Monica stormed into her father’s house, her anger and frustration still simmering. Her father, Victor, looked up from his armchair, his expression stern.
“Monica, what did I tell you about being careful?” he scolded, his voice firm but controlled. “You can’t just fake a pregnancy and expect everything to go smoothly!”
Monica crossed her arms, defiance in her eyes.
“I know, Dad. But I didn’t have a choice. I had to keep Chase hooked.”
Victor sighed, rubbing his temples.
“I know, I know. But now you’re in a mess. Chase and his family will never trust you again,”
Monica’s face crumpled, tears welling up.
“What am I going to do, Dad? I can’t lose him.” Monica suddenly thought about how Chase became sensitive when Ariel’s name was brought up at the dining table.
Her mind couldn’t st
