SIGNED TO SUFFER

he room. It was a new day, but the heavy weight of the previous night's conversation with Lucas hung over her like

ong, always five steps ahead. But Lucas Lucas was different. He wasn't like the others. He wasn't trying to imp

d blazer and black trousers, her face already steeled for the challenges of the da

n. His face was impassive, as always, but there was a sharpness to his gaze. It made her uncomfortable, though she wouldn

ce between them. She had done what she needed to do; now, she just had to

, not a hint of warmth

hat seemed to rise with every passing day. But Lucas wasn't one to let things g

began, and Madia couldn't help bu

forced herself to maintain composure as she fin

she asked, keepin

ild. You're going to need someone to care for that child. Someone to raise him. Don't th

thought their arrangement had been clear. She had made her intentio

ough her. Was he trying to manipulate h

ou're getting paid. The baby is mine, and once it's born, you

s coffee, swirling the liquid slowly, as if contemplating his n

, Madia?" he asked, his voice alm

to show weakness. "Yes. That'

ing the words in his mouth. "You keep telling yourself that, but the more you insist, the m

hrough her, to dig under her skin. She wasn't about to le

r voice sharp. "You'll get your mone

ember this, Madia, what we're doing isn't as simple as you think. It's not just about money or a

ear that this was a business arrangement, that their connection was purely transactional. But the way he spoke, as if he knew thin

her mind back to the task at hand. The pregnancy needed to be confirmed soon. Then,

-

the ultrasound screen. Lucas sat beside her, his expression neutral as always, though she could feel the tension building between them. H

ime in days, Madia allowed herself a small, victorious smile. This was what she wanted, this child

el his presence beside her. It was as if he was silently watching, waiting for

ting for some kind of sign. She didn't know what it was, but she could feel it in the

door to her office creaked open. She looked up to see Lucas standi

e asked, annoyance sli

his voice low, "about the con

chair, her attention ful

was even, but there was something in it, something that made her blood run cold. "This is

ared at him. The air between them was thick with tension, and

t," she said coldly, her voice ste

l smile. "Oh, I'm not turning back, Madia. But you might wan

as he just trying to mess with her? Either way, she r

r voice icy, "this is a bu

Madia couldn't shake the feeling that