Chapter Eight: A Shocking Revelation

Life continued to move forward for Claire and Julien, each of them thriving in their respective fields while nurturing their growing relationship. They were happier than ever, making plans for their future and dreaming of what was to come.

One afternoon, while Julien was at work, Claire received an unexpected visitor at her studio. It was Isabelle, Julien's ex-fiancée. Claire was taken aback, not expecting to see her.

"Isabelle," Claire said, trying to keep her tone neutral. "What are you doing here?"

Isabelle's expression was a mix of determination and desperation. "Claire, I need to talk to you. It's about Julien."

Claire felt a knot of apprehension form in her stomach. "What about him?"

"Julien and I have a history," Isabelle began, her voice wavering. "We were engaged, and we were in love. I made a mistake by leaving him, and I've been trying to make things right ever since."

Claire took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "Isabelle, Julien has moved on. We're together now."

"I know," Isabelle said, her eyes pleading. "But there's something you need to know. Julien didn't tell you everything about our past."

"What are you talking about?" Claire asked, her heart pounding.

Isabelle hesitated before speaking. "When I left Julien, it wasn't just because of my career. I found out I was pregnant, and I didn't know how to handle it. I thought leaving was the best option. But I lost the baby, and I regretted everything."

Claire's mind reeled with the revelation. "Julien never mentioned any of this."

Isabelle's eyes filled with tears. "He doesn't know. I never told him about the pregnancy or the loss. I didn't want to burden him with it. But I've realized I can't keep this secret anymore. He deserves to know the truth."

Claire felt a mix of emotions—shock, empathy, and a deep sense of unease. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I want to make things right," Isabelle said earnestly. "Julien needs to know, and I thought you should hear it from me first."

Claire nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I appreciate you telling me, Isabelle. But this is something Julien needs to hear from you. I'll support him, whatever he decides."

Isabelle looked relieved. "Thank you, Claire. I'm sorry for any pain this causes. I just want to be honest."

After Isabelle left, Claire sat in her studio, her mind racing. She knew she had to tell Julien, but she dreaded how he would react. That evening, when Julien arrived, she took his hand and led him to the couch.

"Julien, there's something we need to talk about," Claire began, her voice trembling.

Julien looked concerned. "What is it, Claire?"

"Isabelle came to see me today," she said, watching his expression change. "She told me something about your past that she thought you should know."

Julien's face hardened. "What did she say?"

Claire took a deep breath. "She was pregnant when she left you, but she lost the baby. She never told you because she didn't want to burden you with it."

Julien's eyes widened with shock and disbelief. "She was pregnant? And she didn't tell me?"

"I'm so sorry, Julien," Claire said, squeezing his hand. "I know this is a lot to take in."

Julien's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, sadness, and confusion. "Why now? Why after all this time?"

"She said she wanted to make things right," Claire explained. "She thought you deserved to know the truth."

Julien sat in stunned silence, processing the revelation. Claire stayed by his side, offering comfort and support. She knew this news would change everything, but she was determined to stand by Julien, no matter what.