Entangled with Mr. Harrison

Chapter 3: Mr. Harrison

Maxine's POV

The sky was blue, the air crisp. I don't know how many times I clutched my chest, filled with anxiety. I know I already accepted this, but I felt there was something wrong. Today was the day of the abortion procedure, and I decided to do it, even though my heart is filled with doubt.

I was in a taxi on my way to the hospital, thinking deeply about what would happen. But suddenly, as I glanced out the window, my brow furrowed as I saw a familiar face at a restaurant.

"Is that Jake and Chelsea?" I muttered, still wondering if they were those persons.

I asked the driver to stop even though we were halfway to my destination. Thankfully, he agreed and let me.

After getting out, I cautiously and secretly walked into the restaurant. I sat some distance from them but couldn't hear their conversation. Using the menu book placed at the table, I covered my face and secretly watched the two.

My eyes narrowed as I saw Jake's smiling lips and my sister's joyful expression. They were sitting beside each other, and I strained to hear their conversation. Then, my eyes widened as I saw my sister’s lips pressed against the lips of my fiancé.

It felt like a knife pierced my heart seeing the sweetness of their kiss. It was so passionate, and with every turn of their heads, it was making my heart shatter.

Tears started to well up in my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to erase the sight from my mind. Then I decided to stand up and walk out of the restaurant with my shoulders slumped. This was probably why Chelsea was so happy and why Jake couldn't forgive me.

'Why? Why does it have to be my sister?'

My legs felt like jelly as I walked aimlessly. My mind was blank, and I couldn’t help but think about what happened. Everything was like a movie replaying continuously in my head. Suddenly, I remember the day when I first met Jake, and I introduced him to my sister. Now I know it was my big mistake.

After a long walk, I slowly moved my head up and saw the hospital I was heading to.

'Is it still worth it? Will getting rid of this child make things right?' I asked myself again.

Unconsciously, I stepped into the hospital and walked until I found myself inside my doctor's clinic, ready to begin the procedure. I still hoped it wasn't too late, that Jake might still come back to me.

Seeing the man I loved kissing my sister was the most painful thing I could ever imagine.

"This way, please, Ms. Maxine," the nurse invited.

I forced a smile and stood from the doctor's chair. With every step, I still couldn’t erase from my head the things I saw. I wiped away my tears so the nurses wouldn't notice the burden I carried.

Soon, we entered the operating room.

"Please lie down on the bed," the doctor said.

I looked at the bed and instinctively touched my belly. I sighed deeply and clenched my fists.

Then, as I was about to lie down, I flinched as a strong grip seized my wrist.

"Stop this nonsense!"

I heard a deep voice from behind. As I turned my head, my eyes widened at the sight of the man — The man I'd bumped into in the hospital hallway—the father of the child I carried.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, frowning.

He nodded as he gave instructions to the men with him.

"Excuse me, Doctor. Are you aware that you could lose your license for what you're about to do?"

The doctor visibly swallowed hard at the words of the man who seemed to be an assistant of the one standing before me.

"As for you, come with me!" commanded the man in front of me.

Our eyes met. His words were sharp and deep, unreadable; devoid of emotion, only his deep voice was audible.

He pulled me out of the operating room, and I could only follow.

"What are you doing?!" I shouted, trying to free myself from his grip.

But he didn't answer or turn around; he kept walking until we reached the hospital corridor.

"Is that Mr. Harrison?"

"He's so handsome! Wait! Who's that girl?"

I frowned at the whispers coming from the nurses. I only knew one Mr. Harrison. I stared at the man holding my hand, and then my eyes widened as I realized everything.

"Y-You! You are Mr. Gray Harrison?" I exclaimed, and my eyes widened.

The man stopped walking, then he sighed and gently turned to me. Our eyes met, and his gaze was as cold as ice. He let go of my hands and stood tall like a proud king, looking down at his apprentice.

"I don't know how slow your brain is, but I only have one question."

His gaze shifted to my belly, and at that moment, I had a hint of what he wanted. I covered it with my hands and secretly looked around.

"Come with me quietly, and we'll have no problems," he said coldly, then turned and walked out of the hospital. I swallowed hard as I saw his bodyguards following him, at least ten of them.

"My lady, please come with Sir Gray," his assistant said, prompting me to step out.

I lowered my head and tried to hide my face, because I saw people with their phones out, taking pictures of me.

'I don't want to add to the shame I've brought on my family.

***

Inside the luxurious car, I could barely breathe because of the intense negative energy emanating from the man beside me. I remained seated, my hands resting on my lap like a kid, while the man beside me gazed out the window and his chin resting on his hands.

“That child you wanted to abort… is that mine?”

My eyes widened as he broke the deafening silence between us. I couldn’t find the words to answer his question, so all I could do was stare at his serious face. This time, he gently turned to face me, and I finally saw his handsome features more clearly. He wasn’t just anyone. He was a handsome billionaire with fine, curled lashes and a jaw-dropping physique.

“Are you done scanning my face? Maybe I can get the answer now?”

I quickly shook my head to dispel my admiration and swallowed hard when I felt water stuck in my throat.

