, bank statements, legal papers. My eyes widened as I scanned the contents.

"Hart Industries... major shareholder... inheritance trust..."

The door clicked open behind me.

"Avery? What are you doing here?" Nolan's voice sounded strange, tense.

I turned slowly, the black Amex card still in my hand. "Who are you?"

Before he could answer, his phone rang. He glanced at it, his expression shifting. "I need to take this."

I stepped back as he moved past me, his voice dropping to a whisper as he entered the living room. But the apartment was small, and I could hear every word.

"Yes, Bristol, I know... Three years, I've told you... Yes, she's pregnant too... No, you know I can't..."

My world tilted sideways. Bristol. Pregnant. Three years.

"How long have you known?" I asked when he returned, his face pale.

"Avery, I can explain—"

"Three years?" My voice cracked. "You've been with her for three years?"

---

Two days later, I tracked Nolan to the theater where