The Claim

Adrian stood frozen, his gaze locked onto Lila, the weight of her admission settling heavily in the air between them. His mind raced, but his body stayed still, as if he needed time to process the words she had just spoken. The world around them seemed to slow, and for a moment, the only thing that existed was the undeniable truth that she was carrying his child.

The truth hit him like a blow, deep in his chest. A part of him had suspected it, but hearing her admit it out loud made it real—too real. His pulse quickened, though his expression remained a mask of control. This wasn't just about him anymore. This was about Lila, the baby, and the future he hadn't even considered before now.

His pupils dilated as the weight of his emotions surged forward. There was a rawness in his chest, something primal. A possessiveness he couldn't ignore, but it wasn't just that. It was something deeper—something more dangerous.