“Y-You don’t need to take responsibility for this child. I don’t need it, and I’m not asking you to do so.”

“So, it was mine…” I was stunned by his statement. Even if I protested, I knew it would be futile.

“How much is it?”

“Y-You don’t need to—”

“How much can I buy that child and stop you from getting rid of it?”

I was dumbfounded by his desperate words. His eyes burned with fire and determination, as if he wanted to snatch the child from my belly.

“What do you mean, Mr. Harrison?”

He sat up straight, looking directly into my eyes, then moved his hands closer to mine, as if to whisper something.

“I need that child to compensate my grandmother, and that’s my only way. After seven weeks, I will have a non-invasive prenatal paternity test done on your child to make sure it’s mine.”

My eyes widened at his words.

‘So, he still doubts it?’

He leaned even closer. His face was inches away, and I could smell his breath. I tried to move away, but he grabbed my hands and pulled me closer.

“If it’s confirmed, you will stay with me for nine months, and after you give birth, I’ll give you one million dollars.”

I don’t know how many times I swallowed while listening to him. But I felt a pang of pain in my heart. I clenched my fists and slapped him hard. Even I was surprised by my action. I never thought I could hit a wealthy man like him.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Harrison, but this is my body, and I have my own rules. I know you’re rich, but I’m sorry, find someone who will satisfy your needs.”

I reached for the car door handle and was about to get out when he spoke again.

“Then that doesn’t give you the right to murder an innocent child,” he said. My eyes were trembling at those words, and I felt a sharp pain piercing my chest.

I knew he was right, and at that moment, I didn’t know what to do, but I decided not to show him that I was having a second thought. I didn’t hesitate; I got out of the car and ran away from that crazy man.

***

My feet were floating as I walked on an endless path. His words echoed in my ears repeatedly, and yes, I cannot kill an innocent child.

Soon after, when I got home, I closed my eyes shut as a large suitcase was thrown at me when I opened the door.

“Get out of here, Maxine. You’re a disgrace to this family!” my stepmother shouted, throwing the bag at my face.

“B-But Mom!”

“Don’t call me Mom! I’m not your mother!”

My tears streamed down my face once again. I accidentally glanced inside the house and saw Chelsea. My eyes widened when I saw Jake sitting beside her.

“W-What is the meaning of this?” I asked them, causing my stepmother to turn around.

“Oh! You finally know? My daughter is just fixing your mess. You should be thankful.”

“T-Thankful?”

I violently pushed open the door and went inside, not caring if I shoved my stepmother aside. What mattered now was, I needed to talk to Jake and clear things out.

“Jake! Tell me what this is?!”

Chelsea raised an eyebrow and slowly stood from the sofa.

“Isn’t it obvious, Max? We’re already in a relationship.”

“H-How come? We were about to be--”

“Because I’m pregnant, and he’s the father of my child.”

My eyes widened as teardrops slowly streamed down my face. I looked at Jake, and he avoided my gaze, bowing his head and trying to avoid having a conversation with me.

“J-Jake, is this true?” I asked, sobbing uncontrollably.

“I guess we’re in the same boat now, Max…” he answered in a low voice, without even looking at me.

My mind was a whirlwind of questions. I was so confused. I thought he loved me, but it was my sister all along.

“You know what, Max? I think you should just follow my mother’s advice. Just leave and go to the father of your child, whoever he is. I bet he’ll accept you with open arms, even though you’re a slut.”

My vision blurred at her words. Suddenly, my hand flew across her cheek, I slapped her hard. Then I heard gasps from those around us, and even I was surprised by my action.

“What the hell?!” Chelsea shouted furiously.

“Ahh!” I screamed as her hands grabbed my hair, as if ripping my scalp.

She dragged me out of the house, and I couldn't control my feet from walking and following her movement, my knees scraping against the ground slowly bleeding.

“Don’t mess with me, you freak!” Chelsea screamed, cursing me repeatedly.

She violently shoved me, throwing me off balance. I closed my eyes and prepared myself from falling. Then, I felt a large, warm hand quickly grasp my shoulder, catching me before I hit the ground.

I slowly open my eyes and raise my head to see who this man is, saving me. I saw Gray Harrison beside me, holding my shoulder. His eyes burned with anger as he glared at my stepmother and sister, who were both shocked.

“M-Mr. Harrison?” my stepmother stammered. “What is the young master of GrayStar Corporation doing here?”

I felt like a statue, unable to move. After a moment, Gray looked at me and our eyes met.

“Are you okay?” he asked, something I never expected him to say.

I nodded; it was all I could do. He looked at his bodyguards and nodded, giving instructions.

After a moment, he slightly bent down, and using his strong arms and warm hands, he scooped me up into his arms, something I never thought he would do.

“Lean your head on my chest,” he said as he turned.

“Why are you doing this?” I whispered.

“This isn’t for free. You already know what I want.”

I secretly glanced at the doorway of our house and saw Jake watching Gray and me. The sight of his face brought back the pain, making me cry again. I leaned my head against the man’s chest, trying to hide my sobs.

“Do whatever you want. From now on, I will accept my fate,” I replied listlessly.