Chapter 17
Apr 24, 2025
An Uninvited Guest
Demitri entered his home with exhaustion. The day had been long, filled with meetings and endless discussions.
He wanted nothing more than a hot shower and some quiet. But as he ascended the stairs, a soft melody floated toward him, pulling his brows together in confusion.
Music? He quickened his pace, heading toward his bedroom.
As he passed the head maid, he paused. “Is someone here?”
The maid hesitated, her face paling. “I… I didn’t see anyone come in, sir.”
Demitri’s eyes narrowed, suspicion prickling at the back of his neck. He continued down the hall, his steps deliberate.
When he reached the bedroom door, the music grew louder, a sensual tune that didn’t belong in his space.
He pushed the door open, and his breath caught.
“Elena?”
She stood in the center of the room, her long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore nothing but a red lace lingerie set, her lips curling into a sultry smile as she turned toward him.
“Surprise,” she purred, striding toward him with confidence.
Demitri stepped back instinctively, his body tense. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Elena ignored his question and wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against his chest. “I missed you, Demitri. And now that she’s gone, we can finally be together.”
He pried her arms off him, his tone sharp. “Ashley is not gone. And even if she were, you have no right to be here.”
She laughed softly, retreating to the bed. She sat down, crossing her legs, her eyes never leaving his. “You’re so tense. Come here, let me help you relax.”
“Elena,” he warned, his voice dangerously low. “Get out.”
She leaned back on her hands, her posture a picture of temptation. “Why are you so angry? I’m here because I care about you, Demitri. I’ve always cared about you.”
“I don’t care why you’re here. Leave now.”
She tilted her head, her smile fading. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Demitri’s patience snapped. He strode toward her, grabbing her arm to pull her up. But before he could drag her out, she twisted in his grasp, her hand flying up to slap him hard across the face.
The sharp sound echoed in the room, and Demitri froze, his jaw tightening as the sting spread across his cheek.
“How dare you rough handle me!” Elena shouted, her chest heaving. “I’m pregnant with your child for crying out loud.”
“Get out, Elena,” he growled, his grip firm.
She yanked her arm free, smoothing her lingerie as if nothing had happened. “I said I’m pregnant, Demitri. With your child.”
Demitri shook his head, his mind racing. “No. That’s impossible.”
“Oh, it’s very possible,” Elena replied smugly.
He stepped back, running a hand through his hair. “You told me you couldn’t have children. That’s the reason we…” His voice faltered. “That’s the reason Ashley—”
“Don’t bring her into this,” Elena snapped, her tone sharp. “It was your idea to use her eggs, remember? For us.”
“For you,” he corrected, his voice rising. “You said it was the only way. You said you couldn’t have children, Elena. So, what now? Were you lying then, or are you lying now?”
She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. “Does it matter? The point is, I’m pregnant now. And you’re the father.”
Demitri laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable. You manipulated me into that decision, and now you’re trying to rewrite history.”
Elena stood, taking slow steps toward him. “History doesn’t matter, Demitri. The only thing that matters is the future. Our future.”
“There is no future for us,” he spat. “Not now, not ever.”
She stopped inches from him, her eyes gleaming with defiance. “You don’t get to decide that. I’m carrying your child, and that gives me a say.”
Demitri’s hands curled into fists at his sides. “You’re not carrying my child. And even if you were, that doesn’t mean I owe you anything.”
“Oh, but you do,” she said with a smirk. “And if you don’t start acting like it, I’ll go straight to your parents and tell them everything.”
His head snapped up, his expression darkening. “What?”
“You heard me,” Elena said, her voice dripping with triumph. “I’ll tell them about the pregnancy, about Ashley, about all of it. Let’s see how they react when they find out their precious son has been hiding things from them.”
Demitri took a step forward, his voice a low growl. “Don’t you dare.”
Elena smiled sweetly, shrugging. “Try me.”
Demitri’s chest heaved as he glared at her, his mind racing for a way out of this trap.